I have two more bottles of Argentinean Malbec to share with you.  One is from Finca Las Moras and the other is from Bodega El Esteco.  Finca Las Moras, located in the San Juan region of Argentina, embraces a commitment to sustainability, resulting in Malbec wines that encapsulate the arid climate and high-altitude terroir, boasting rich, fruity profiles.  Bodega El Esteco, situated in the Calchaquí Valley, boasts a legacy of tradition and innovation, producing Malbec wines that reflect the unique terroir of rocky soils and dramatic temperature fluctuations. Together, Finca Las Moras and El Esteco have crafted Malbec wines that not only reflect the magnificence of the land but also offer a sensory journey into the heart of Argentina’s winemaking heritage.

If you check out their websites, as well as the websites of other Argentinean wineries, you typically see the beautiful Andes mountains behind the vineyards.  High altitude vineyards give the Malbec grapes more intense sunlight so the grapes form thicker skins to give you more colour and flavour in their wines.  When I see their website pictures, I long to visit to see the vineyards and wineries.  It is on my bucket list.  Now, let me tell you about these two wines. Sorry, no decanting notes for these wines.

My Wine Tasting Notes

Finca Las Moras PAZ Malbec 2020 (BC $17.99)

The key point for this wine is that the grapes are from the heights of the Pedernal Valley, more than 1,300 meters above sea level, which is the source of Las Mora’s best wines.  The wines for this entry-level wine are from 10-year-old vineyards. After hand-picking, the wines is matured in French oak barrels for 15 months.

Appearance: Dull, opaque ruby colour.  Teardrops are evident with swirling.
Nose: Lighter aromas of red berry fruit and dark chocolate.
Palate: Dryish, round with a lighter mouthfeel.  The wine may be dry but sometimes the fruitiness of a wine makes it taste off-dry.  This wine definitely has nice berry fruit flavours, plums, plus some oak and minerality.  Medium intensity bright acidity and light tannins. 
Finish: A medium-plus length finishing with mouthwatering acidity, juicy berry fruit flavours, and some pepperiness. Medium-drying tannins as well.

Rating:

Bodega El Esteco Blend de Extremos Malbec 2020 (BC $16.99 spec)

Bodega El Esteco was founded in 1892 by brothers David and Salvador Michel, two immigrants from France, and David’s Italian wife, Gabriela Torino, who came to make a life in the New World. Standing at an ideal altitude of more than 1,700 meters a.s.l., with its ever-present sunshine and perfect temperature range, the environment is perfect for the creation of quality wines.  The grapes for this wine come from two extreme elevation vineyards: Finca La Maravilla, Cafayate 1700 m.a.s.l. and Finca Chañar Punco, 2000 m.a.s.l. The latter vineyard is located 80 km south of Cafayate has a wide heterogeneity of its soils; calcareous and stony, rich in silt and sand. Blend de Extremos is the maximum expression of the Calchaquí Valleys.

Appearance: An opaque, dull ruby colour.
Nose: Medium-intensity aromas of dark fruits, toast/smoke, and black pepper.
Palate: Dryish, smooth and lean with a light mouthfeel.  Bright acidity and medium tannins.  Berry fruit flavours along with light toast/smoke and oak.
Finish: Medium plus length, with tart fruit finish and medium-drying tannins.

Rating:

Where Can I Buy These Wines?

Finca Las Moras PAZ Malbec 2020 is available at BC Liquor stores.  I could not find the Bodega El Esteco Blend de Extremos Malbec 2020 at BC Liquor stores and a few other major wine stores.  It may only be at select restaurants. If you see this wine in your local wine shop, please post that info in my comments section below.  Gracias.

Don’t forget that there will be a FREE consumer tasting of Argentinean wines at the 39th and Cambie Signature BCL Liquor Store on Friday, August 18th.

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