CHAKANA | Estate Selection | Malbec | 2019
malbec
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Today we are going to review a single-varietal and single-vineyard malbec wine from the famous Mendoza region of Argentina – Estate Selection Malbec 2019 by Chakana Wine Estate. 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 and juicy, fruit-forward character. The wine we are reviewing today is made of malbec grapes sourced from the slopes of Paraje Altamira, Chacayes and Guatlallary vineyards, planted in the Uco Valley at 1100 meters altitude on shallow, sandy and calcareous soils. In order to preserve the varietal characteristics of the malbec grapes and those delicate, terroir-driven hints, the wine was fermented using only native, ambient yeasts, and only 70% of the wine was aged for 12 months in oak barrels (both, new and used) and foudres, while the remaining 30% was aged in concrete vats. 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: medium-deep ruby color
clarity: hazy purple shades on the rim
//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced & savory
fruit character: ripe & overripe
The first impression on the nose offers an intriguing interplay of savory and fruity-sweet aromas. Savory notes take center stage, reminiscent of barn, old leather and some hints of brettanomyces, interwoven with notes of ripe blackberries, dark plums and bitter cherries. Hints of spice, like peppercorns and cloves, peek through, adding complexity on the aromatic profile. In the background, subtle oaky undertones emerge, mingling with delicate earthy hints, like those of pencil lead, charcoal and damp forest floor.
//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: medium+ | tannin: medium | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: bitter-crisp
The palate complements the nose, offering a burst of ripe and slightly overripe black fruit flavors. After the initial sip, some quite nuanced earthy notes emerge, while a subtle oak influence provides a touch of vanilla and baking spice on the mouthfeel. The exuberant acidity cuts through the richness of the fruit, creating a lively and mouthwatering sensation, the tannins are ripe and present, offering a pleasant structure without being aggressive, while a touch of alcoholic warmth adds some power, lingering a bit and forming a bitter-crisp aftertaste. The palate feels firm, with a slight angularity that adds character, and forms the impression of a nicely structured malbec wine that holds some promises of an aging potential.
//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or in the next 2-3 years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential
Overall, this is a ripe, firm and nuanced malbec wine with a slightly angular mouthfeel. While nicely structured and offering glimpses of complexity, it currently lacks the harmony and finesse one would expect from a Mendoza malbec. The emphasis on savory and earthy character, coupled with the firm tannins and nuances of brettanomyces, leans stylistically closer to a Cahors malbec.
//Scoring
CHAKANA | Estate Selection | Malbec | 2019
variety: malbec
country: Argentina
region: Mendoza | Uco Valley
rating: 92.7
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This is definitely a fine wine of Argentina and, with a total of 92.7 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: Judging by the wine’s pronounced savory-earthy character, alongside with its firm tannins and alcoholic warmth, consider pairing it with bold and flavorful dishes. Hearty stews, like braised lamb shank or mushroom ragù, would be perfect matches, as the richness of the slow-cooked meat will stand up to the wine’s robust structure, while the savory elements in the dish will complement the wine’s savory and earthy notes. In the same key, the acidity and tannins in the wine will help cut through the richness of the stew, creating a balanced and enjoyable pairing experience. 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.
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By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
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WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a monthly donation so that we can review even more wines.
WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a yearly donation so that we can review even more wines.
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