Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
A selection from two limestone-rich vineyards in the Uco Valley, this malbec is juicy and opulent, the floral notes lending complexity to the cherry flavors. Give it a light chill to reduce the impact of the alcohol, and to accent its easy drinkability.
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James Suckling
A chewy and juicy wine with blueberry, spice and chocolate character. Full body, round tannins and a flavorful finish. A little coarse textured now but will soften with age.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2013 Malbec Limestone Block is sourced from the south of the Uco Valley, in San Carlos and Altamira, selected from places where there’s a higher content of chalk, usually in the stonier soils. It is co-fermented with a small quantity of Cabernet Franc (7-8%). The wine feels serious and well-balanced, with notes of ripe red and black fruits, a fresh herbal note, a mineral feeling and a medium-bodied palate with fine-grained tannins and good balance. It should age well. Drink 2014-2020.
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.