Winemaker Notes
Grape Varieties: 65% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A delicate blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon that shows currants and citrus character. Medium to full body, with ultra-fine tannins and a crisp and clean finish. Delicious fruit, acid balance. Drink or hold.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2012 Amancaya is a Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon blend labeled as Gran Reserva. It is a red that shows a classic profile, good integration of both grapes with notes of vanilla and cinnamon over the core of berry and tobacco leaf aromas. The palate is medium-bodied, nicely-balanced and has fine, abundant tannins. An elegant blend in the making.
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.