MICHEL ROLLAND | Clos de los Siete | C7 | 2019
malbec | merlot | syrah | cabernet sauvignon | cabernet franc | petit verdot

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Clos de los Siete is a world-class wine project, initiated by Michel Rolland and run by 4 Bordeaux families – a compelling human story of passion for a piece of land at the footprints of the Andes Mountains in Argentina, in the Uco Valley of Mendoza. The result is one single flagship wine, made of grapes sourced from the 4 Mendoza estates (Monteviejo, Cuvelier Los Andes, DiamAndes and Bodega Rolland) and blended each vintage by Michel Rolland himself.

Today we are are going to review an iconic wine that comes from Argentina‘s most famous wine-growing region in Mendoza – Clos de los Siete C7 | 2019 by Michel Rolland. This wine is a blend of six grape varieties: malbec (50%), merlot (24%), syrah (11%), cabernet sauvignon (7%), cabernet franc (5%) and petit verdot (3%), where malbec forms the wine’s main body, merlot is all about up-front richness, cabernet sauvignon adds structure and black fruit flavors, cabernet franc offers a leaner and a more dynamic finish, syrah brings tannin extract and enhances the wine’s color depth, whereas petit verdot delivers subtle floral notes to the flavour profile thus adding an extra layer of complexity to the final blend. The grapes are sourced from the best vineyards of the four partner estates in Valle de Uco sub-region, planted at 1100 meters altitude on sand and clay-rich soils with with large pebbles, which offer good water retention throughout the growing season. In order to add extra complexity to the final blend, the wine has been aged for 11 months in french oak casks, from which 70% new oak and 30% big, seasoned oak vats. But enough with all that theory, that said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
colour: deep | ruby color
clarity: hazy | ruby shades

//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced & savory
fruit character: ripe

On the first nose, the wine reveals a rich and ripe fruit character, with luscious aromas of cranberry and redcurrant taking the lead. These vibrant red fruit notes intertwine gracefully with the nuanced earthy foreground, featuring hints of clay, loam, marl and sand. A subtle touch of old leather and brown olive adds a layer of complexity, while hints of iron and veal add a delicate, savory complexity. Delving deeper, one can detect nuances of brown soil, compost, and cured meat, evoking a sense of rustic charm. The background offers a delightful interplay of flavors, with undertones of rooibos tea, cloves, anise and red pepper, that mixed with notes of sun-dried oakwood and cherry tree sap, further contribute to the wine’s aromatic profile.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: medium | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: seedy

On the palate, the wine showcases a vibrant interplay of flavors that captivate the senses, with its bright acidity and ripe, silky tannins, it offers a balanced and harmonious mouthfeel. The ample and plump body gives a sense of fullness and richness, while the wine’s medium+ body ensures a satisfying weight on the palate. There’s also that overwhelming touch of alcoholic warmth, that provides muscles and strengthens the wine’s body. The fruit character is both ripe and seedy, with red fruits taking the primary role, accompanied by subtle hints of earthy and savory notes. The influence of oak is subtle but present, adding an extra layer of complexity. The wine finishes with a pleasantly seedy aftertaste, that lingers on the palate, leaving a lasting impression.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or age for another 2 or 3 years
verdict: great | a must try wine

All in all, this is a blueprint, Bordeaux-styled wine blend with a nuanced, terroir-driven delicacy. With its textbook precision and meticulous attention to detail, this wine unveils a captivating experience that teleport you to those high altitude vineyards of Mendoza. Its complex and rustic flavor profile is a true testament to the vintner’s dedication and expertise, as it successfully captured the very essence of Bordeaux‘s winemaking tradition while also honoring the distinctive qualities of Mendoza‘s terroir.

//Scoring
MICHEL ROLLAND | Clos de los Siete | C7 | 2019
variety: malbec | merlot | syrah | cabernet sauvignon | cabernet franc | petit verdot
country: Argentina
region: Mendoza | Uco Valley
rating: 93.7

//Prediction
predicted rating: 90+
actual rating: 91

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This is definitely a great wine of Argentina and, with a total of 93.7 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: Based on the wine’s nuanced, terroir-driven delicacy and complex flavor profile, we would recommend to pair it with a pan-seared duck breast with cherry reduction sauce and roasted root vegetables. The wine’s crisp acidity and seedy aftertaste will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and succulent duck meat, while the ripe red fruit flavors will harmonize with the sweet and tart notes of the cherry reduction. The subtle oak flavours and earthy undertones will complement lovely the earthy-savory flavors of the roasted root vegetables. This pairing will create a culinary experience that will elevate the dining experience to new heights of gourmet delight. Cheers!

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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.