Winemaker Notes
Malbec has a wonderful affinity for co-fermentation – vinifying with small amounts of Cabernet Franc intensifies Malbec’s floral character while the limestone soil profile lends finely grained tannins.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A red with lots of ripe fruit plus subtle hints of strawberry jam. Medium to full body, soft tannins. A tar and spice finish. Pure malbec planted in Uco's limestone soils. Beautiful texture.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2014 Malbec Limestone Block is sourced from a single vineyard in the Chacayes zone that has stones covered in limestone, the characteristic that names the wine. It feels quite ripe, with some organic hints of soil intermixed with prunes and damsons. The palate is fresher and has some cherry flavors shaped by fine, chalky tannins and balanced acidity.
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.