Wine Reviews

I found a lot more elegance, freshness and integration of oak in the 2021 Lote Negro than in the 2020 that I tasted next to it. The Malbec comes from Los Chacayes and the Cabernet Franc from Altamira, both IGs in the Valle de Uco. It’s still ripe and powerful, with around 14.7% alcohol, and it has abundant tannins that might require some more time.

The 2020 Lote Negro was produced with a blend of 60% Malbec and 40% Cabernet Franc, and it has the ripe notes of black fruit and an earthy touch of very high ripeness and rusticity that I found in some wines from this warm year. This has 14.8% alcohol, but it has the freshness from the Valle de Uco. 14,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in December 2021 after spending 12 months in second-use barrels.

An aromatic nose offers peppercorns and light cherries. It’s an enjoyable and friendly blend of Malbec and Cabernet Franc that delivers balanced flavors of oak spice and black fruit combined with hints of crushed black pepper and herbal notes. Optimal acidity drives the flavors smoothly through the finish.

Attractive minty blackberries and blueberries with dark chocolate and a touch of roasted red pepper. Pretty full-bodied on the palate, with masses of dusty tannins forming a nicely chewy texture. Long and flavorful.

A ripe, concentrated blend of 60% malbec and 40% cabernet franc showing some blackberries with iron, oysters, chili chocolate, roasted red pepper and graphite. Juicy and polished on the palate with fine tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Drink or hold.