We call this harvest “el Año Mendocino,” the Mendoza year. After a small, cool vintage in 2017, which we refer to as “El Año Bordelés” (the Bordeaux Year) and a small, very cool and rainy 2016: “el Año Bourguignon” (the Burgundian year), we finally got a vintage that is classically Mendozan: dry, cool, sunny and with moderate yields in every region from the lowest to the highest altitudes.
Critic Ratings
James Suckling Review – Published May 5, 2021 – Rated 93:
A medium-to full-bodied red with aromas of black plum, black raspberry, orange zest, wild herbs and sandalwood. Very fine, seamlessly integrated tannins carry fragrant layers of dark fruit. Complex, zesty and deliciously spiced. Drink now or hold.
Robert Parker Wine Advocate Review – Issue 31st Mar 2021 – Rated 92:
The peppery 2018 Syrah – Viognier is a co-fermentation with 8% Viognier in the style of Côte-Rôtie. This 2018 feels less expressive than the 2017 I tasted last time, with subtle and elegant aromas, contained ripeness and moderate alcohol and very good freshness. It feels quite primary and undeveloped, medium-bodied and fluid, with very fine tannins.