Chakana Estate Selection Malbec 2016 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a nice Malbec that will be coming to LCBO VINTAGES on April 27th. I enjoyed the 2014 Chakana Estate Selection Malbec when it came through VINTAGES in October 2016 and am curious to see how this new vintage compares.

This red wine is produced by Chakana Wines. The winery is based in Agrelo, near the centre of Mendoza, and exhibits a winemaking style that promotes minimum intervention by using indigenous yeasts, and minimal use of sulphur and other additives. In 2012, Chakana began converting their vineyards to use organic and biodynamic agricultural practices.

While the 2014 Malbec came from estate grapes grown in Luján de Cuyo, this 2016 Malbec uses grapes from their estate vineyards in Altamira and Gualtallari, a little further south in the Uco Valley.

In charge of winemaking at Chakana is Gabriel Bloise, a member of the new generation of Mendoza winemakers. He has developed his skills in various wine region around the globe and understands that winemaking is a tool to express nature and believes that the best wines are those that hide the hand of its maker to reveal their place, such as this lovely Malbec.

Tasting Note:

CHAKANA ESTATE SELECTION MALBEC 2016 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#219261) (XD) - $19.95
Fermented using wild yeasts, and aged in French oak barrels and concrete vats for 10 months. A minerally, fragrant nose of dark plums, dark berries, wild herbs, smoky mineral, and hints of floral. The palate is medium-full bodied with fresh acidity and nicely textured tannins that offer a touch of grip. Nicely balanced aroma replays come through on the palate, plus hints of white pepper adding complexity. Smoke and white pepper notes linger on the finish, with very good length. Recommended buy. Score: 89 pts