Estancia Uspallata is one of the most extreme vineyards in Argentina. It’s planted at about 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) in the remote Uspallata valley, high in the Andes on the old road west toward Chile. Winemakers Alejandro Sejanovich and Jeff Mausbach, both veterans of Catena Zapata, make the wine. That kind of altitude means intense sun, cold nights and a short season, which build deep color and bright, mountain-fresh acidity. Oak is used with a light touch, so the fruit stays front and center. Expect inky color, blackberry, black cherry and sour cherry, with violets, white pepper and a wet-stone, savory edge. The palate is lively and finely detailed, with firm tannins and a long, mineral finish. Pour it with grilled steak, lamb or a good chimichurri.
95 Points
"Fermented with 70% whole clusters, the 2020 Malbec offers the most spice-driven, savory bouquet of the Uspallata roster, supplemented with additional floral notes and a clear sense of alpine freshness. On the palate, it is punchy, inky and concentrated while welcomely retaining the clear-cut focus that permeates this range. The finish vaults clear of this textural density and releases into a weightlessly staining, saturated and chewy finish that lingers with persistent minerality. With even a short time in the glass, this continuously built upon itself both aromatically and on the palate, suggesting that this will be a fascinating wine to follow past its first decade."
Estancia Uspallata is one of the most extreme vineyards in Argentina. It’s planted at about 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) in the remote Uspallata valley, high in the Andes on the old road west toward Chile. Winemakers Alejandro Sejanovich and Jeff Mausbach, both veterans of Catena Zapata, make the wine. That kind of altitude means intense sun, cold nights and a short season, which build deep color and bright, mountain-fresh acidity. Oak is used with a light touch, so the fruit stays front and center. Expect inky color, blackberry, black cherry and sour cherry, with violets, white pepper and a wet-stone, savory edge. The palate is lively and finely detailed, with firm tannins and a long, mineral finish. Pour it with grilled steak, lamb or a good chimichurri.
95 Points
"Fermented with 70% whole clusters, the 2020 Malbec offers the most spice-driven, savory bouquet of the Uspallata roster, supplemented with additional floral notes and a clear sense of alpine freshness. On the palate, it is punchy, inky and concentrated while welcomely retaining the clear-cut focus that permeates this range. The finish vaults clear of this textural density and releases into a weightlessly staining, saturated and chewy finish that lingers with persistent minerality. With even a short time in the glass, this continuously built upon itself both aromatically and on the palate, suggesting that this will be a fascinating wine to follow past its first decade."
