2012 Luca Malbec
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Malbec comes from old vineyards in La Consulta and a dash from Gualtallary in the Uco Valley. It has a mineral-like, austere feeling, with notes of peach, sour cherries, and sweet spices, a medium-bodied palate with gripping tannins, and is refined and fresh, with some creamy and smoky notes from the barrel, which should disappear with a little time in bottle. This is great Malbec. Drink 2013-2020. Luca is another project from Laura Catena, started when her son Luca was born. The idea was to produce wines different from those produced by Catena, so she started with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah, which were not really well covered in the Catena portfolio at the time. Importer: Vine Connections, Sausalito, CA; tel. (415) 332-8466; www.vineconnections.com
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
(14 months in 50% new and 50% once-used French oak barrels; from ungrafted 46-year-old vines): Bright ruby-red. Aromas of black cherry and bitter chocolate accented by an herbal note. Concentrated and deeply fruity, with an intense blackberry flavor complicated by a saline quality. Showing no overt sweetness but quite suave and fine-grained, finishing with firm tannins and lingering dark fruits.