Winemaker Notes
Sourced from Mendoza’s high altitude Uco Valley, this blend is meant to showcase the cool climate style of Malbec. Intense floral aromatics, dark fruit flavors, rich texture and a bright, fresh finish – cool climate Malbec. The wine is aged for six months in used French oak.
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The approachable and affordable 2018 Uco Valley Malbec is juicy and fruit driven, with round tannins and integrated acidity. It mixes grapes from Los Árboles and Los Chacayes in the Valle de Uco and fermented with indigenous yeasts with a soft vinification and was bottled after six months in used barriques. Really attractive, aromatic and pleasant with even a minty touch.
-
Wine Spectator
Lively and juicy, with peppery hints to the lively raspberry and plum flavors that are backed by fresh acidity. An interesting hint of dried beef emerges midpalate, followed by a minerally finish.
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.
With a winning combination of cool weather, high elevation and well-draining alluvial soils, it is no surprise that Mendoza’s Uco Valley is one of the most exciting up-and-coming wine regions in Argentina. Healthy, easy-to-manage vines produce low yields of high-quality fruit, which in turn create flavorful, full-bodied wines with generous acidity.
This is the source of some of the best Malbec in Mendoza, which can range from value-priced to ultra-premium. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay also perform well here.