2014 Tintonegro Malbec Limestone Block Argentina Red

2014 Tintonegro Malbec Limestone Block

91 JS

Featured Review

A red with lots of ripe fruit plus subtle hints of strawberry jam. Medium to full body, soft tannins. A tar and spice finish. Pure malbec planted in Uco's limestone soils. Beautiful texture. James Suckling

James Suckling | 91 JS

(aged in 12% new French oak): Bright medium ruby. Musky aromas of cassis, licorice and bitter chocolate, plus a touch of oak. Concentrated, bright, nicely delineated dark berry and smoky mineral flavors shows good sweetness for the year. Very round, seamless wine with no sign of heaviness or tiredness. Finishes tactile, broad and persistent, with firm but nicely buffered tannins. This very suave wine should provide considerable early appeal.

Vinous Media | 91 VM

The 2014 Malbec Limestone Block is sourced from a single vineyard in the Chacayes zone that has stones covered in limestone, the characteristic that names the wine. It feels quite ripe, with some organic hints of soil intermixed with prunes and damsons. The palate is fresher and has some cherry flavors shaped by fine, chalky tannins and balanced acidity. 15,000 bottles produced.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 90 RP

Type of Wine	Argentina Red : If there were ever a single word that could perfectly describe fine Argentinian wines, it would be "purity." Red wine lovers could easily become spoiled for choice when that choice involves varietals such as Malbec or Tempranillo. With a complete dedication to a given grape, each bottle tells a compelling story, so have a seat and listen.
Varietal	Malbec : When one door closes, another opens; such is true for the magnificent Malbec grape varietal. Though it originated in Southwest France and was originally one of the five main Bordeaux grape varietals, its history in that country is a troubled one. But…In the last few decades Malbec has been rejuvenated and has once again been thrust into the global spotlight. The star of Argentina is not native to South American, nevertheless has found a home, fame and success in its terroir. The geographical origin of Malbec is not known with certainty; however, most sources and DNA testing have concluded that Malbec most likely originated in the vineyards surrounding the Lot River in Southwest France near the town of Cahors. The “black wines” from Cahors were incredibly popular with the medieval clergy and royalty and were reputedly served at the 1152 wedding of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II of England. In 1225, Henry III refused to allow Bordeaux authorities from taxing wines sent by Cahors’ merchants who were under his protection. Pope John XXII (born in Cahors in 14th century) used vintages from the area as sacramental wines in Avignon (when Papal court resided in France). Malbec had become immensely popular in Southwest France and eventually migrated to Bordeaux in the 1700’s where the varietal found success and greatly influenced blending in the Right Bank as well as the Medoc. Malbec was a major component to Bordeaux blends prior to the 19th century and may have greatly impacted the official 1855 Classification. During the early 1800’s, it is thought that some estates used as much as 50% in their blending. When the phylloxera epidemic crippled most of Bordeaux’s vineyards in 1869, much of the vines devoted to Malbec were destroyed. Due to the grapes natural susceptibility to various diseases, frost, mildew and coulure (viticultural hazard resulting from changing weather patterns) most of the major replanting in the region was in favor of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The final fall from favor for Malbec in Bordeaux occurred after the devastating frost of 1956. During the time of its fall in Bordeaux, Malbec was on the rise in the most unlikely of places, Argentina. It is thought to have been brought to South America in the 1850’s by Michel Pouget where the varietal prospered in optimum climate and terroir. The inky black-blue and thin-skinned Malbec grape requires specific climatic conditions to fully ripen. In Mondoza, Argentina, it found these requirements and much more. The grape is adaptable to a variety of soil types; however, Malbec reaches its true zenith in the terroir of rocky, sandy soils of Mendoza which are low in fertility, but perfect for viticulture. This kind of soil forces the vines to work harder for hydration and nutrients, producing smaller berries. The result is fruit that is highly concentrated and flavorful. Where Malbec is adaptable to a variety of soils, making terroir less of a concern, it is however quite sensitive to consistently changing weather patterns and temperatures. Malbec thrives in dry climates, sunny weather and high elevations, perfectly describing the natural climate and terrain of Argentina. In Mendoza, Malbec enjoys the hot sun, most likely because of its high vigor and dense leaf canopy. The warm evening temperatures contribute to the reduction of grape acids, so that