2008 Bodega Norton Malbec Reserva

100% Malbec harvested by hand from 30- to 50-year-old vines located in Bodega Norton’s Finca La Colonia estate in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza. The vineyard is 1,100 m above sea level and vine density is 3,500 vines/ha. Soils are alluvial in origin, moderately deep sandy loam to loam in texture over gravel with very good water drainage. Grapes were cold macerated for five days at 8-10°C and fermented with native yeasts for seven days at 25°C, followed by a further maceration for 25-30 days at 20°C. 100% natural malo then aged for 12 months in first and second use French oak barrels with a further 10 months in bottle before release. Winemaker Jorge Riccitelli. No fining so suitable for vegetarians and vegans. TA 5.12 g/l, pH 3.70, RS 1.89 g/l. Minerally, tarry, sweet and then very chewy. Not a comfortable mix. (JR)