Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This is a single-vineyard red with lots of ripe berry and black tea aromas and flavors. Full body, layered and rich. Lightly-chewy tannins give this form and backbone. Fruit-forward.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Cropped from a cooler but not easy year, the 2013 Black Malbec is a classical, ripe and well-oaked Malbec that matured in 80% French and 20% American oak barrels for 18 months. It has an attractive and approachable palate, with a nice mixture of berry fruit, spice and toast from the élevage. The palate is balanced and polished, with fine tannins and a more moderate effect from the oak than in the past.
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.