Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Profound yet fresh nose with a flowery and peppery lift from the blackberries, chiles, chocolate and mountain herbs. Fresh, fine tannins spread across the palate with juicy fruit and a very long, expressive finish. Tannins are tight but grainy and polished.
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Vinous
The 2021 Malbec-Cabernet Franc Iscay comes from Uco Valley. It opens with thyme, fine oak, black fruit, ash, caramel and balsamic hints, offering plenty of aromatic intensity and complexity. Fluid and delicately textured, the palate shows energy and depth, with chalky structure and nuanced flavor. This is a high-intensity 2021 with both varietal and barrel-driven layers, finishing on a Bordeaux-inspired note.
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Wine Spectator
Perfumed with dried violet and graphite notes that show a trace of cassis and continue onto the palate, intensifying with fresh acidity, which lifts additional layers of black cherry and plum, with a hint of cedar running underneath. Ends with precise tannins and a hint of licorice. Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2036. 1,500 cases made, 120 cases imported.
Trapiche represents the richness of diversity in Argentina. Trapiche's motto is "where there is soil, the sky is the limit" and this leads the brand to explore Argentina's extensive lands in search of new experiences. Since 1883, Trapiche has been located in Maipú, in the province of Mendoza, and is the leading Argentine winery in terms of production and exports, reaching over 80 countries. Since the beginning, Trapiche has understood the promise of viticulture in Argentina. Trapiche specializes in bringing out the best of each terroir and creating unique wines from each. This diversity is possible thanks to 3000 acres of owned vineyards and 300 independent producers who contribute their best grapes for the wines. Quality, innovation and diversity have always been the pillars that guide Trapiche's journey.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
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.