Malbec has become a grape synonymous with a fruit forward style - big, over extracted wines that lack balance, acidity and meaning. Well, this wine today, has a sense of place. When I drink it, I feel like I am back in Mendoza. Roberto de la Mota made this wine and many would argue that he is the top winemaker in Argentina. His pedigree is well known among critics and aficionados of wines from this region. When you taste his wines you understand why he is respected. These 80 year old vines, located at the foothills of the Andes Mountains are restricted from water unless absolutely needed. The processing of the grapes is classic: hand harvested, fermented in stainless steel, then aged in mostly used french oak, then bottled unfiltered. They allow the true beauty of Mendoza Malbec to shine.
The 2011 is a standout. The wine has a classic purple core moving to a magenta rim. The nose shows balanced aromas of purple plums, blackberries, black cherry, blueberry, violets and crushed earth. The palate is ripe and fruit forward showing wild blackberry and blueberry flavors finishing with a slight dusty minerality, and a fruit filled finish with a touch of spice, wild brush, and minerals. This wine needs a touch of air when opened; ideally 30 minutes in a decanter, served in a large Bordeaux stem. The best pairing for this wine is grilled bone-in meat, grilled vegetables, with a chimichurri sauce, like you would have on the ranch in Mendoza. Dont miss one of the best Malbecs I have tried from Argentina.
