Bodega Mendel Visit

Very small estate and very hard to find ! 1st vintage was in 2003. Winemaker is legendary Ricardo de la Mota.
Grapes are not crushed before going into the stainless steel tanks. Lots of pigeage.
We were greeted by Cecilia at the winery. Super nice and welcoming.
3 differents reds:
--Mendel Malbec (100%)
--Mednel Unus (Malbec + Cab Sauv)
--Finca Remota (Malbec from Altamira vineyard in Uco)

• 2007 Mendel Malbec 89 Points

  Argentina, Mendoza

  Very fresh nose, mineral notes both on the nose and palate Red fruits and berries profile.
  Good structure and acidity.
  89+

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• 2008 Mendel Malbec 88 Points

  Argentina, Mendoza

  Darker than the 07 and more fruit fwd. 2008 was also a warmer year than 2007.
  Plum, spices. Manage to stay fresh and balanced but this is a little simple right now. Hopefully it will gain complexity with a year or 2 in the bottle.

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• 2007 Mendel Unus 92 Points

  Argentina, Mendoza, Lujan de Cuyo, Agrelo

  10 Months in new French wood. Blend of malbec and 30% Cab Sauv.
  The wood is already pretty much integrated. Definitely some cb on the nose and palate that gives some structure and power. Quite aromatic but on the palate it is right now in a delicate phase, a little dumb.
  Needs some time and this will shine. Very promising with good aicidty and depth.

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• 2008 Mendel Sémillon 89 Points

  Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco

  First year they make a white with semillon grapes from the Valle de Uco (south of Lujan). It had not been filtered yet so the wines was totally non transparent.
  Very enjoyable with honey, lemon, orange blossom and floral notes. Good acidity with med body.

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Overall all the wines showed some ripe fruits of course but with a welcoming freshness and balance.
The Unus needs 5-7 years and the Malbec 3-4 years.
Didn't get the chance to taste the Finca.