KAIKEN | Ultra | Malbec | 2019
malbec
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Today we are going to review a single-varietal malbec wine from the famous Mendoza region of Argentina – Ultra Malbec 2019 by Kaiken. 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.
//Terroir
The grapes for this wine are sourced from the estate’s 3 main vineyards, all of which are above 1,000 meters above sea level: Los Chacayes, Altamira and Gualtallary, all of them rich in sandy and calcareous soils, which provides good drainage and abundant water reserves. The Ultra label represent the winery’s flagship range of single varietal wines, crafted to reflect the terroir of the Uco Valley, by combining the best attributes from the three vineyards. In order to preserve the varietal characteristics of the malbec grapes and those delicate, terroir-driven hints, this wine has been aged for 12 months in french oak barrels, from which 30% new oak, followed by 6 months of bottle ageing. That said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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That said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results below.
//Visual
color: deep & opaque ruby color
clarity: hazy indigo shades on the rim
As you pour the wine into your glass, it reveals an enticing deep violet hue, characteristic of high-quality malbecs. The color is not only rich but also remarkably-intense, suggesting a concentration of flavors within. The wine is clear and impeccable, displaying a silky-velvety texture that clings to the glass.
//Olfactory
intensity: rich & expressive
fruit character: ripe
Upon swirling the glass, the aromatic profile of the wine unfolds beautifully, offering an intense bouquet that captivates the senses. The first notes to emerge are ripe dark fruits, such as blackberries, plums and blackcurrants, beautifully complemented by hints of bitter cherries. As you delve deeper, secondary aromas of sweet spices, vanilla, and a subtle touch of mocha intermingle perfectly, reflecting its time in oak. There is also an enticing undertone of earthy elements, with notes of pencil lead, charcoal and black soil dust that harkens back to the grape’s origins, providing an additional layer of complexity. This orchestration of aromas signals a wine that is both generous and refined, showcasing the true potential of the Uco Valley malbecs.
//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: medium+ | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: crisp
On the palate, the wine delivers a symphony of flavors, perfectly balancing elements of sweetness and acidity. The initial impressions are of luscious fruit, as the ripe blackberry and plum continue to shine, revealing layers of dark chocolate and hints of leather as it evolves. The wine’s medium to full body is backed by well-integrated tannins that provide structure without overpowering the fruit. The acidity is vibrant yet harmonious, accentuating the wine’s freshness and ensuring a pleasing mouthfeel. Complexity is evident, as nuances of spice and toasted oak linger in the background, while the finish is both crisp and appealing. The aftertaste leaves a delightful warmth that beckons for yet another sip.
//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or in the next 2 or 3 years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential
All in all, this wine is a delightful testament to the winemaking prowess of Aurelio Montes, the man who put Chile on the vinous world map, who took the trip across the Andes and founded the Kaiken winery in the heart of Mendoza win region of Argentina. This wine demonstrates excellent harmony, offering an engaging drinking experience that is approachable today, while also holding potential for further aging.
//Pairing
The wine’s rich fruit flavors and well structured mouthfeel make it an ideal companion for a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to hearty stews or game. Whether you are a seasoned wine enthusiast or a novice exploring the world of wine, this vibrant malbec will impress, delivering the much-desired varietal typicity. What this wine lacks today is a bit of elegance or finesse, as it might seem a touch too expressive.
//Scoring
KAIKEN | Ultra | Malbec | 2019
variety: malbec
country: Argentina
region: Mendoza | Uco Valley
rating: 93.6
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Fun Fact: Kaiken winery was founded in 2000 by Aurelio Montes, founder of the iconic chilean winery Montes. The name of Kaiken refers to Caiquén – a wild goose from Patagonia that flies across the Andes between Argentina and Chile, visioning the same adventure of the Montes team to make high-quality wines across the border. By embarking on this cross-border flight the Caiquén takes up a major challenge.
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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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