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2012
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| Drinking Windows and Values |
| Drinking window: Drink between 2012 and 2015 (based on 3 user opinions) |
| Community Tasting History |
| Community Tasting Notes (average 89.3 pts. and median of 89 pts. in 54 notes) - hiding notes with no text | | | Tasted by t0pshelf on 1/4/2022: Had this one lurking in the cellar for a while. Not a typical malbec at least not at this age... it's lost most of its "oomph" I guess? Color is still beautiful dark opaque red as you'd expect, without any bricking I can perceive. Lots of bell pepper on the nose -- almost like a cab franc? Did not expect that. Bell pepper also on the palate, along with a tiny bit of funkiness I could do without. Missing most of what I love about malbecs, but still drinkable. Possibly this one is just (well) past its prime. (319 views) | | | Tasted by studleytrey on 10/24/2014 & rated 89 points: Dense and opaque in the glass, with ruby at the edges. Terroir-driven nose of earth and funk, along with green pepper and black fruit. Medium body, acid, and finish, with flavors of dark fruit, green pepper, and mineral. If I had another bottle, I'd let it sit for another few years to see what happens, but it's perfectly enjoyable now. (2404 views) | | | Tasted by Erolso1 on 1/1/2013 & rated 90 points: drinking beautifully now. very well balanced and excellent for the price range. Cicchitti's blend is slightly better than this 100% malbec, but no complaints (3602 views) | | | Tasted by wtianseter on 12/26/2012 & rated 89 points: This bottle was not quite up to the last bottle but was without a doubt the best Malbec of the group we tasted. It is an intense purple and is heavy on the fruit flavors, it is a controlled fruit bomb but has nice balance. The wine has some nice smoothness and oak with medium tannin. (3719 views) | | | Tasted by hesnctrl on 12/17/2012 & rated 91 points: PnD 20 min. Deep reddish purple. Nose of dark red fruits and oak with a faint hint of vanilla. Ripe plums on the palate with a great mouthfeel and dusty tannins. There's also a hint of what reminds me of a mountain cab. The acidity has tempered a bit since the last bottle but the nose seems more present.
Enjoyed in a Riedel Vivant Merlot tumbler. (3938 views) | | | Tasted by redz on 11/29/2012 & rated 86 points: nothing very impressive (3758 views) | | | Tasted by Karl Halicke on 11/22/2012 & rated 89 points: A bit tight upon opening. Let it sit overnight and it blossomed into a much fuller wine than it began. Will probably drink well for the next three years. (2172 views) | | | Tasted by wtianseter on 8/18/2012 & rated 90 points: Now this is a nice Malbec. Deep dark blue red color. Heavy fruit nose with lots of earth and light spice. Lots of fruit and nice balance of oak with a lovely tannic finish Still some bite but that should mellow with more time in bottle (1595 views) | | | Tasted by syrahiously on 8/1/2012 & rated 89 points: Consistent TNs. Better when paired with bold flavored foods, and on Day 2. Very enjoyable. (1597 views) | | | Tasted by syrahiously on 4/23/2012 & rated 90 points: Consistent TNs. Better on Day 2. (1668 views) | | | Tasted by vatausae on 4/21/2012 & rated 90 points: Wine started off very dusty and tight even after decanting. After an hour it opened up to red fruit and a little jam - very smooth still with a hint of dust. (1604 views) | | | Tasted by syrahiously on 4/1/2012 & rated 90 points: Noticed more dark berries and currents on the nose this time around than my first bottle. Plenty of sweet dark fruit on the palette. Wine, again, improved with some time in the glass. Smooth, medium finish. I did not notice the plastic cork with the first bottle, so I am not sure if time in the cellar will assist here. Does benefit from a short decant. (1780 views) | | | Tasted by hesnctrl on 2/26/2012 & rated 90 points: Deep reddish purple hue with decent legs. While it has a surprisingly muted nose of plums, vanilla, and sweet oak, the texture more than makes up for it. Wonderfully plush in the mouth with great acidity to carry the nice rich fruits without being cloying. If the nose was more pronounced, I would've added 2 points. (2003 views) | | | Tasted by rallylizard on 1/25/2012 & rated 90 points: Excellent nose of spice and fruit pie with baked cinnamon. Toasty palate of excellent dark fruit, adds layers of complexity with some floral notes as well. Very enjoyable and a decant of about 30 minutes allows many more flavors to come through. A bit of concentrated prune on the finish, almost amarone-like. I don't know how much time will assist due to the plastic cork, but it is certainly delicious now. 90+ and I wish I would've tasted blind, I think I may be letting what I know about it drop my score. $18 and this would beat most $40+ Napa reds... that's great QPR. (2205 views) | | | Tasted by MJMiller55439 on 12/24/2011 & rated 90 points: This wine started out very ever age when I first popped. I thought the color was a weak purple as a poured it into the decanter. The aroma and taste were a bit tart. But letting the wine decant for 45-60 minutes improved it greatly! The color was rich and dark. The initial taste was on the bold side with flavors of plum. The the aftertaste was smooth in its decline. I very much enjoyed this wine but it definitely needs to decant for 45-60 minutes. The wait is worth it. (2452 views) | | | Tasted by jingram on 12/19/2011: - Dark violet color and aromas of