Terrazas Reserva Malbec 2009 | Terrazas de los Andes
The Terrazas Reserva Malbec hails from the province of Luján de Cuyo, located in Mendoza, Argentina, far away from Malbec’s origins in the south of France. Not far off, however, is some serious French influence. It turns out that in the 1950s the French Champagne producer Maison Moët & Chandon commissioned their wine analyst, Renaud Poirier, with the task of exploring the possibility of South American wine production. Renaud’s conclusion: That Luján de Cuyo was the best location in South America for fine wine production.
With his recommendation Chandon Argentina was established in 1960 and around 30 years later Terrazas de los Andes was born to showcase what Luján de Cuyo was capable of producing. Their impressive portfolio of wines now includes four lines: The Altos del Plata, Reserva, Single Vineyard and the Cheval des Andes wines. Today we’re drinking the 2009 Terrazas Reserva Malbec .
By their own description on the rear label (pictured below), “Terrazas de los Andes grows its grapes at the ideal altitude for each variety, allowing them to develop the maximum expression of aromas and flavours. The grapes of Terrazas Reserva Malbec are sourced from specially selected terraces in the top quality districts of Mendoza at 1,067 meters (~3,500 feet) above sea level.”
Then the Terrazas Reserva Malbec is aged in oak for a total of 12 months in 80% French and 20% American, of which 30% is new. They further describe that “Despite its concentration, its round and ripe tannins provide a soft and young character…” Personally I’m a big fan of mountain fruit as well as concentrated wines that are both approachable and full of flavor. Let’s see if the Terrazas Reserva Malbec is as advertised!
Appearance: Deep dark core with a crimson red rim
Nose: Perfumed strawberry, black cherry and vanilla
Taste: Full bodied with a nice velvety texture. There are rich, somewhat jammy fruit flavors of boysenberry, and black cherry with wooded vanilla and tobacco lingering on the balanced finish. The tannins are nicely integrated and barely perceptible.
Region: Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
Varietal Composition: Malbec
Value Rating: 4.25 / 5
Price: $16
Score: 90
Should You Buy? The Terrazas Reserva Malbec is a full-bodied, plushly textured wine at a good price.
Value Proposition – Terrazas Reserva Malbec | Terrazas Malbec Review
If you like bold yet approachable fruit forward wines then I would recommend you consider the Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Malbec 2009. I agree with Terrazas’ description: Despite its concentration, this wine is plush, nicely textured and drinking well now, although I’m not sure I would describe it as soft!
At its retail price of $16 the Terrazas Reserve Malbec is a great value, and if you can find it for less it would be a steal! I have not seen this wine discounted much (a search on Wine-Searcher reveals a low price of $14.97). Terrazas de los Andes must not need to discount the wine as it represents a good value at full retail.
Even I, who isn’t exactly fond of paying full price, paid $15.99 at my local Total Wine. I will happily pay full price again when I inevitably find myself looking for a nice concentrated and approachable Argentinian Malbec that doesn’t break the bank.
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