Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
Brazilian businessman Bernard Weinert founded this winery in 1975, purchasing a dilapidated 19th-century cellar and hiring winemaker Raúl de la Mota to help him rejuvenate it. In 1977, they released the first vintage of Estrella, a barrel-aged malbec of uncommon finesse and complexity that sent waves through the wine world. This 1994—made by de la Mota before his retirement, and then shepherded through 16 years of barrel-aging by Hubert Weber—should send waves through the wine world today: After all, how many other Argentine malbecs could age so well? Made from fruit handpicked off vines that were 60 years old at the time, fermented in epoxy-lined cement tanks and aged in large, neutral French-oak casks, it’s astoundingly alive: It has the rich, earthy scent of freshly turned soil, with notes of mint and tobacco adding finesse; the fruit feels plump and chocolatey, even as its red shades have taken on the caramel and apricot hues of age.
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.