Region: Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina

Varietal: 100% Malbec

Tasting notes: A perfumed red with notes of fresh wild berries, just-picked violets, sweet spices and cocoa-dusted walnuts. Medium-to full-bodied with layers of plush, polished tannins and a lingering, silky mouth-feel. Velvety and seamless with delicious blue-fruit and blue-flower character. Drink or hold.

Producer: Mendel wines classically combine Roberto de la Mota’s prestigious winemaking skills and tremendously old vineyards to make Mendoza’s most elegant wines. Proprietor and long-time wine lover, Anabelle Sielecki, partnered with Roberto to transform her family’s historic 1928 vineyard into the respected estate it is today. She honors her father, a hardworking immigrant and successful businessman, by putting his first name, Mendel, on the label.

Vineyard and Winemaking: Using his French winemaking experience, Roberto has led Argentina’s winemaking movement toward world-class production. After classical schooling and training in France, Roberto established the Terrazzas de los Andes wine program for Bodega Chandon in 1996. After much critical acclaim, he was selected as winemaker for Cheval des Andes, an ultra-prestigious joint venture between Chandon & Bordeaux’s Chateau Cheval Blanc. He represents a balance between local and global with the unique mix of influences he has received at home and internationally. The finesse and elegance in his wines are revered and respected. The grapes for this bottling come from the Mayor Drummond vineyard in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza. The wine is aged 12 months in 100% oak barrels.