Fast Facts:
- 2020 Clos de los Siete Red Blend, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina ($14.99 @Costco in California, Item #227843)
See that subject line about “love at first sniff”? That is one we used almost exactly two years ago when we were surprised to encounter this wine at Trader Joe’s. Well, it’s almost the same teaser with two exceptions beyond the vintage. This time we found the wine at Costco. Secondly – and best of all – the price has dropped $2.00 so we can now refer to it as being “under $15 vs. under $20. Such is the wine market these days…
But you know what hasn’t changed? How damn lovely this wine is. Again, the first whiff in the glass tranports me to the intoxicating (and addicting) aroma of traditional wineries. (Full disclosure: we had dinner in this winery some years ago and got to experience that perfume first hand.) The nose makes big promises, and boy does it deliver. This is a mouthful of melange. A tall tale of tasty terroir. A bouquet of Bordeaux blend begging for BBQ. Too heavy on the alliteration?
Bottom line: this is a beautiful wine from a beautiful wine region. Here is your proof for the latter assertion:
This is where we would normally give you some background on the winery itself. The bottle does a pretty good job of that. From the back label:
“Clos de los Siete is a vineyard oasis at the foot of the Andes Mountains in Mendoza. Under the guideance of Michel Rolland, Clos de los Siete was created by a group of men and women who share a passion for wine and for the magic of Argentina. Drawing on their expertise and inspiration, Clos de los Siete produces great Argentine wine. Throughout the winemaking process – vineyard cultivation, winemaking and aging – Clos de los Siete captures the essence of this generous land and its noble varietals, including the magnificent Malbec grape. Over the two decades since its founding, our seven pointed star continues to shine on the legacy of Clos de los Siete’s founders as they pass their vision on to the second generation. Blend: Malbec 55%, Merlot 16%, Cabernet Sauvignon 15%, Syrah 9%, Petit Verdot 3%, Cabernet Franc 2%.”
We often say that great wine starts with the winegrapes being grown in the right place. Long time readers know how much we love the wines of the Uco Valley.
Tasting Notes:
I’m gonna punt on sharing my tasting notes, and defer to resepcted wine critic Jeb Dunnuck who gave this particular bottling 93 points and had this to say: “A smoking value, the 2020 reveals a healthy purple hue as well as darker fruits and a pure, lively bouquet that includes lots of blueberries, spring flowers, leaf herbs, and violets. Nicely textured, medium to full-bodied, and balanced, it drinks as if it cost 2-3 times the price. It should evolve for 4-6 years, and I certainly wouldn’t be surprised to see it evolve longer as well.”
The Argentinians we met during our stay would emphatically state this this wine – and all Malbecs, for that matter – should be paired with beef and empanadas. But it would pair with just about any grilled meat as well as pasta in red sauce. ABV = 14.5%
Need More Wine Picks from Costco – or Trader Joe’s Even?
If your wine shopping excursions land you in Costco, prepare by grazing our most recent reviews of Costco wines here in our Lucky 13 list.
And if your shopping finds you at Trader Joe’s, you can find our Lucky 13 list of TJ’s wine here.
Remember as alway, let us know if you find something you think we should know about. We will give you a shout out in our review for “sniffing it out” for us.
Cheers!
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