Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2019 Las Compuertas Malbec was produced with grapes from selected plots within their 15-hectare organically farmed, old ungrafted vines in Las Compuertas at 1,300 meters in altitude. It fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts and had a long maceration after a cold soak; it aged for 12 months in new and second use French oak barrels and was racked three times. It's ripe at 14.8% alcohol, has good freshness and is quite marked by the élevage in barrel, with spicy notes and smoke and toast even though they have reduced the time in barrel. It's quite classical and powerful, with typical fruit and flowers form las Compuertas, generous and powerful; it has notes of sweet spices (cinnamon and vanilla) and is intense, with abundant fine tannins and oak-related flavors on the finish. I'd give it some more time in bottle before pulling the cork.
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James Suckling
Black cherries, coffee and roses follow through to a medium to full body, fine tannins and long, creamy-textured finish. Nicely crafted. Drink or hold.
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.