Bodega Noemia de Patagonia Rio Negro Valley Malbec 2014
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Pairs well with lamb, red meats, game and is a great accompaniment to cheese boards.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
2014 was not an easy vintage in Río Negro, but I'd say the 2014 Noemía is a triumph over the natural conditions of the year. This is pure Malbec from a 1.5-hectare plot planted in 1932 with a massale selection (Hans told me at Noemía they are anti-clone!) that is certified organically- and biodynamically-farmed. The soils are of alluvial origin, with lime, clay, gravel and limestone 1.2 meters below the surface. The year was quite windy, a common problem in the zone, with a fresh spring and a late summer that was quite intense during the harvest. The result is a ripe wine with 15% alcohol that is unnoticeable, as it's nicely balanced. To me, it's not about the amount of alcohol, it's about balance, and this one is balanced. The grapes are only picked in the morning, before it gets too warm, and they fermented with indigenous yeasts in 2,500-liter cement vats. Leaving the wine in the glass and not stirring it made the spicy oak aromas emerge, in a sign of youth. The aging lasted 18 months and was one-third in 600-liter demi-muids with thick staves and the rest in brand new French barriques from the prestigious coopers Darnajou and Surtep. This change in the oak is noticeable in the wine, which comes through as better integrated. We discussed which past vintage this 2014 could be compared with, and we agreed on 2012, a little riper and not as focused as the 2013. I personally think this 2014 has a better balanced palate than 2012, with finer tannins and a subtle minerality, a texture, rather than a flavor. Somehow the wine became more focused with time in the glass, so I think time in bottle will do it good. He had to do some sorting of the grapes, so final quantities were lower, so some 4,000 bottles were produced. It has been in bottle since December 2015.
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James Suckling
The aromas of hot stones, blackberries and blueberries are impressive. Full body, layered and intense yet always refined and polished. A gorgeous and stylish malbec.
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Wine Spectator
A plush, rich and spicy red, filled with concentrated flavors of dark plum, currant and cherry. Features a seductive creaminess midpalate, leading to a finish loaded with dark chocolate and licorice details. Drink now through 2020.
Other Vintages
2016-
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Celebrated for its bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec has enjoyed runaway success in Argentina since the late 20th century. The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. A French agronomist, who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Somm Secret—If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet with its combination of dense fruit and soft tannins.
One of the most southerly regions on the globe for fine wine production, Patagonia has experienced extraordinary vineyard expansion since the early 2000s.
Patagonia vineyards occupy the lower foothills of the Andes at 1,000 to 1,600 feet. Here cold air drops at night from incredibly steep elevations—the Andes reach well over 15,000 feet in this zone—a phenomenon that produces drastic diurnal shifts. Cold nights contrasted with hot summer days produce grapes with striking color, full ripeness, great finesse and aromatic intensity.
Favored for its luxury brands, the Patagonia wine growing region of Argentina focuses on a diverse array of international varieties: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillón and Viognier among the white grapes, and Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon for reds.