Deep ruby, purple, opaque in the center, with a wide reddish, also rainy and translucent rim and some legs.
On the nose, this is quite black fruit forward and a bit jammy, but not ridiculously over the top - ripe blackberries, black currents, a bit of greenness, wet earth, leather, espresso, hints of mocha, and some dried raisins. There is quite a bit of funk that is very present from the get go as well, but in a pretty pleasant manner. There are also some oaky notes to this with the vanilla, but this is not overpowering any of the fruit or earthy notes.
On the palate, it is definitely fruit forward with black fruit notes very similar to the nose. Powerful and grippy tannins, this is quite astringent, which is somewhat expected given its young age at this point in time. The fruitiness is balanced by the decent acidity and hints of smokiness, with a decently long spicy finish.
Powerful and delicious; can't wait to retaste this a few years from now.
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2 hour decant of half bottle. Drank over a few hours. Steady as she goes for the duration.
I've never gravitated to Malbec, but this blend is crafted excellently.
Intriguing nose of red and black currant and fruits.
Soft as pillow tannins that are really velvety. What really impresses is the front, mid, and finish of the wine. All equally balanced, juicy, and deliberate in the delivery.
Please sir, may I have some more ...
(Addendum - just checked. It's 50/50 Malbec & Cab Sauv)
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Imma have to start calling your secretary! (Sunset District): An initial heavy, thick moss notes on the nose with that old yet intense leather funk. Deep earth and wet autumn leaves. With time, the funk loosens up and integrates more with the fruit. The funk doesn't blow off completely but does fade in intensity.
Surprisingly, the palate showed ripe blackberries and good dark blue berry fruit, and deep black soil. Pulverized oak and steeped tea on the finish with a nice mineral finish. The ripe fruits has this coating on the minerals and oak, and slowly releases its grasp as it trails into the finish. Absolutely nothing like the nose. The nose definitely leads you thinking it’s gonna be something funky but the palate tells you otherwise. What a surprising turn of events. Maybe this just needed some bottle time for the modern style to really show.
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Wood ash, damp wet earth, feral detritus with a first floral budbreak, late summer tobacco before it is dessicated. The nose is like an early stage rejuvenation after a forest fire. The palate has the earthen ash notes but with a more vibrant and developed purple fruit core than the nose suggests. Good restraint and acidity. Moderate chalky grained tannins. Delightful and engaging.
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Deep dark reddish-purple in color, essentially opaque. Full, forward & attractive nose of ripe fruit aromas of dark cherries, blackberries & plums with overtones of earthy/dusty & floral notes, dark cocoa, tobacco, minerals, graphite, spices, herbs & a slight hint of oak/vanilla in the background. Medium-full bodied with a very good concentration of well balanced & smooth textured, plush ripe fruit flavors of cherries, boysenberries & mulberries with cocoa, minerals, herbs, spices & a slight hint of oak/vanilla. Lingering finish. Drinks quite well at present with decanting & extended airing although it has the potential for continued development with further aging at which time it may merit an even higher score (94+). I still have a slight preference for the 2018 vintage which surprisingly, is still available.
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Still very young. Opened up a bit after 1h of aerating. Nose a little restrained, on the palate black berries with hints of oak & tobacco. Already enjoyable, but recommended to drink after 2025.
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I adore the ‘17 and ‘18 so was excited to try this one. The excitement did not last long. I found it to be tasty. That’s pretty much it. Good depth, dark fruit and spice with an oak overlay. Well made, but not engaging. Perhaps it needs air and this was pretty much PnP. I’ll leave these lay a while before trying again.
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On the palate was gentle red fruits with soft earth, and a dark but somewhat gentle/faded graphite. The funk is not on the palate.
Very similar to what I had last time but when having this next to the kind of bottles pulled today makes it fall short. Trying my best to not be biased here and I think I am doing ok. Taking bsumoba's example here: this was like unexpectedly seeing the person you friend-zoned at a party you're attending and have to awkwardly still say hi and make small conversation.
bsumoba can be so harsh ;)
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On PnP, a funk dominated the glass. Not bad, not good, just interesting. I couldn't pin whether it was a sort of rusted iron, graphite note or if it was a smell that rises up from deep within the forest floor, like eathy decomposition. There is a core of fruit backing this wine. Medium acidity and tannins. Easy to drink. That funk was not present on the palate for me. Dark bing cherries, cacao, some herbal notes. I dont have enough experience with South American wines, but this was decent. This wine felt like it wanted to be loved, but for me, is staying in the friend zone for now. Maybe in 5-10 years when she matures a bit and has figured out what she really wants to be, then we can reevaluate. 2nd day, maybe a pt better. Poured in a Josephine #2 glass. A good food wine at this point.
