Flechas de los Andes ~ Gran Malbec 2011

The story

Argentinean Malbecs can vary greatly in terms of quality. Malbec grown at higher altitudes in Argentina are generally more elegant, with finer tannins and higher acidity. This one from Flechas de los Andes at 1,100m, does not disappoint in terms of elegance and balance and also shows the luscious fruit characteristics of Malbec.

Read more on the Malbec grape.

The wine

Gran Malbec is a 100% malbec whose goal is to embody the characteristic features the grape derives from the Vista Flores soil; it is a rich, concentrated and very fruity wine that has become a reference in the region.

90 points     eRobertParker.com     Aug 2015
"The 2011 Gran Malbec is matured one third in new barriques, one third in used ones, and the rest in stainless steel for one year. However, the nose is very spicy with an aromatic core of plums and cherries along with plenty of vanilla, cinnamon and smoke. The palate shows some dusty tannins and moderate acidity."

90 points & Silver Medal     Decanter World Wine Awards 2016
"Traditional, classic nose, with notes of sandalwood and pink pepper. Very complex, meaty and juicy palate with firm tannins and showing some evolution. A gastronomic Malbec asking for red meat, with lots of personality."

89+ points     Vinous     Feb 2015
"Good dark medium ruby. Aromas of black fruits, smoked meat and lees are accented by a light peppery herbaceousness. Riper than the 2013 Aguaribay Malbec but also with firmer acidity to frame and intensify the flavors of black fruits, dark chocolate and violet. This nicely concentrated wine finishes with substantial building, chewy tannins and very good length. But still a bit narrow and in need of more time in bottle to expand."