94 points, Wine Advocate
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About the Wine
Critic Reviews
94 points, Wine Advocate
“The new red blend 2020 Igneo was produced with a majority of Malbec, a little Cabernet Franc and a touch of Pinot Noir, all the grapes they have there, trying to express the place beyond the varieties. It was co-fermented with 100% full clusters that were foot trodden and matured for 15 months in 500-liter barrels, 10% of them new. It has 13.5% alcohol and very good freshness (pH 3.35), with the austere and subtle character of the high-altitude vineyards (this is 2,000 meters above sea level). It’s similar to the Malbec; the year was warmer, and the wine is younger and feels a little marked by the élevage and also the stems. It has pungent flavors and a lively mouthfeel. It should develop nicely in bottle. 1,800 bottles produced.”
About The Winery
Estancia Uspallata, located 6,560 feet above sea level, is the highest vineyard in all of Mendoza. It is situated in the Quebrado del Minero (Miner's Canyon), just outside of the town of Uspallata. The estate belongs to the Saud family of Buenos Aires and is part of a massive mountain ranch of almost 100,000 acres. However, as is often the case in these Andean properties, only a tiny fraction is actually usable. In 2008, the Saud family planted a small vineyard of about 10 acres (five acres each of Malbec and of Pinot Noir) on a pronounced north-facing slope.
In 2015, Ariel and Belen Saud approached Alejandro Sejanovich and Jeff Mausbach to partner in the development of the property, taking charge of viticulture, winemaking, and commercial activities. Under Alejandro's care, the vineyard has thrived, and one-half acre of Cabernet Franc has been added. The plan is to continue to develop the estate, with small parcels of different grape varieties matched to the tapestry of soil profiles found on the property.
In 2015, Ariel and Belen Saud approached Alejandro Sejanovich and Jeff Mausbach to partner in the development of the property, taking charge of viticulture, winemaking, and commercial activities. Under Alejandro's care, the vineyard has thrived, and one-half acre of Cabernet Franc has been added. The plan is to continue to develop the estate, with small parcels of different grape varieties matched to the tapestry of soil profiles found on the property.
