2008 Mendel Unus
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Tasting notes
The 2008 Unus, from Drummond, Luján de Cuyo, was made with grapes from a vineyard planted in 1928. Purple in the glass with a glimmer of brick dust. The grapes were ripe and concentrated, which comes out in the nose, offering plum and country herbs. If one is patient, there seems a good chance that a bouquet will develop. In the mouth, it’s juicy with pristine flavor and a vibrant flow. It presents good volume and elegance, with tannins from the grape rather than the oak, which is well-judged.
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
This is rich, yet still fresh with lightly roasted meat and hints of herbs and berries. Medium body and firm, silky tannins. Fresh at the finish. This has aged very well. Drink or hold.
2008 was a little warmer than 2007, but very dry. The wines were well concentrated and very rich in tannins. They needed time to be open. Ungrafted Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon planted in 1928 in Luján de Cujo. 16 months in new French oak. Very deeply coloured with a hint of purple at the rim. Seems much more Cabernet-influenced in the aroma – more cassis than the older vintages tasted so far. More cassis on the palate too. More linear without quite enough flesh in the middle. Tannins are unexpectedly gentle, the whole wine is softer than I expected. Then slightly lean on the finish. (JH)
70% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Pure blackcurrant scent. Heady liquorice scent giving a medicinal quality. Downy tannins – light but plump. A cooler vintage than the 2006, apparently. Lifted and charming. (RH)