Malbec in Argentina is not as acidic as that in France. Furthermore, growers have observed that older Malbec vines in Mendoza’s higher altitude areas produce Malbec grapes with intense color, flavor and structure. The introduction of Malbec to Argentina is considered one of the greatest contributions to South America and its winemaking and growing industry. Today, Malbec is the undisputed star of Argentina, where the fruit reaches its best expression. Since the 1990’s Malbec from Mendoza has created a stir on the wine market with consumers clawing to get bottles from star producers such as Catena Zapata and Cheval des Andes. It is nearly ironic that Bordeaux producers have begun partnering with proprietors in Mendoza but the result of this union has done great things for both the country’s wine industry as well as the production of quality bottlings for consumers who have become tantalized by the inky-black wines produced there. When ripe, it adds dark color, tannin and spicy characteristics to the wine, producing deep-colored, rich wines with freshness, balanced acidity, lush, round and supple textures with flavors of plum and blackberry. Despite its demise in Bordeaux and its great accomplishments in Argentina, Cahors remains the spiritual home for Malbec. AOC (controlled designation of origin) laws dictate that no less than 70% of the variety be included in the blend. Malbec continues to enjoy a long history in Southwest France, particularly the appellation of Cahors, which could date back to the ancient Romans. It remains a symbol of success in Southwest France and a budding star of Argentina.
Country	Argentina : Argentina’s landscape is marked by its extreme geographical features; from the soaring, rocky peaks of the Andes’ and coastal Patagonia to the arid soils of Mendoza to the fertile Pampas lowlands in the east. Its vast array of landscapes, climate and geography, along with truly accomplished and passionate vintners has helped galvanize its name among the very best wine producing regions in the world. Its adopted grape variety, Malbec, is now responsible for some of Argentina’s most famous wines and has helped to elevate its ever growing wine industry. Vines have been cultivated in Argentina since the 1500’s; however it was not until the 1990s when its true potential was recognized, drawing the attention of accomplished winemakers to its diverse soils. After making a name for himself in California, Paul Hobbs’ foresight and vision led him to cultivate Argentinian soil. More than merely an exploration of terroirs, Vina Cobos was created to showcase what is possible with one of the world’s most compelling noble varietals, Malbec, in a land where its soul soars above all others. Its inaugural vintage marked a milestone, but two decades later, Cobos made history when the 2011 vintage Cobos Malbec became the country’s first professionally rated 100-point wine, defying existing standards and firmly positioning Malbec and Argentina on the international wine scene. This accomplishment became the blueprint that many others would follow. Today, the high altitude deserts have given rise to a high quality wine industry. The region of Mendoza has gained global recognition for its quality production of Malbec, the ubiquitous and most compelling varietal cultivated in Argentina. Three quarters of Argentinian wine production takes place in Mendoza with Mendoza Malbec accounting for 85% of all Malbec produced in the country. In addition to its flagship varietal, Argentina also boasts significant plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Bonarda and its signature, aromatic white varietal, Torrontes. In more recent years, vineyards have been planted to Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Tempranillo. Despite its location near the equator, extreme temperatures are muted by the high altitudes and cold mountain air. Argentina is home to a world-topping vineyard and currently the highest elevation being cultivated at a whopping 9,900 feet above sea level. The Andes’ play a significant role in its climate as it casts a rain shadow over its foothills, allowing very little rain fall and a slow growing season. This slow ripening period leads to concentrated fruit, balanced sugars and acidity in the grapes. From the southern reaches of Patagonia to the northern regions of Salta and Catamarca, the land plays a vital role in the winegrowing and making practices here. Its terroir is well suited to not only Malbec, but to the many varieties in the country’s portfolio. Argentina boasts an impressive 223,500 hectares under vine with an annual wine output of 10.8 million hectoliters. The country has recently edged Australia’s production and now sits at fifth among all leading producers in the world. Argentina has become one of the most important wine producing countries on Earth, the largest region in South America and one of the principal faces of New World winemaking. Argentina is a remarkable land; one which truly tells its story through the wine itself.

