Winemaker's Notes:
Intense black purple color. On the nose, its aromas of plum, spices and red pepper stand out while delicate notes of mint can also be perceived. In the mouth, it is a very harmonious and balanced wine, with round tannins and a long finish.
Vineyards:
This balanced blend has its origin in our vineyards from Ugarteche, Luján de Cuyo. The yield is between 7 to 9 tonnes per hectare. These grapevines are drip irrigated and espalier trained. This estate is located at 1,050 meters above sea level and the climate in this area typically presents warm days and cool nights, with an average temperature variation of 14°C and an average annual rainfall of 200 mm. At Doña Paula, our vineyards have always been managed using sustainable agriculture practices.
Vinification:
Hand harvesting takes place between the end of March and the beginning of April. Crushing is reductive, since contact with oxygen is avoided. Pre-fermentation cold maceration allows for the preservation of primary aromas. Then, the must is fermented at low temperatures. A spontaneous malolactic fermentation takes place. The wine is stored in first, second, and third-use French oak barrels for 10 months.
Blend:
60% Malbec
37% Cabernet Sauvignon
3% Petit Verdot
I found myself preferring the pure Malbec to the 2013 Estate Black Edition Red Blend which includes Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Here the fruit comes form Luján de Cuyo and shows a nice combination of flowers and herbal aromas with very nicely integrated notes for the oak. The palate is silky, medium-bodied and shaped by very fine tannins. It is easy to drink. 60,000 bottles produced. - Robert Parker 88 Points
Bright, deep ruby-red. Aromas of dark plum, blackberry, bitter chocolate and spices are lifted by violet and menthol notes. At once pliant and juicy, showing good verve but modest depth and complexity to the flavors of dark plum, spices, chocolate, mint and pepper. Finishes with dusty, easygoing tannins that will not get in the way of enjoying this wine now. - Stephen Tanzer 87 Points
Cherry and currant flavors define this juicy red. Notes of sandalwood show on the spiced finish. Drink now. 45,000 cases made. –KM - Wine Spectator Magazine 86 Points