blackberry, black currant and black pepper, has spicy, smokey flavors - Definitely benefits from decanting time don't see this one improving significantly with bottle age. (2530 views) | | | Tasted by syrahiously on 12/18/2011 & rated 89 points: Dark violet in color, almost black. A bit of smoke out of the gate. Blackberry and licorice are the most prevalent flavors. Wine improved with some time in the glass. Smooth finish; slight heat on the finish at hour 2. Should improve with some additional years in the cellar. Very nice wine at the ~$18-20 price point. Paired with Argentinian-style skirt steak. Similarly spicy, bold-flavored foods should pair well. (2682 views) | | | Tasted by CiXel on 8/30/2011 & rated 87 points: Poured a deep color. Sweet on the tongue. Chocolate undertones. Very smooth after a short decant. Could probably use a few more years to bring it all together. (3441 views) | | | Tasted by RDHudak on 8/5/2011 & rated 89 points: Color: Very dark, almost black. Nose: Extracted ripe dark fruit, spice and some alcohol, which blew off after a short decant. Palate: Deep dark fruits, spice and a meaty component with some sweetness. Light acidity and minimal tannins. Medium-full body. Finish: More dark fruits with some ripe raspberry poking through. Baking spice and more extracted fruit sweetness. Not for those that are not fans of New World bombs, but this was easy drinking and was better than I expected with dinner. 89+
BTW, this did get better with some time in the glass, so a short decant is recommended. (3644 views) | | | Tasted by Rgrusin on 8/3/2011 & rated 90 points: Really enjoyed this wine. It worked nicely right out if the bottle and continued to improve throughout the evening. Inky wine with flavors of dark chocolate, tobacco, and ripe berries. Surprisingly long finish with pleasing, silk tannins. It was perfectly paired with Kobe burgers with blue cheese. So good. (3535 views) | | | Tasted by Chivafradi on 7/10/2011 & rated 89 points: I uncorked 2 bottles during a great steak grill with friends. The color of the wine represented a distinctive Malbec -dark, almost black, the "Black Wine". In nose, blackberries and dark cherries, in palate, luscious, round and pleasant, with a sweet aftertaste. Both bottles fared great with the beef tenderloin and ribeye. Great pleasure for a summer evening with friends! (3722 views) | | | Tasted by dmccann3 on 7/7/2011 & rated 87 points: Very rich wine with a dark red color and a smooth finish. I recommend pairing this wine with steak or roast. It has a pleasant smell that reminds me of dark chocolate and berries. (3596 views) | | | Tasted by BNashLKW on 6/28/2011 & rated 90 points: I think it needs a couple more years, but it is good. (3658 views) | | | Tasted by corkscrews on 5/4/2011 & rated 90 points: A nose of dark fruit and spice, dark purple in color. A full bodied and smooth Malbec. With black cherry, blackberry, plum and licorice with a good spicy finish, a very good QPR. (3983 views) | | | Tasted by Vinacull on 3/12/2011 & rated 89 points: Day 2 from stoppered bottle. Color garnet with some dark hues, medium body. Pretty bouquet, nicely open, with aromas of grilled steak, blackberries, cherries, violets, warm spices, and oak. Rich and flavorful red and black fruits, spice, and smoke on the palate. Medium low acid, moderate tannins, smooth mouthfeel. Very good, and a good value at 20. (4239 views) | | | Only displaying the 25 most recent notes - click to see all notes for this wine... |
| Bodega Cicchitti Producer websiteMalbec Varietal character (Appellation America)
One of the traditional “Bordeaux varietals”, Malbec has characteristics that fall somewhere between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. A midseason ripener, it can bring very deep color, ample tannin, and a particular plum-like flavor component to add complexity to claret blends. Malbec is a finicky vine whose fruit is prone to rot and mildew in the cool, damp coastal climate of Bordeaux. But ask a Bordelais grower why there’s no Malbec around, and you’ll more likely get a dismissive shrug and sniff than a viticultural analysis. It is known in much of France as Côt, and, in Cahors, also as Auxerrois. There are in fact hundreds of local synonyms, since Malbec at one time was widely planted all over the country. Sensitivity to frost and proclivity to shatter or coulure (a disease that results in premature fruit drop) is the primary reason that Malbec has become a decreasing factor in most of France. Although plantings in the Medoc have decreased by over twothirds since the mid-twentieth century, Malbec is now the dominant red varietal in the Cahors area. The Appellation Controlée regulations for Cahors require a minimum content of 70%. Malbec is also planted in Chile, and there’s relatively little and recent acreage in California and Australia. It is usually blended with other red varietals in these countries. But Malbec truly comes into its own in Argentina, where it is the major red varietal planted. Much of the Malbec vines there were transplanted from Europe prior to the outbreak of phylloxera and most is therefore ungrafted, on its own roots. Sadly, over the years the bug infested Argentina, too, and vineyards are being replanted on resistant rootstock. Happily, the vines thrive in the arid climate of the Mendoza region in the foothills of the Andes. Made in the context of this South American nation’s Spanish and Italian heritage, it produces a delicious wine that has almost nothing in common with Bordeaux except