Pulenta X Gran Malbec 2016
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Suckling
James -
Spectator
Wine -
Parker
Robert
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Intense dark violet color, with a surprising brightness. Aromas of red fruit and cherries, combined with subtle notes of violet and purple flowers, marking the varietal presence. Delicate toasted aromas, given by the oak.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This offers very attractive, ripe blueberries and cherries with plums also in the mix. The freshness and depth are impressive on the palate with a luxuriously long build of blueberries and blackberries into the finish. Drink or hold.
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Wine Spectator
This offers a rich, grainy texture and aroma to the vibrant crushed red fruit flavors, flanked by minerally richness. Cream and Asian spice notes show midpalate, with chocolate nib accents on the finish. Drink now through 2024.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
I find the 2016 Gran Malbec to be very ripe, with notes of cooked fruit and boiled vegetables, and it feels quite different from the wines from 2017 onward. It's a bit heady and ripe, definitely old style with a decadent texture and melted tannins.
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The Pulenta family has been a prominent and respected force in Argentine viticulture for three generations. Sons of well-known winegrower Antonio Pulenta, and descendants of Italian immigrants, Eduardo and Hugo Pulenta founded Pulenta Estate in 2002. The vineyards are estate-owned and farmed for high quality and limited yields. Their extensive holdings in the Agrelo area of Lujan de Cuyo have allowed them to create a broad portfolio that includes sauvignon blanc, pinot gris, chardonnay and malbec rose; merlot, cabernet franc, malbec and cabernet sauvignon in several tiers and even a late harvest red blend.
Celebrated for its bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec has enjoyed runaway success in Argentina since the late 20th century. The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. A French agronomist, who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Somm Secret—If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet with its combination of dense fruit and soft tannins.
By far the largest and best-known winemaking province in Argentina, Mendoza is responsible for over 70% of the country’s enological output. Set in the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains, the climate is dry and continental, presenting relatively few challenges for viticulturists during the growing season. Mendoza, divided into several distinctive sub-regions, including Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, is the source of some of the country’s finest wines.
For many wine lovers, Mendoza is practically synonymous with Malbec. Originally a Bordelaise variety brought to Argentina by the French in the mid-1800s, here it found success and renown that it never knew in its homeland where a finicky climate gives mixed results. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Pinot Noir are all widely planted here as well (and sometimes even blended with each other or Malbec). Mendoza's main white varieties include Chardonnay, Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.