James Suckling – A medium-bodied red with firm tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Really intense and flavorful. Lovely balance and finesse. One of the best deals out there.
James Halliday – "A classic high-quality Margaret River cabernet from an extremely good vintage, with more depth to rounded, fleshy fruit and quality oak than is usual with this wine. It's estate grown, and the vines decades old. It exudes cassis and has an excellent ripe tannin structure. 14% alc. Screwcap. Drink by: 2035"
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – The excellent and floral 2019 Catena Malbec shows the
typicity of the grape, violets and red berries, and the
freshness of the year. It has the textbook aromas and a
soft and velvety mouthfeel, with very fine grainy tannins. Drink 2021-2024 (Luis Gutiérrez)
Originating in the Bordeaux region of France, Malbec found its most celebrated expression in the foothills of the Andes Mountains in Argentina. Its adaptability and resilience to the new environment have made it a flagship variety for Argentina, overshadowing its origins to some extent.
The unique climate and altitude variations in regions like Mendoza have contributed to the grape's distinct character. Here, cool nights follow sun-drenched days, allowing Malbec to develop deep flavors while retaining a balancing acidity. Its profile typically boasts of lush dark fruits like blackberries and plums, often complemented by subtle undertones of violet and earthy notes.
The evolution of Malbec over the centuries, from its French beginnings to its Argentine mastery, narrates a fascinating story of migration, adaptation, and resurgence. Today, it stands as a testament to how terroir can reshape and redefine the identity of a grape, offering wine lovers a sip of history with every glass.
Malbec is a purple grape variety originating from France, specifically the Bordeaux region, but has found its most celebrated expressions in Argentina, especially in the Mendoza region. Once used primarily as a blending grape in Bordeaux, Malbec has come into its own as a single varietal in South America. This full-bodied red wine is recognized for its deep color and intense fruity flavors. With its velvety texture and hints of plum, black cherry, and sometimes even cocoa, Malbec offers a robust experience for red wine enthusiasts. Its transformation from a blending footnote in France to a starring role in Argentinean viniculture showcases its versatility and adaptability.
While Malbec's roots trace back to France, Argentina's Mendoza region has become synonymous with top-tier Malbec wines. Labels like Catena Zapata, Bodega Norton, and Achaval-Ferrer have consistently received international acclaim. In Cahors, France, where Malbec is locally known as "Côt", Château du Cèdre and Château Lagrézette are notable producers. These wines range from value-driven everyday bottles to luxurious high-end options, reflecting Malbec's widespread appeal and adaptability.
Though predominantly known as a red wine, Malbec's versatility allows it to be expressed in various styles. The traditional Argentine Malbec offers bold, fruit-forward flavors, while French Malbec from Cahors often leans towards more tannic and astringent profiles. There's also Malbec Rosé, a lighter, fruitier variant perfect for summer sipping. Some winemakers have ventured into sparkling Malbec, a bubbly twist on this beloved grape, proving that Malbec's expressions are as varied as the regions cultivating it.
Malbec, with its rich and robust profile, pairs beautifully with hearty dishes. Grilled or roasted meats, particularly beef or lamb, complement Malbec's bold flavors. This synergy is evident in traditional Argentinean barbecues where Malbec and grilled steaks are a classic pairing. For vegetarians, dishes with robust flavors like grilled mushrooms, lentil stews, or eggplant Parmesan can mirror Malbec's intensity. Cheeses, especially blue cheese, aged cheddar, or gouda, also make for delightful companions. Whether it's a casual meal or a gourmet feast, Malbec effortlessly enhances the dining experience.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
Delivery Times
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Quality Guarantee
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
Sending a Gift
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.