Salentein Reserve Malbec 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Review

After enjoying the 2018 Salentein Reserve Malbec approximately 18 months ago, tonight's red wine review is the latest vintage of this consistently lovely Malbec that arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the February 19th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Founded in the 1990s, the goal of family-owned Bodegas Salentein is to produce first-rate wines with a commitment to the earth where they come from. Situated in Tunuyán, in the heart of Uco Valley, Salentein respects nature and participates in the life of the area's community because the people are an essential component and reflected in the wine's expression. Salentein is a pioneer bodega in the Uco Valley whose exceptional range of wines is a testament to the diversity and quality that can be achieved in its high-elevation estate vineyards.

Salentein's vineyards are located in the elevated mountainsides at the base of the ancient and snowy Andes in an area known as the Uco Valley. The characteristics of the Uco Valley include its elevation (900 - 1,500 metres / 2,950 - 4,900 feet), alluvial soils, sunny days and cool nights, all of which provide the ideal microclimate for grape cultivation and growth of the highest quality Malbec grapes. Chief winemaker Jose "Pepe" Galante is heralded as one of Argentina's most important winemakers and helped pioneer the effort in winemaking that catapulted Malbec and Argentine wines onto the international stage.

This 100% Malbec is crafted with fruit from three different estate vineyards within the Uco Valley, with the oldest vines planted at the turn of the decade. 68% of the grapes are from the El Oasis estate which is 1,050 to 1,100 metres (3,444 to 3,608 feet) above sea level. 30% of the grapes are from the La Pampa estate, which is part of the San Pablo GI, and located at 1,250 metres (4,100 feet) above sea level. The remaining balance comes from the El Tomillo estate in Altamira GI and situated at 1,150 metres (3,772 feet) above sea level. The grapes were manually and mechanically harvested at different times, depending on the estate. After fermentation, the wine was aged for approximately 12 months in 80% French and 20% second-use American oak barrels. The 2019 harvest has received rave reviews across Argentina with a cold winter and dry summer delivering balanced and concentrated wines with great colour and acidity, albeit with slightly lower yields. Let's see how this 2019 Malbec is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

SALENTEIN RESERVE MALBEC 2019 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#640854) (XD) - $17.95
Lovely, fresh, intense, dark fruited and savoury nose with aromas of ripe blackberry, blackcurrant, earthy, violet, dried herb, and touches of wood spice. It's full-bodied, structured, and concentrated with savoury, earthy, dark currant, blackberry, black cherry, and dried herb flavours. Acids are juicy and succulent, while the youthful, fine-grained tannins have some grip and will soften with some time in the cellar. Structured with savoury, earthy, and wood flavours joined by some tangy berry notes lingering on the long finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

Other lovely wines from Bodegas Salentein are available at the LCBO and through their Agent - Azureau Wines & Spirits.