96 points, Tim Atkin MW
|
94 points, James Suckling
|
93 points, Vinous
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About the Wine
Critic Reviews
96 points, Tim Atkin MW
94 points, James Suckling
93 points, Vinous
“Now striding purposefully into its fourth release, this is a unique Malbec from a painterly, high-altitude terroir on the way to Chile. The site may be marginal for Malbec, but the wine is remarkable: spicy, densely coloured and very refreshing, with herbal notes, orange zest and black cherry fruit and a sprinkling of clove from 70% whole bunches. 2023-30”
94 points, James Suckling
"This is an elegant, refined red with outstanding balance and polished tannin structure. Beautiful crushed stones and pencil lead turn to reserved fruit character with some spicy, peppery nuances. Long finish. Needs time to come completely together. Try after 2022."
93 points, Vinous
“A Malbec grown at 2,000 meters in the heart of the Mendoza foothills, fermented with stalks and aged in used barrels, resulting in an explosive, elemental combination of fresh plum, sour cherry, red currant, herbs and stalk. Both concentrated and light on its feet, it has a freshness that balances the ripeness to create unusually intense flavors, as though each descriptor arrived on the tongue with a letter of introduction. A characterful, high-altitude red.”
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.
