Booked my flight to Mendoza

[andrawes76]

Definitely going to hit achaval, clos aposta, rica malen, Pulenta and two or three other vineyards in Mendoza. Out of curiousity, can someone offer a brief explanation as to why malbecs don't have substantial aging capability? It's a shame cause the fruit and tannin meshed with spice is just ultra consuming. It would be nice to be able to find a malbec that can stand the test of time in the cellar since they are so reasonably priced

[Thomas]

PW,

I've never understood why people believe that Malbec is not age-worthy. Even though it has moderate acidity, it's no slouch in the tannin department.

Often, age-worthiness has a lot to do with the condition of the grapes as well as the winemaking method.

Personally, I don't think there are many grape varieties that a blanket statement can be made about age-worthiness plus, many age-worthy wines are blends.

[wondersofwine]

Suggesting again Bodega Catena Zapata if they welcome visitors: http://www.catenawines.com/eng/vineyards.html

[hotwine]

Since you'll be visiting, suggest you ask the producers about cellaring Malbecs. Maybe you've got to run around the block three times and spit over your left shoulder to get 'em to age well.

[VouvrayHead]

I once went to an industry deal with Catena (we tasted the different elevations that went into the Alta Malbec vinified separately-- fascinating) and cam away impressed. Some definite ageability there.

[TheEngineer]

PW,

Do you have your trip notes for this yet? I am planning a trip to Buenos Aires next spring and am planning to hit Mendoza for a day. Would love to hit a few of the wineries around there. I heard the Uco valley is both good and nearby. I'm really looking forward to this.

[dananne]

Regarding aging Malbecs, in the past year we've had 2 Catena Malbecs from '99 that were both drinking wonderfully and could have lasted several more years. Both were balanced and had adopted secondary aromas and flavors, particularly saddle leather, but they also had plenty of fruit left, too. So, if it is in balance when young, I don't tend to worry too much about aging Malbec. When they're high in alc and/or lack acidity when young, all bets are off. At least that's been my experience.

[wondersofwine]

Laura Catena has a book on Argentine wines coming out soon from Chronicle Books.

[andrawes76]

I'm now wrapping up my plans. Going into Buenos Aires for 2 days, headed to Iguazu another two days, then Mendoza. Inside Mendoza, I'm going to visit Catena, Achaval Ferrer, Clos Aposta and I'm going to see if I can get a sneak on whats next for Clos de los Siete. I'm going to stumble into a local wine shop and talk to people to try to find more local boutique makers.

E, I'm gonna try to fit that day in if we can...will report soon.