Winemaker Notes
Intense purplish red color. Aromas of ripe red fruits, dried plums, figs and jams, with subtle floral and menthol hints. The oak adds notes of roasted coffee, dark chocolate and caramel. On the palate it is meaty, with sweet and ripe tannins. Presents licorice notes with a long finish. A complex and balanced specimen.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A serious malbec showing tarry blackberries, graphite, violet extracts and a wide array of grilled herbs. Thyme, rosemary, iodine and hot stones. The full and intense palate delivers impressive concentration of blackberries and black chocolate. Caressing tannins are really silky but plentiful. Solid and quite long. Drink or hold.
Celebrated for its bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec has enjoyed runaway success in Argentina since the late 20th century. The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. A French agronomist, who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Somm Secret—If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet with its combination of dense fruit and soft tannins.
By far the largest and best-known winemaking province in Argentina, Mendoza is responsible for over 70% of the country’s enological output. Set in the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains, the climate is dry and continental, presenting relatively few challenges for viticulturists during the growing season. Mendoza, divided into several distinctive sub-regions, including Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, is the source of some of the country’s finest wines.
For many wine lovers, Mendoza is practically synonymous with Malbec. Originally a Bordelaise variety brought to Argentina by the French in the mid-1800s, here it found success and renown that it never knew in its homeland where a finicky climate gives mixed results. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Pinot Noir are all widely planted here as well (and sometimes even blended with each other or Malbec). Mendoza's main white varieties include Chardonnay, Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.