Producer	Clos Saint Jean : The appellation of Chateauneuf-Du-Pape is teeming with rich terroir and proficient winemakers and growers who devote their lives to perfecting the art of their trade. Within this rocky and “fertile” wine growing region sits the La Crau plateau, which is known to host the vines that produce the greatest wines in all of Chateauneuf-Du-Pape. Sitting atop this plateau on 41 hectares of prime terroir dwells the vines of Clos Saint Jean. The history of this mighty estate dates back to 1900 when it was created by Edmund Tacussel. Devoted to his cause and ambitious in nature, Tacussel began producing, bottling and selling his own wine within a decade of its creation. This was unusual given most Southern Rhone wine-growers at that time sold their harvest in bulk to negociants. Even more intriguing is this incredible feat occurred 13 years before the AOP (Area of d’Origine Protegee) of Chateauneuf-Du-Pape was created in 1923. Clos Saint Jean is one of the oldest estates in the appellation. Despite its antiquity and the aspiring nature of Tacussel, Clos Saint Jean would produce ordinary, undistinguished Southern Rhone wines for nearly a century. The estate would finally earn fame with the release of its 2003 vintage, to which famous wine critic, Robert Parker enthusiastically stated, “This may well be one of the most exciting addresses not only in France, but in the entire world…. In short, these wines are not to be missed!” This outstanding praise has been mimicked and repeated by wine critics, reviewers and writers since 2003. Brothers Vincent and Pascal Maurel and great grandsons of Edmund Tacussel took control of the family estate in 2002 and brought in Philippe Cambie as their consultant. Cambie, a highly regarded oenology consultant in Southern Rhone earned Robert Parker’s “Oenologist of the Year” award in 2010. Since 2003, the brothers with the assistance of Cambie have completely turned this previously unknown estate around. And… they have never looked back. Around 60% of Clos Saint Jean’s vineyard is located on the famed La Crau Plateau, where the terroir is rich in iron-deposited red clays topped with the famous Rhone “galets.” These precious stones are vital to the health and vitality of the vine roots as they collect the sun’s rays during the day and ignite the soil with its heat overnight allowing a 24-hour nurturing cycle. Adjacent to the plateau, another 40% of its vines cultivate in alluvial clay and sandy soils. They also own a small parcel of Mourvedre in the lieu-dit of Bois-Dauphin, near Chateau Rayas, planted on sandy, limestone-rich soils. The 41-hectare vineyard is planted with Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Vaccarese and Muscardin for the blending of their red Chateauneufs, while 1-hectare is reserved for their white and planted to Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Clairette. Their Chateauneuf-Du-Pape portfolio is impressive and consistently receives highly-rated professional reviews. It consists of their Vieilles Vignes, which is sourced from old-vines located in and around La Crau and has an annual production of around 7,000 cases. Combe des Fous, humorously translates to “hill of fools,” which earns its moniker for the difficult terroir of rocks that are quite large. It was left barren for centuries because of the intense layer of “galets” which littered the landscape and was assumed inhospitable for vine growth. It sees around 500 cases produced each year. Deus ex Machina is a blend of old-vine Grenache from La Crau and Mourvedre from the sandy soils of the Bois-Dauphin lieu-dit. Production is around 500 cases annually. Sanctus Sanctorium is made from 100% Grenache from their oldest vines, well over 100 years of age and produced only in the best vintages. It is bottled entirely in magnum format and is limited to just 350 magnums each year of production. Professional wine critic, Jeb Dunnuck claims it to be “one of the greatest cuvees on earth.” This is a wine of incredible elusiveness; the effort put forth in finding it is well worth it. Finally, their Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Blanc is produced from equal parts, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Clairette. With only 1 hectare dedicated to these varietals, the production is quite limited and sees less than 350 cases annually. Clos Saint Jean is considered by many critics and wine-writers as the preeminent estate espousing the modern style of winemaking in Chateauneuf. It has had an incredible awakening since the 2003 vintage and has stunned the world with its incredible and consistent release of rock star wines. “They are at the top of their game and producing some of the most singular, hedonistic and brilliant wines in the world,” states Jeb Dunnuck.