The Malbec Masters 2017: results and analysis
By
Patrick Schmitt
Judges comments: Patricia Stefanowicz MW
“Malbec is a great variety, and its quintessential expression is either Argentina or Cahors. We judged some amazing wines with the juicy black fruits we love and kisses of oak, whether French or American, both of which can work well.
The few from Cahors we judged were delicious with just the right amount of structure and fruit. I suppose I’d rather liked to have seen more examples from France.
Some of the great Argentinian wines are high altitude, but occasionally trying too hard, high alcohol, maybe too much high-toast oak and over-extraction at higher price-points. Could the wines have shown a little more flavour concentration? Perhaps.
Surprises were some very delightful Malbecs from the other side of the Andes, Chile. At high altitudes and cooler climates in the south, these wines were rather delectable. Ripe fruit and bright acidity with flavour and wood in balance.”