Luca Valle Malbec Uco Valley Old Vine 2019
(Mendoza, Argentina) - [JS 95] [WS 93 #21 OF '21] [VM 93] [WA 92]

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Luca was born out of Laura Catena’s vision of creating a new breed of Argentine wines: small quantities, artisan quality, and true to their individual terroirs. She is a pioneer in Mendoza for working closely with small growers to grow very high-quality grapes from some of Argentina’s best old-vine, low-yield, high elevation vineyards. Each varietal delivers power along with complexity and finesse. They are the ultimate expression of rigorous vineyard management, viticultural experimentation, strict irrigation controls, skilled winemaking, and a quest for quality at any cost. Luca is named after Laura Catena’s first son and it symbolizes her love for her family. The family crest that appears on the label belongs to her husband Dan McDermott’s family.

VINEYARD & WINEMAKING DETAILS:                                                                             The Vineyards are located in La Consulta and Gualtallary of the Uco Valley. The grapes are hand-harvested and aged 14 months in 35% new French barrels and 65% 2nd use French barrels.
All Luca wines are certified sustainable through Bodegas de Argentina.

TASTING NOTES & FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:                                                     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. Pairs well with foods such as venison or wild game, steak, pork, quail, all types of lamb, and
medium-strong cheeses.

Ratings & Reviews:

93 Points & #21 Top 100 Wines of 2021 - Wine Spectator:
"Unctuous and fine-grained flavors of dark currant and ripe cherry are supported by medium-grained tannins in this red, which is creamy midpalate, with concentrated chocolate mousse notes on the finish. Drink now through 2026. 13,000 cases made, 7,000 cases imported." (Nov 2021)

95 Points - James Suckling:
"Amazing depth and intensity to this old-vine malbec with blackberry and black-licorice character to the wine. Violets, too. It’s full and dense, yet remains energetic and long. Polished, refined tannins. A gorgeous, plush red. Drinkable now for its generosity, but let it mellow with a few years of bottle age. Better after 2024." (Mar 2021)

93 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2019 Malbec Old Vine is a blend of grapes from La Consulta, Paraje Altamira, Pampa El Cepillo and Gualtallary, all in the Uco Valley.  The 2019 was age for 14 months in 35% new French barrels. Vivid purple in the glass. The nose is a combination of the best of the different regions. Frehs, ripe pum with hints of herb and sweet spices, violet and lavemder aromas are present against a backrop of cedar. Juivy with a velvety texture, the fine tannins are enhanced by the precise frreshness. The tacky finish lingers at lentgh. This is an elegant, voluminous wine; the 2019 is an accomplished approach to the variety. An upgrade for lovers of the Mendoza Malbec." - Joaquin Hidalgo (Nov 2021)

92 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"The 2019 Old Vine Malbec comes from old ungrafted vineyards irrigated by traditional flood irrigation in the Uco Valley in Mendoza. It's a floral, juicy and varietal Malbec with nicely integrated oak and a lively palate with pungent flavors, vibrant acidity and fine and round tannins." - Luis Gutierrez (Mar 2021)