the color. Argentines often spell it “Malbeck” and make wines from it that are slightly similar in flavor to those made in Europe, but with softer, lusher structure, more like New World Merlot. Another difference is that where French examples are usually considered short-lived, Argentine Malbecs seem to age fairly well. Successful Argentine Malbec growers claim that, in order to develop full maturity and distinction, Malbec needs “hang time” even after sugar levels indicate ripeness. Otherwise, immature Malbec can be very “green” tasting, without its characteristic notes of plum and anise. Malbec in Argentina has come to be appreciated for a spicy white pepper characteristic, the aroma of violets, and sweet, jammy fruit. It is a seductive wine that is typically warm and generous in the mouth, with plenty of flesh, and very appealing when young. Almost always producing a ripe and fruity, even plummy wine, Malbec can take oak aging or show well without it; it’s juicy and quaffable when young but can benefit from aging, developing an intriguing complexity with time in the bottle. It can range in price from as little as $7 to more than $75. The true potential of Argentine Malbec, and indeed in the entire spectrum of Argentine wines, is demonstrated by the fact that many of the world’s most renowned winemakers have come to Argentina to make wine. Both the legendary California winemaker Paul Hobbs, and Michel Rolland of Bordeaux, one of the world’s most famous winemakers, have created very high-end Malbecs. It may be the Italian component in the country’s mixed Latin family tree that fosters the fact that Malbec is an exceptional companion with a broad range of food. Its well-balanced fruit-and-acid profile makes it a natural with rare beef (bear in mind that Argentina is cattle country), but it’s just as good with simple fare from burgers to fried chicken. With its natural balance, good pairings include: cajun cuisine, calzones, cannelloni with meat, poultry, vegetable couscous, steak creole, Greek cuisine, deviled eggs, hummus, Indian cuisine, leg of lamb, Mexican cuisine with meat, pâté, spinach soufflé, and hearty pasta. For cheeses, think of harder styles that are either waxed or oiled, such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Ricotta Salata, Romano, Asiago, Pont l’Eveque, Gruyere, Manchego, Cantal, Comte, old Gouda, old Cheddar, Baulderstone, Beaufort, Leicester, aged Chesire, Chevre Noir, Wensleydale, Tilsit, Iberico, Mahon, Roncal, and Mizithra.Argentina Wines of Argentina
Argentina has been making wine since the 1500s, tracing its wine heritage back to Spain, France and, perhaps surprisingly, Italy. Italian immigration is second only to Spanish in Argentine culture, and the flavors of Italy show up strongly in the nation’s wine, food and cultural tradition. Historically, Argentina has kept much of its wine consumption at home, drinking most of the wine it makes. But we are now seeing more very serious Argentine wines north of the border, and Malbec is leading the movement. The wine-making region in Argentina ranges between the 22° and 42° South latitude. It spreads at the foothills of the Andean mountain range along over 2,400 km; from the province of Salta to the province of Río Negro, with a variety of climates and soils that makes each region a unique land. In general terms, the areas dedicated to vine cultivation are dry and arid with a low level of rain and humidity, determining factor as regards grape health. Abundant sunny days and thermal amplitude favor a good maturity and concentration of aroma and color in the grain. Soils are deep, permeable and poor in organic matter, decisive qualities at the time of obtaining good wine. Due to the low rain regime, irrigation is necessary. Water comes from the Andean range thaw, descending in the shape of rivers to become channels or ditches. Undoubtedly, the combination of these factors turns Argentina into a veritable oasis for the highest quality wine-making. Nevertheless, there is still a long way to go. Wine-making in Argentina, at the level that it achieves today, has a young history that goes back to a little more than 10 years ago. Technological progress, investment and some farsighted businessmen enabled a determining transformation. The province of Mendoza is the most traditional area in the viticultural industry, and is diverse enough to be divided into zones, according to their significantly different weather, height and soil characteristics. These include the Northern Zone, which is suitable for fruity whites and young reds, at a height from 600 to 700m; the Eastern Zone, with a height ranging from 600 to 700m, and the most productive zone in the province; the Uco Valley, a zone of colder weather and higher altitudes (between 800 and 1,400m over sea level); San Rafael, with heights ranging from 450 to 800m; and the High Zone of the Mendoza River, with heights ranging from 800 to 1,100m over sea level and various microclimates, this is the zone where almost all noble varieties have easily become adapted. It is a region that is remarkably well-suited to vine culture, protected from the Pacific’s cooling influence by the Andes and enjoying a long summer of cool nights and warm days, with a dry summer climate but plenty of water available from the region’s rivers. Malbec in particular is outstanding from this area, and it has clearly emerged as the star, the darling of both consumers and critics.Mendoza Wines of Mendoza |
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