Nose: [58°] The scent of a dark, humid and thick green forest with tons of underbrush and overhead canopies. Nearby rotting tree oak, damp earth, clusters of mushrooms every here and there, and bushes with dark red berries. You come to a clearing and get welcomed with some fresh air softening everything, some earth that is beginning to dry and some rocks. [64°] With some air and higher temps, it's literally like leaving that thick and humid forest, while still faintly smelling its presence, and arriving at a quaint town that is obviously known for brewing awesome coffee. Cocoa powder, tons of pink and red flowers, rich dark berries, earth and gentle roasting coffee.
Palate: [59°] Dark, almost black, bitter earth with a matching dark swirl of graphite. Awesome heavily steeped tea with concentrated black, blue and red fruits. [65°] Dark oak and spice on the mid-end palate as it comes to higher temps. There's a dark bitterness in the fruit, and I mean bitter in a delicious way, that rides with the earthy graphite in this wine.
Attributes: Dark but clear medium ruby. Dry with medium amounts of fine tannin. Medium to medium-plus body with medium to medium-plus acidity (the acidity is well integrated if it's on the higher end of the range). Good finish of at least 16-18 seconds.
Thoughts: I loved how this wine brought me somewhere new. I loved the different kind of funk this brought. All of the flavors are familiar to me but were presented in a unique way where I didn't think I would enjoy it. The one thing I struggled getting over is knowing the fact that Cheval Blanc took part of this as well. There were some similarities in the flavor profile compared to the Cheval Blanc but is it because it really just tastes like that or is it because I know that house took part in this? Whatever.. I should let it go. Anyways, give this some cellar time as it should develop into something much more interesting. I preferred this served on the cooler side, cellar temp if possible. 94+
Serving notes: Bordeaux glass. Served one glass and emptied bottle into a decanter at cellar temp ~54° and consumed over 8 hours. Recommend serving ~54°-62° and decant as needed.
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Decanted for 4 hours. Not all that familiar with Argentinian wines but this was stellar. Deep lovely dark purple color and a powerful nose of black currant - the sweet fragrant nose made it just as much fun to smell as to drink (well...almost)! intense ripe prunes, black currant, truffles, full forward tannins. the balance of the tannins and powerful fruit made for a lovely and memorable wine. Will definitely be looking to buy more of these!
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I am typically not a big fan of Argentine wines, mainly due to the overwhelming tannins and alcohol level. However, this one is surprisingly smooth to drink. It does have the characteristics of a full-bodied Argentine wine, ie. very dark color, strong nose of dark berries and earth, high tannins and alcohol level etc. But these traits are well balanced, and they last. This wine pairs well with red meat and/or spicy food.
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Decanted for about 1h, very good natural cork, 14% Alc., purple violett dark red color.
Nose: Soft blackberries, nice.
Palate: Everything perfectly balanced, silky tannins, fine fruit of heart cherry, blackberries, a little raspberry, all very ripe and wonderfully balanced with drinkanimating freshness. So, perfect winemaking BUT no depth, no soul, missing own identity and character.
'Possibly' a question of lacking terroir, soil and age of grapes but don't know anything about these specifics here. Summarized, nice drinking experience. At the moment about 92 Pts.
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3/29/2024 - Scapolite wrote: 92 Points
Deep ruby, purple, opaque in the center, with a wide reddish, also rainy and translucent rim and some legs.
On the nose, this is quite black fruit forward and a bit jammy, but not ridiculously over the top - ripe blackberries, black currents, a bit of greenness, wet earth, leather, espresso, hints of mocha, and some dried raisins. There is quite a bit of funk that is very present from the get go as well, but in a pretty pleasant manner. There are also some oaky notes to this with the vanilla, but this is not overpowering any of the fruit or earthy notes.
On the palate, it is definitely fruit forward with black fruit notes very similar to the nose. Powerful and grippy tannins, this is quite astringent, which is somewhat expected given its young age at this point in time. The fruitiness is balanced by the decent acidity and hints of smokiness, with a decently long spicy finish.
