FLECHAS DE LOS ANDES | Gran Malbec | 2018
malbec

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Today we are also going to review a single varietal malbec wine from the famous Mendoza region of Argentina – Gran Malbec 2018 by Bodega Flechas de los Andes. Known for its plump, dark fruit flavors and smoky finish, malbec wines have been adored for centuries, especially by the royal houses of England and Russia. With elegant notes of blueberry, plum, tobacco and hints of violets, modern malbec offers a great alternative to its higher priced siblings: merlot, cabernet sauvignon or syrah. Although the malbec  variety originated in the famous Cahors region of France, Argentina proved that there’s more to malbec than just value, as it can offer an unmatched complexity and elegance, if produced in an expressive new-world style, with a nuanced, fruit-forward character. The wine we are reviewing today is the offspring of Laurent Dassault and Benjamin de Rothschild (the owner of the Edmond de Rothschild Group). The Rothschild family is one of the most famous wine-making families in the world of wine, as it is the same family that owns the world famous Château Lafite, Château des Laurets and Château Clarke, to name just a few. The grapes for this wine were sourced from the vineyards of Uco Valley sub-region in Mendoza, an in order to soften the tannins and add a layer of extra complexity, the wine has been aged for 18 months in oak barrels. 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
color: deep ruby color
clarity: hazy ruby shades

//Olfactory
intensity: rich | savory-earthy
fruit character: ripe

On the first nose, this wine unveils a lively and ripe fruit character, immediately commanding attention. In the forefront, a delightful medley of ripe black fruits takes center stage, showcasing the richness of dark plums, blueberries and aronia berries, which are gracefully complemented by savory undertones, where nuances of new leather, brown olive and a subtle hint of iron weave seamlessly into the aromatic tapestry. The background unfolds with depth and sophistication, revealing earthy and spicy elements that contribute to the wine’s overall allure, with subtle notes of black soil, graphite, peppercorn and nutmeg, that add a touch of elegance. A subtle interplay of oak-derived notes, including cloves, tobacco and hints of toasted oakwood, further enrich the olfactory experience. The result is a wine that exudes rustic charm and genuine delicacy, providing a truly pleasurable olfactory journey.

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

On the palate, this wine delivers a graceful dance of savouriness and firmness that captivates the senses. The interplay of ripe black and blue fruits, creates a mesmerizing tapestry of flavors. The mouthfeel is characterized by crisp acidity, that invigorates the palate, accompanied by seedy tannins, that lend a delicate yet firm structure, and quite some touch of alcoholic warmth, that brings depth and robustness to the wine’s body. The wine’s bold and firm nature envelops the palate, offering a seedy texture, which in turn leads to a bitter-seedy aftertaste, that leave a lasting impression. The harmonious interplay of oak-derived notes and terroir-driven flavors adds an extra layer of complexity to the wine’s already rich profile.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or in the next 5 years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential

All in all, this is a well-made malbec with a distinct terroir-driven profile and a firm, robust and seedy palate -a wine that embodies the authentic rustic delicacy of top quality Mendoza malbec’s. However, the mouthfeel feels slightly angular and a bit rough, which raises some concerns, as it lacks the desired harmony and finesse for a wine of that category. While the wine’s firm and seedy texture enhances the overall sensory experience, the angular nature adds a touch of roughness, which might be a tell for the wine’s ageing potential. We would recommend this wine for any wine enthusiasts that are seeking for a genuine representation of the malbec grape variety, with subtle hints of Mendoza‘s terroir.

//Scoring
FLECHAS DE LOS ANDES | Gran Malbec | 2018
variety: malbec
country: Argentina
region: Mendoza | Uco Valley
rating: 93.2
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This is definitely a fine wine of Argentina and, with a total of 93.2 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 subtle, terroir-driven delicacy and rich 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 bitter-seedy aftertaste will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and succulent duck meat, while the ripe fruit flavors in the wine will harmonize with the sweet and tart notes of the cherry reduction sauce. In the same key, the well-integrated oak flavours and earthy undertones will complement nicely the earthy-savory flavors of the roasted root vegetables. This pairing has the potential to elevate the dining experience to new heights of hedonistic 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.