Luca Old Vine Malbec (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2015
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Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
This Malbec has made Wine Spectator’s Top 100 List twice for a reason —it is quintessentially expressive of Mendoza and impossible to replicate.
Spice and black cherry cola aromas with notes of cocoa. The berry flavors pop on the palate from its depth and lively acidity, finishing with hints of espresso.
FOOD PAIRING
Pairs well with foods such as venison or wild game, steak, pork, quail, all types of lamb,
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This is a really happening malbec with salt, white pepper and dark fruits. Full body, solid core of fruit and a long and intense finish. Drink now.
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Wine Enthusiast
Despite humid conditions in Mendoza in 2015, this old vins Malbec shows a fine combination of blackberry, smoke and mocha aromas. It's in tip-top shape on the palate, although the acidity is a bit wiry. Oaky flavors of vanilla and mocha work well with its black cherry and blackberry fruit, which is unwavering on the finish.
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Wine Spectator
Very refined, with vibrant red fruit and spice flavors supported by fresh acidity. Lively crushed raspberry notes linger on the rich finish, with dark chocolate accents.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2015 Malbec is an assemblage of old vines from different parts of the Valle de Uco, Gualtallary and La Consulta. There is a slightly blurriness in the nose here, not as focused as previous vintages, a little musky and with hints of decayed flowers. The palate feels better, with good freshness and tasty flavors.
Other Vintages
2021-
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James
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James
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Robert
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James
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James
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Spectator
Laura Catena is a fourth generation winemaker who grew up in a traditional Argentine-Italian winemaking family in Mendoza. Laura splits her time between Mendoza and San Francisco, California, where she is an emergency physician, university professor and occasional tango dancer. Laura had the vision of creating a new breed of Argentine wines: small quantities, artisan quality, and true to their individual terroirs. A pioneer of small-grower relations in Mendoza, Laura's incredible, limited production wines come from some of Argentina's best fruit from low-yield, high-elevation, family-owned vineyards. The wines are named after her children - Luca, Dante and Nicola - and symbolize her love for her family. The background of the label is the McDermott coat of arms of her American husband, Daniel McDermott.
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.
With a winning combination of cool weather, high elevation and well-draining alluvial soils, it is no surprise that Mendoza’s Uco Valley is one of the most exciting up-and-coming wine regions in Argentina. Healthy, easy-to-manage vines produce low yields of high-quality fruit, which in turn create flavorful, full-bodied wines with generous acidity.
This is the source of some of the best Malbec in Mendoza, which can range from value-priced to ultra-premium. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay also perform well here.