Powerful and delicious; can't wait to retaste this a few years from now.
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2/27/2024 - PIZZAandBAROLO Likes this wine: 96 Points
I really enjoyed this.
1st time trying CdA and it won't be the last.
2 hour decant of half bottle. Drank over a few hours. Steady as she goes for the duration.
I've never gravitated to Malbec, but this blend is crafted excellently.
Intriguing nose of red and black currant and fruits.
Soft as pillow tannins that are really velvety. What really impresses is the front, mid, and finish of the wine. All equally balanced, juicy, and deliberate in the delivery.
Please sir, may I have some more ...
(Addendum - just checked. It's 50/50 Malbec & Cab Sauv)
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12/21/2023 - Jojo2904 wrote:
deja tres bon , tres puissant , a laisser viellir
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12/18/2023 - vancouvermatt wrote: 92 Points
Smoky, needs much time
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12/3/2023 - WineBurrowingWombat Likes this wine: 94 Points
Imma have to start calling your secretary! (Sunset District): An initial heavy, thick moss notes on the nose with that old yet intense leather funk. Deep earth and wet autumn leaves. With time, the funk loosens up and integrates more with the fruit. The funk doesn't blow off completely but does fade in intensity.
Surprisingly, the palate showed ripe blackberries and good dark blue berry fruit, and deep black soil. Pulverized oak and steeped tea on the finish with a nice mineral finish. The ripe fruits has this coating on the minerals and oak, and slowly releases its grasp as it trails into the finish. Absolutely nothing like the nose. The nose definitely leads you thinking it’s gonna be something funky but the palate tells you otherwise. What a surprising turn of events. Maybe this just needed some bottle time for the modern style to really show.
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11/22/2023 - Thek Likes this wine: 94 Points
Wood ash, damp wet earth, feral detritus with a first floral budbreak, late summer tobacco before it is dessicated. The nose is like an early stage rejuvenation after a forest fire. The palate has the earthen ash notes but with a more vibrant and developed purple fruit core than the nose suggests. Good restraint and acidity. Moderate chalky grained tannins. Delightful and engaging.
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9/1/2023 - Greg Habeeb Likes this wine: 96 Points
Perfect with flank steak and spicy chimichurri.
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8/5/2023 - Vinnut Likes this wine: 93 Points
Deep dark reddish-purple in color, essentially opaque. Full, forward & attractive nose of ripe fruit aromas of dark cherries, blackberries & plums with overtones of earthy/dusty & floral notes, dark cocoa, tobacco, minerals, graphite, spices, herbs & a slight hint of oak/vanilla in the background. Medium-full bodied with a very good concentration of well balanced & smooth textured, plush ripe fruit flavors of cherries, boysenberries & mulberries with cocoa, minerals, herbs, spices & a slight hint of oak/vanilla. Lingering finish. Drinks quite well at present with decanting & extended airing although it has the potential for continued development with further aging at which time it may merit an even higher score (94+). I still have a slight preference for the 2018 vintage which surprisingly, is still available.
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7/29/2023 - chris.zou Likes this wine: 92 Points
Still very young. Opened up a bit after 1h of aerating. Nose a little restrained, on the palate black berries with hints of oak & tobacco. Already enjoyable, but recommended to drink after 2025.
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7/6/2023 - randyjc wrote: 89 Points
I adore the ‘17 and ‘18 so was excited to try this one. The excitement did not last long. I found it to be tasty. That’s pretty much it. Good depth, dark fruit and spice with an oak overlay. Well made, but not engaging. Perhaps it needs air and this was pretty much PnP. I’ll leave these lay a while before trying again.
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6/20/2023 - LoireFan wrote:
Needs years
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5/28/2023 - WineBurrowingWombat Likes this wine: 92 Points
Memorial Day Weekend, Day 2: The Great Gatsby: Nose of funky earth with red fruits, and damp oak.
On the palate was gentle red fruits with soft earth, and a dark but somewhat gentle/faded graphite. The funk is not on the palate.
