Rank #100 - Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2011
Notes from the winemaker:
The area
The estate is situated in the Rio Negro Valley, which is 620 miles South of Buenos Aires, 280 miles
East of the Andes, 310 miles West of the Atlantic and a further 1240 miles from Tierra del Fuego. In
other words, it is located in the middle of the desert. The valley’s microclimate is under the influence
of two rivers deriving from the Andes, the Neuquen and the Limay which form into the Rio Negro,
which throws itself into the Atlantic. The Rio Negro valley is an ex glacier which is 310 miles long
and 15,5 miles large at 250 yards above sea level. In 1828, the British colonies, having observed the
large amounts of water flowing in the river, decided to create hannels which would irrigate the valley
thus forming a type of oasis in the middle of the desert.
The vineyard
The vines were planted in 1932. The grapes are 100 % malbec. They are irrigated up to four times
a year. A green pruning is carried out in mid January during veraison thus leaving only 30 hl/acre.
The vines are a 100% Malbec, pre-phelloxera, Pied-Franco, 79 years old.
Ratings & Reviews
Rank #100 Top 100 Wines of 2011 & 96 Points - Wine Spectator Magazine:"Gorgeous from the start, delivering mulled spice, mocha, blueberry, black tea, plum sauce and warm currant confiture aromas and flavors all woven together, carried by a long spice- and graphite-filled finish. This has weight, but stays driven thanks to finely beaded acidity. A beauty. The best vintage yet for this wine. Malbec. Drink now through 2022. 275 cases made." –JM
(Aug 31, 2011)
