Maybe all you really need to know about this wine is on the label. It’s a current vintage Malbec from the “right part” of Argentina, and James Suckling awarded it 94 points. Oh, and it’s just $13.79 at Costco. Ding, ding, ding!
Fast facts:
2017 Tapiz Malbec, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina ($13.79 @Costco; California – Item #: 890831)
Drone view
I am not a slave to others reviews and point systems, but I have to admit that James Suckling’s 94 (!) caught my attention. Here is what he had to say about this wine:
“Impressive concentration and depth here, this has a sense of freshness and richness that sets it apart. The blueberries, cassis, blackberries and red plums pervade the nose and palate. The finish is suave, gently spicy and long. Drink or hold.”
Malbec is grown in lots of places, but it finds a unique and wonderful expression on the slopes of the Andes Mountains. The fact that is grows so well in Argentina has made it the most planted fine wine grape in the country. It gets even better when it is grown at altitude.
Why Altitude Matters
The combination of high elevation, alluvial soils, and limited irrigation (sourced from the Andes Mountains) a long growing season with over 250 sunny days a year, little rain and vast temperature differences between day and night are all conducive to growing quality wine grapes. These climate and geography elements come together to provide excellent fruit ripening and concentration, developing colors, aromas, flavors and textures resulting in wines that are deep in color, intense in aromas and rich in flavors.
The front label on this bottle, which makes reference to it being part of the winery’s Alta Collection is a good sign. So is the fact that the wine is vineyard-designated, meaning all the fruit is sourced from the same vineyard. In this case the alta (high-altitude) fruit comes from Tapiz’s sustainably-farmed Sao Paulo Vineyard, in the Uco Valley of Mendoza – widely considered one of the top wine regions in Mendoza and all of Argentina.
Meet the Wine-making Dream Team
Chief Winemaker Fabian Valenzuela and the world renowned Jean Claude Berrouet of Pomerol (Bordeaux, France) worked together to create a beautiful tapiz (tapestry) between the wine’s intense fruit and its oak aging.
Related Reviews to Check Out
Sure this wine costs 2x what the Kirkland Signature Malbec does, but it’s at least 2x as good. If you need a refresher on the Kirkland Malbec, you can consult our review.
A few weeks back, we were reviewed a red wine from the other side of the Andes Mountains.
As you can see above, smack dab in the middle of of Argentina you’ll find Mendoza and its Uco Valley. If you pick up a bottle of this Tapiz Malbec, we think you’ll find it delicious when paired with roasted and grilled meats or a simple burger.
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