Bodega Rolland Mariflor Malbec 2012
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Suckling
James -
Parker
Robert
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Dense and polished with beautiful tannins and licorice, plus berry and mineral character. Full-bodied and refined yet powerful. Needs at least two or three year to soften.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2012 Mariflor Malbec has very strong lactic notes, aromas of ripe plums and blueberries and plenty of violets, concentrated and ripe, developing balsamic aromatics with time in the glass. The palate is very compact, there are no fissures there, the tannins are abundant, the acidity is good and makes the wine balanced. This is a modern classic, fermented in cement vats with indigenous yeasts and matured in new and used French barriques for 15 months. It will be even better with more time in bottle.
Stephanie Rolland, who practically grew up with the project, is increasingly involved in its continuing development and growth.
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.
By far the largest and best-known winemaking province in Argentina, Mendoza is responsible for over 70% of the country’s enological output. Set in the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains, the climate is dry and continental, presenting relatively few challenges for viticulturists during the growing season. Mendoza, divided into several distinctive sub-regions, including Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, is the source of some of the country’s finest wines.
For many wine lovers, Mendoza is practically synonymous with Malbec. Originally a Bordelaise variety brought to Argentina by the French in the mid-1800s, here it found success and renown that it never knew in its homeland where a finicky climate gives mixed results. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Pinot Noir are all widely planted here as well (and sometimes even blended with each other or Malbec). Mendoza's main white varieties include Chardonnay, Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.