Vintus

Decero Malbec, Agrelo

Most of the Remolinos vineyard consists of silty clay over sandy gravels.  The yields for the plots that go into the Decero Malbec are around 3.5-4 tons an acres.  Clusters are thinned to 1-2 clusters per shoot, are hand-picked, and then sorted twice.  After maceration and a cold soak, the various malbec lots were fermented at different temperatures depending on their characteristics; slightly lower temperatures for the more aromatic parcels, and higher temperatures for parcels with more concentration.  The wine was then gently basket pressed before going into French oak (around a third new) for malolactic fermentation and 16 months maturation.

• 2011 Vintage

  • "Bright ruby-red.  Slightly high-toned aromas of blackberry, kirsch, bitter chocolate, violet and spice cake.  Densely packed and smooth but also lively and light on its feet thanks to harmonious acidity.  Conveys a lovely restrained sweetness to its dark berry, licorice, violet and tobacco flavors.  Finishes with smooth tannins and sneaky length; in comparison, the estate's cabernet sauvignon is a bit drier and more herbal on the back end."  90 points International Wine Cellar

• 2010 Vintage

  The spring leading up to the 2010 vintage was particularly cool which delayed veraison and resulted in lower yields of more concentrated fruit and higher acidity in the wines. Otherwise, the days were of average warmth without any peaks in temperature so even ripening occurred with good simultaneous development of fruit and sugar ripeness. 2010 Malbec shows a richer texture than other vintages due to the concentrated berries but the great structure of a harmonious season.

  Click here to view a brief video about the wine. 

  • "A warm and generous Malbec, this has aromas of melted rubber and berry. It’s full, grabby and correct in the mouth, with lightly herbal flavors of plum, berry and chocolate. The finish is big, juicy and toasty." 90 Points Wine Enthusiast

• 2009 Vintage

  2009 is commonly regarded in Agrelo, and other appellations of Mendoza, as the vintage of the decade. The long, warm, dry summer provided us with the perfect picking conditions over an extensive 20 day period which enabled Decero to pick every parcel at just the right moment to accentuate the natural differences between Malbec from different blocks and rows in the vineyard. Characteristically some parcels showed the violet aromatics for which Remolinos Vineyard is known whilst others plunged into deep red even dark fruit flavors. The cold nights as ever common in Remolinos Vineyard brings length through acidity complementing a great depth of body in the 2009 Decero Malbec.

  The core intensity of red fruit flavors and pure violet aromas remain the signature of Malbec from Decero's Remolinos vineyard.  Exquisitely balanced by freshness of acidity and an elegant integration of oak adds complexity to the rich, velvety fruit notes of this vintage.

  • "Bright red-ruby. Pure, perfumed aromas of blackberry, currant, pepper, violet, and licorice are complicated by noted of coffee liqueur and tobacco. Saline soil tones add a dimension to the silky dark fruit flavors. Today the wine's acids and tannins have not yet come into full harmony, but there's already shows plenty of personality. Wait 6 to 12 months before pulling the cork." 89 Points International Wine Cellar

• 2008 Vintage

  2008 provided the idyllic vintage conditions for wines of finesse and longevity. This vintage will likely be rated as one of the best of the decade in Agrelo for Malbec. The days were consistently warm but never peaking with heat, the nights notably cooler than previous years. As a result the phenolic, sugar and flavor ripeness evolved in perfect unison to the delight of our viticulturist. The dry summer allowed no rain to hinder the perfectly healthy grape conditions. Picking was by hand, parcel by parcel, in the early morning, about a week earlier than usual. 2008 Decero Malbec shows heightened aromatics of violets, an intensity of red fruit and pristine acid and structural tannin balance.

  • “Purple/black; already complex nose, densely packed, plush, with 2-3 years aging potential.” 92 Points Wine Advocate

  • “This malbec is pure in its varietal expression, with full flavors of red cherries and violets. Its youth shows in nervous acidity that makes the tannins feel kinetic. For roast duck.” 92 Points Wine & Spirits Magazine

• 2007 Vintage

  2007 was an excellent vintage in Agrelo. A cool winter with plenty of snow fall in the Andes was followed by a warm spring, resulting in excellent and even fruit set. Summer was characterized by warm days and slightly cooler than usual nights – excellent ripening conditions. Finally, little rainfall from late February to the end of harvest led to an outstanding vintage. 

   

  The Decero Malbec has a deep ruby color, with bright fruit and spice in the nose. Intense violet aromas and purity of raspberry and red fruit flavors are typical of the Remolinos vineyard. The wine has good structure, but remains elegant in the mouth, with a long finish, and a noticeably good acid balance. 

  • “Ripe but sleek, with a racy beam of dark blackberry and raspberry ganache flavors backed by hints of coffee and spicecake. The fin¬ish is long and supple. Rock-solid.” 91 Points Wine Spectator

• 2006 Vintage

  2006 saw a cool winter followed by a warm spring, resulting in even fruit set.  Summer was characterized by warm days and slightly cooler than usual nights - excellent ripening conditions.  Low rainfall from late February to the end of harvest led to an outstanding vintage.

  The 2006 Malbec has intense violet aromas and pure raspberry and red fruit flavors, typical of the fruit from the Remolinos vineyard.

  • "The portfolio begins with the purple-colored 2006 Malbec Remolinos Vineyard which spent 16 months in French oak, 22% new. The nose offers up smoke, spice box, violet, blueberry, and black cherry leading to a smooth-textured wine with excellent concentration and some elegance. It has plenty of spicy, savory fruit, excellent balance, and a pure finish. Drink it over the next six years." 90 Points Wine Advocate