A few decades ago, when Argentine Malbecs made their first splash on the international wine scene, they were adored for their soft, fruity profiles and affordable price tags. However, volume was favored over quality; and heavy extractions and use of oak led to a uniform, albeit still very quaffable style. But in the years since, winemakers have drastically improved their viticulture and winemaking techniques while homing in on terroirs for more expressive and distinctive versions. Focusing on Argentina's Mendoza region, our latest Tasting Highlights offers a microcosm of Argentine Malbec styles that exist today, including blends and region-specific bottlings, which makes for an illuminating exploration of the category.
Among the top–scoring wines is a red from Bodega Mendel. This winery represents a partnership between winemaker Roberto de la Mota and Anabelle Sielecki. Sielecki’s family owns an old vineyard in the Luján de Cuyo subregion, including 27 acres of sélection massale Malbec vines planted in 1928. The gorgeous red, below, used the best lots from that vineyard, plus additional fruit from a vineyard in nearby Perdriel, as well as grapes from Paraje Altamira in the cooler Uco Valley. Mendel added 25 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and a dash of Petit Verdot, resulting in polished layers of cassis-accented olallieberry and plum notes with a chalky underpinning and textured tannins.
This selection also includes Dominio del Plata's BenMarco Expresivo Gualtallary 2022, an elegant red with violet, peppercorn and raspberry notes. Read on to get our score and full expert tasting note for this Argentine Malbec and seven others.
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