Clos d'Argentine Malbec Reserva Winemaker's Selection 2021
Full-bodied Red. This is a classic Mendoza Malbec made in the 'Reserva' style, which in Argentina implies a higher level of concentration and a minimum aging period (usually at least 12 months) before release. · Clos d'Argentine is a focused boutique project within the MundoVino/WineBow portfolio, often associated with the expertise of high-altitude viticulture. It holds a reputation for producing accessible yet structured Malbecs that showcase the intensity of the Mendoza region with a touch of elegance, often honoring the family heritage of its founders.
Vintage: 2021. The 2021 vintage in Mendoza was characterized by a cooler-than-average growing season with moderate yields. This resulted in wines with exceptional freshness, higher natural acidity, and lower alcohol levels compared to the warmer 2020 vintage, making it a highly regarded year for elegance and aromatic purity.
Type
Full-bodied Red. This is a classic Mendoza Malbec made in the 'Reserva' style, which in Argentina implies a higher level of concentration and a minimum aging period (usually at least 12 months) before release.
Producer
Clos d'Argentine is a focused boutique project within the MundoVino/WineBow portfolio, often associated with the expertise of high-altitude viticulture. It holds a reputation for producing accessible yet structured Malbecs that showcase the intensity of the Mendoza region with a touch of elegance, often honoring the family heritage of its founders.
Country
Argentina. As a powerhouse of 'New World' wine, Argentina has revolutionized Malbec, transforming it from a French blending grape into a global superstar. Its wine culture is defined by high-altitude viticulture, particularly along the foothills of the Andes Mountains, providing intense UV sunlight and cool nights.
Vintage
2021. The 2021 vintage in Mendoza was characterized by a cooler-than-average growing season with moderate yields. This resulted in wines with exceptional freshness, higher natural acidity, and lower alcohol levels compared to the warmer 2020 vintage, making it a highly regarded year for elegance and aromatic purity.
Region & Appellation
Mendoza, Argentina. Mendoza is the most important wine region in Argentina, accounting for nearly 75% of the country's vineyards. This specific bottling is classified under 'Mendoza', allowing the winemaker to blend grapes from notable sub-regions like Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley to achieve consistency.
Grape Varieties
100% Malbec. Known for its deep color and plum-like flavors, Malbec in Mendoza develops thick skins due to the altitude, leading to velvety tannins and vibrant floral notes, particularly violet, which are signature markers of the variety in this region.
Color & Appearance
Deep violet-ruby with an opaque core. The wine shows high intensity and brilliant clarity. In the glass, it displays thick, slow-moving legs (tears), indicating significant extract and a healthy alcohol concentration.
Aroma Profile
The nose is intense and fruit-forward, dominated by primary aromas of ripe black cherry, plum, and blackberry. Secondary notes include hints of cocoa and vanilla from oak aging, while classic high-altitude tertiary descriptors like crushed violet and a touch of dried herbs add complexity.
Tasting Notes
The palate is greeted with a plush, expansive attack of dark forest fruits. The mid-palate is juicy and structured, showing a harmonious balance between ripe fruit sweetness and refreshing acidity. The finish is long and smooth, leaving a lingering impression of sweet spice and mocha.
Flavor Profile
Explosive flavors of blueberry jam, black plums, and black pepper. There is a perceptible layer of dark chocolate and toasted oak on the back-palate, complemented by a subtle graphite mineral streak that adds sophistication.
Body & Texture
Full-bodied with a rich, velvety mouthfeel. The wine has significant weight and viscosity but avoids feeling heavy due to its balanced structure. The texture is smooth and 'fleshy', typical of well-made Malbec Reserva.
Acidity & Tannins
Medium acidity that provides a bright lift to the dark fruit flavors. The tannins are medium-plus in quantity but very fine-grained and ripe, offering a firm yet silky structural framework that is approachable now but capable of short-term cellaring.
Sweetness Level
Dry. While the wine exhibits 'sweet' fruit characteristics common to warm-climate Malbec, the residual sugar is low (likely under 4g/L), making it technically dry.
Alcohol Content
Approximately 14% to 14.5% ABV. This is standard for a Mendoza Reserva, providing the necessary warmth and body to support the intense fruit profile without overwhelming the palate.
Aging & Oak
Aged for approximately 12 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels. The French oak provides structure and spice, while the American oak contributes sweetness and hints of vanilla/coconut that complement the plum flavors.
Food Pairings
A classic match for grilled red meats, particularly Argentine ribeye (ojo de bife) or lamb chops with rosemary. It also pairs excellently with hard cheeses like Manchego, portobello mushroom burgers, or dishes with rich savory sauces.
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 16-18°C (60-64°F) in a large Bordeaux glass to allow the aromatics to breathe. Decanting for 30-45 minutes is recommended to soften the tannins and fully open the fruit bouquet.
Price Range
Typically $15.00 - $22.00 USD. This wine represents excellent value for money, offering 'Reserva' quality and complexity at a price point accessible for everyday premium drinking.
Quality Assessment
90-91 points. This is a high-quality commercial wine that consistently over-performs for its price. It sits in the 'premium' tier, recognized for its varietal typicity and polished winemaking.
Production Methods
Grapes are hand-harvested to ensure fruit integrity. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with a prolonged maceration period to extract deep color and soft tannins before being moved to oak for its reserva aging.
Terroir
Grown in alluvial soils consisting of clay, sand, and stone at the foot of the Andes. The high altitude provides high diurnal temperature variation—warm days for sugar development and cold nights to preserve acidity and aromatic finesse.
History & Heritage
The label pays tribute to 'Marie Genevieve Agnes,' suggesting a personal family connection and a heritage-driven approach to winemaking. The brand aims to bridge the gap between traditional French winemaking sensibilities ('Clos') and Argentine terroir.
Interesting Facts
The '90 point' sticker visible on the bottle suggests high praise from major critics (likely James Suckling or Wine Enthusiast), which is a common feature for this brand as it targets the competitive US export market.
Cellaring Potential
Drink now through 2028. While perfectly expressive in its youth, the structure and 2021 vintage acidity will allow it to evolve gracefully over the next 3 to 5 years, developing softened tannins and subtle savory notes.
Similar Wines
Catena Zapata Malbec, Alamos Seleccion Malbec, or Achaval-Ferrer Malbec. It also shares stylistic similarities with California Merlots or Cahors Malbecs from warmer vintages.