Score: 93/100
This Argentinian wine, from the Southern Patagonia region, by Bodega Noemia is an organic wine, made from 100% Malbec from vineyards grown using biodynamic viticulture.
The vineyard consists of 1.5 hectares whose vines were planted back in 1932 (that’s 80+ years of age!) and are pre-phylloxera, massal selection ungrafted rootstock. Each vine is genetically distinct, unlike those which are cloned. On the farm, Bodega Noemia produces 7 of the 8 biodynamic preparations (502, 503, 504, 506, 507) ourselves with our own organic material. They also make their own cow horn manure (500) and biodynamic composts. The vineyard is divided into 4 plots and each plot is managed independently to optimise the care of each one and allow a specialised approach.
Then each plot is fermented separately in four open French-oak fermenters, specially customized for us by the cooper Surtep.
Maturation takes place for 18 months in 20% old 600 liter French barrel and 80% in 225 liter new French oak barrels.
Tasting Notes
This Argentina Malbec, as the style entails, comes in a pretty dark red color, nearly black a red to the core, intense dark red to the rim.
The nose is also intense, and instantly feels profound.
As soon as you stick your nose into the glass, deep aromas of dark chocolate, dark caramel and ripe blackberry invade your senses. Vanilla and generous white pepper scents complete a voluptuous, charming and tempting aromatic profile on notes of torrefaction (coffee, dark cocoa), ripe-to-jammy red berries, and sweet spicy tones.
Intriguing and appealing it certainly is to smell at, instinctively mouth-watering!
From there, the palate doesn’t disappoint. It’s opulent straight away, filled with bursting flavors of ripe and warm dark berries, blackberry and cherry, as well as exuberant yet well-integrated oak notes.
Generous body on an oily texture and smooth tannins, is kept fresh and inviting by a solidly-balancing acidity.
Pungent spiciness is an absolute standout feature in this Malbec, a mix of Provencal herbs, dill, coriander seeds, clove and chili-like pepper (black and green pepper combined somehow).
The whole features rich ripe fruit, caramelized oaky notes, extremely concentrated spiciness, all comes together into a firework of a finish. Layered and Soooo… long, explosive really, the finish seems to be inviting you joyfully to have another sip and see if you can break the secret of why this Malbec is good and stunningly balanced!
Overall
A stunning and outstandingly-concentrated Malbec wine Bodega Noemia has pulled out here.
But the magic of it really relies in the fact that, as complex, layered, tempting at every step of the tasting, and overall salivating as it may be, it never feels over-the-top or too big. Its intrinsic spiciness and acidity from its Patagonia terroir makes it shine both with generosity and somewhat of an underlying inherited freshness.
Enjoy 🙂
Learn more about this wine’s region of production: Patagonia
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