Score: 91/100
The J. Alberto cuvée by Bodega Noemia is a special single vineyard field blend of 95% Malbec and 5% Merlot from the winery’s homeland in the Rio Negro Valley of Patagonia, Argentina.
The 4 hectares of vines producing the grapes for J. Alberto were planted back in 1955 (that’s over 60 years old!) from a massal selection (each vine is genetically different from all the others, as opposed to most vineyards that are now planted in clonal selections) on ungrafted rootstock. The 95% of Malbec are planted together with the 5% Merlot, all mixed on the same plot. The vineyard is irrigated up to 4 times a year using a traditional flooding method, with water from the Rio Negro, which in this area is very pure. Furthermore, the vineyard is grown using biodynamic practices, so it is certified organic as well.
In just a few words, this is as natural and unspoiled a vineyard as it gets, nestled in the rugged landscape of Patagonia.
But how does the wine taste like?
Tasting Notes
This Patagonian Malbec wine comes, as expected, in a very dark red color. It’s nearly black to the core, and of a dark red to the rim.
The nose is deep and intense. Filled with plenty of profound spices, like clove and nutmeg, it is also lifted by white pepper aromas. Well-integrated oaky notes of vanilla, caramel and toasted hazelnut, surround solid ripe dark cherry notes and blackberry jam.
A charming and powerful nose. Lifted by hints of wood smoke, and very spicy, it feels soft and sweetly reassuring too!
The palate is also very soft, almost smooth although the texture is more velvety than silky, with a granulous feel and a little grip to the finish. The round and oily body though, combined with a sense of sweetness from the powerful jammy red berry flavors, give the whole a generous and mild tasting experience.
Dense tannins go with good acidity that underlines the juiciness of some raspberry notes. The finish is moderately long but tasty, displaying layers of oaky smoky notes, strawberry jam notes, and salivating vanilla and salted caramel.
Overall
A juicy and richly scented Malbec, combining high level of fruit maturity, with elegant oak, good acidity and some fruit freshness. The whole is very well balanced, soft and somewhat aerial for the style, making for a serious yet easy-to-enjoy wine.
So, enjoy… 🙂
Learn more about this wine’s region of production: Patagonia
J. Alberto Vintage 2015 Wine Facts
Alcohol: 13,5%
PH: 3,80
Acidity: 5,73 g/l
Annual Production: 12,000 750ml-bottles
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