Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
The purity of fruit on the nose is amazing with blueberry, blackberry and raspberry character. Full body, and reserved with a fascinating walnut and dried flower character on the palate.
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Wine Spectator
This red is suave and rich, with seductive smokiness to the red berry, sandalwood, chestnut and plum tart flavors. Beefy overtones add to the complexity, revealing white pepper notes midpalate. The refined finish lengthens out, showing accents of fresh-ground coffee and white chocolate. Drink now through 2022. 157 cases imported.
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Wine Enthusiast
A fully ripe bouquet brushes up against raisin notes but pulls back. This feels juicy and full of life. Flavors of toasty, spicy plum and cassis roll onto a rugged, slightly hot finish with chocolaty spice and lasting berry intensity.
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.