Cuvelier Los Andes Cuve Los Andes Colección 2005
Bodega
Range
Wine
Vintage
Origin
Price
Appearance
Dense, but clear and bright violet-hued red.
Nose
Caramel and chocolate lace concentrated blackcurrant and blackberry fruit preserves. Dense stewed plum aromas carry hints of clove.
Palate
Medium bodied. Dry, dark spicy fruit with white pepper, clove and dark, almost burnt caramel notes. Oaky traces recall pencil shavings. Robust and clean acidity with fine, unimposing tannins.
Overall
Cuvelier is the third Valle de Uco winery contributing to Michel Rolland's Clos de los Siete. This wine is a corte (blend) of 62% Malbec (accounting for the violet hues), 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Syrah, 7% Merlot, and a 3% trace of Petit Verdot. 60% of the wine was given 11 months in French oak barriques, with the balance tank aged. The result is a complex and pleasant aroma reflecting the dominant varietals, and a well balanced mouthfeel that isn't so dense or oaky as to be tiring. Reasonably good value at this price point, hovering just below the pricier but stronger cortes from producers such as Carlos Pulenta.
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(November 06)