Very similar to what I had last time but when having this next to the kind of bottles pulled today makes it fall short. Trying my best to not be biased here and I think I am doing ok. Taking bsumoba's example here: this was like unexpectedly seeing the person you friend-zoned at a party you're attending and have to awkwardly still say hi and make small conversation.
bsumoba can be so harsh ;)
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5/20/2023 - bsumoba wrote: 93 Points
On PnP, a funk dominated the glass. Not bad, not good, just interesting. I couldn't pin whether it was a sort of rusted iron, graphite note or if it was a smell that rises up from deep within the forest floor, like eathy decomposition. There is a core of fruit backing this wine. Medium acidity and tannins. Easy to drink. That funk was not present on the palate for me. Dark bing cherries, cacao, some herbal notes. I dont have enough experience with South American wines, but this was decent. This wine felt like it wanted to be loved, but for me, is staying in the friend zone for now. Maybe in 5-10 years when she matures a bit and has figured out what she really wants to be, then we can reevaluate. 2nd day, maybe a pt better. Poured in a Josephine #2 glass. A good food wine at this point.
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5/20/2023 - WineBurrowingWombat Likes this wine: 94 Points
Nose: [58°] The scent of a dark, humid and thick green forest with tons of underbrush and overhead canopies. Nearby rotting tree oak, damp earth, clusters of mushrooms every here and there, and bushes with dark red berries. You come to a clearing and get welcomed with some fresh air softening everything, some earth that is beginning to dry and some rocks. [64°] With some air and higher temps, it's literally like leaving that thick and humid forest, while still faintly smelling its presence, and arriving at a quaint town that is obviously known for brewing awesome coffee. Cocoa powder, tons of pink and red flowers, rich dark berries, earth and gentle roasting coffee.
Palate: [59°] Dark, almost black, bitter earth with a matching dark swirl of graphite. Awesome heavily steeped tea with concentrated black, blue and red fruits. [65°] Dark oak and spice on the mid-end palate as it comes to higher temps. There's a dark bitterness in the fruit, and I mean bitter in a delicious way, that rides with the earthy graphite in this wine.
Attributes: Dark but clear medium ruby. Dry with medium amounts of fine tannin. Medium to medium-plus body with medium to medium-plus acidity (the acidity is well integrated if it's on the higher end of the range). Good finish of at least 16-18 seconds.
Thoughts: I loved how this wine brought me somewhere new. I loved the different kind of funk this brought. All of the flavors are familiar to me but were presented in a unique way where I didn't think I would enjoy it. The one thing I struggled getting over is knowing the fact that Cheval Blanc took part of this as well. There were some similarities in the flavor profile compared to the Cheval Blanc but is it because it really just tastes like that or is it because I know that house took part in this? Whatever.. I should let it go. Anyways, give this some cellar time as it should develop into something much more interesting. I preferred this served on the cooler side, cellar temp if possible. 94+
Serving notes: Bordeaux glass. Served one glass and emptied bottle into a decanter at cellar temp ~54° and consumed over 8 hours. Recommend serving ~54°-62° and decant as needed.
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2/25/2023 - Stormo Likes this wine: 93 Points
Decanted for 4 hours.
Not all that familiar with Argentinian wines but this was stellar. Deep lovely dark purple color and a powerful nose of black currant - the sweet fragrant nose made it just as much fun to smell as to drink (well...almost)!
intense ripe prunes, black currant, truffles, full forward tannins. the balance of the tannins and powerful fruit made for a lovely and memorable wine. Will definitely be looking to buy more of these!
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2/7/2023 - d.f.c Likes this wine: 92 Points
Maybe this time the wine was not decanted well enough, it had an unpleasantly strong earthy/granite nose. It also tasted flat and bland.
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2/1/2023 - d.f.c Likes this wine: 94 Points
I am typically not a big fan of Argentine wines, mainly due to the overwhelming tannins and alcohol level. However, this one is surprisingly smooth to drink. It does have the characteristics of a full-bodied Argentine wine, ie. very dark color, strong nose of dark berries and earth, high tannins and alcohol level etc. But these traits are well balanced, and they last. This wine pairs well with red meat and/or spicy food.
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12/17/2022 - Invest wrote: 92 Points
Decanted for about 1h, very good natural cork, 14% Alc., purple violett dark red color.
Nose: Soft blackberries, nice.
Palate: Everything perfectly balanced, silky tannins, fine fruit of heart cherry, blackberries, a little raspberry, all very ripe and wonderfully balanced with drinkanimating freshness. So, perfect winemaking BUT no depth, no soul, missing own identity and character.
'Possibly' a question of lacking terroir, soil and age of grapes but don't know anything about these specifics here. Summarized, nice drinking experience. At the moment about 92 Pts.
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