2015 Finca Bella Vista Malbec
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Tasting notes
I am truly disappointed by the nose of the 2015 Malbec Finca Bella Vista, which transmits ripeness, heat and rusticity, with aromas of esparto grass, tree bark and dust. The palate is medium-bodied with dry tannins and a dusty, dry finish. I uncorked a second bottle, which was marginally better but evolved along the same lines. Not really a good showing for a bottling that is usually a lot better. 10,000 bottles were filled in October 2016.
Critic scores
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Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
(14.5% alcohol; from a deep gravel bed near the Mendoza River): Bright, moderately saturated medium ruby. Aromas of cassis, redcurrant, spices, herbs and tobacco along with an element of chocolatey oak. Wonderfully fine-grained, lively and sweet; both darker and brighter in its flavor profile than the Finca Altamira but also more open-knit today, showing a strong element of spicy oak. Finishes smooth, broad and sweet, but is it as complex? A second bottle of equal breadth was a bit more sharply focused and floral, and finished with a serious tannic spine and sneaky building persistence. This Malbec needs time.