Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Vistalba’s 2009 Corte A is composed of 60% Malbec, 30% Bonarda, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in French oak for 18 months. Aromas of pain grille, mineral, violets, Asian spices, and assorted black and blue fruits set the stage for a dense, structured, savory, impeccably balanced wine that will benefit from another 3-4 years of cellaring to reveal its full potential. Drink it from 2014 to 2024.
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Wine Spectator
Vistalba’s 2009 Corte A is composed of 60% Malbec, 30% Bonarda, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in French oak for 18 months. Aromas of pain grille, mineral, violets, Asian spices, and assorted black and blue fruits set the stage for a dense, structured, savory, impeccably balanced wine that will benefit from another 3-4 years of cellaring to reveal its full potential.
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.
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.