Winemaker Notes
Bright, intense red with violet and bluish hues. Aromas of cherries, strawberries, and raspberries with balanced notes of vanilla and coconut from the oak. Well balanced, it has sweet, drinkable tannins and a velvety finish.
Vegan-Friendly
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
Offering excellent quality and versatility in its price range, this wine draws all its strengths from fruit that was well grown and then left well enough alone. Exacting, pure aromas and flavors of black plum, Bing cherry, and blackberry see virtually no discernible wood influence. Soft tannins make it a fine standalone sipper, but there's enough backbone for it to stand up to a steak.
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.