Mendoza, Argentina
Uco Valley
Sourced from the three most prestigious growing areas in the Uco Valley - La Consulta, Los Chacayes and Gualtallary - Karim Mussi blends 4 vintages (2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018) to perfection in this simply breathtaking classic Bordeaux blend. 20% each of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot are aged 18 months in French oak. Pure class and grace with terrific, silky balance from start to finish in a wine that Karim calls, “Blue blazer, white shirt and moccasins".
This is some killer stuff here from a guy we've been fond of for a while now. His other projects, like the Phoenician Malbec, have consistently overdelivered in quality and price ratio and this is no exception. A rollicking good time with this multi-vintage blend that seems to press all the right button. It's big, ripe and crowd-pleasing with a style that makes you think of Pomerol, without the eye-watering price tag.
Ripe blackberry fruit, warm spices, pencil lead, dark chocolate, cardamom and black pepper with an ABV touching 15%. This is a spectacular offering from Mussi and the Alandes crew.
Argentina is well-known for it's asado culture and this wine couldn't be any more perfect for that type of cuisine. So, don't overthink or complicate the food pairings here - simple, grilled meats or even beef/lamb empanadas from your fave spot for that no-cleanup dinner vibe.
Reviews
95 - James Suckling
"This is a really solid red with crushed blackberry and blueberry character, as well as flowers and light spices. Full bodied, tight and focused. The tannin polish is so impressive. Love the non-vintage concept of this Bordeaux blend. It’s all about wonderful drinkability. Drink or hold."
95 - Descorchados
"This is a blend of vines, but also of years (this has 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015) and of zones: La Consulta, Los Chacayes and Gualtallary, all with one year of aging in barrels. What comes out of these barrels is a very particular wine. The background is full of spicy touches, but above all, dominated by those radiant red fruits in a context of imposing wine in body, with many tannins and a lot of strength."