Mendel Malbec 2020
Full-bodied red wine. The style is classic Mendoza Malbec: powerful and fruit-forward but refined by French oak aging and the winemaker's focus on acidity and elegance over sheer extraction. · Mendel Wines is a partnership between the Sielecki family and renowned winemaker Roberto de la Mota. It is a highly respected boutique winery in Mendoza, known for its focus on old vineyards and elegant, balanced wines. Roberto de la Mota is one of Argentina's most prestigious winemakers, formerly of Cheval des Andes.
Vintage: 2020. This was a historically warm and dry vintage with a very early harvest. While yields were lower due to the heat, the fruit resulted in wines with great concentration, ripe tannins, and intense aromatic profiles.
Type
Full-bodied red wine. The style is classic Mendoza Malbec: powerful and fruit-forward but refined by French oak aging and the winemaker's focus on acidity and elegance over sheer extraction.
Producer
Mendel Wines is a partnership between the Sielecki family and renowned winemaker Roberto de la Mota. It is a highly respected boutique winery in Mendoza, known for its focus on old vineyards and elegant, balanced wines. Roberto de la Mota is one of Argentina's most prestigious winemakers, formerly of Cheval des Andes.
Country
Argentina, the world's leading producer of Malbec. The country's wine industry is defined by high-altitude viticulture in the rain shadow of the Andes Mountains, providing intense solar radiation and cool night temperatures.
Vintage
2020. This was a historically warm and dry vintage with a very early harvest. While yields were lower due to the heat, the fruit resulted in wines with great concentration, ripe tannins, and intense aromatic profiles.
Region & Appellation
Mendoza, specifically sourcing from Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley. The 'Finca Mendel' estate vineyards in Mayor Drummond (Luján de Cuyo) are at the heart of this wine, reflecting a traditional high-altitude terroir.
Grape Varieties
100% Malbec. The grapes come from ungrafted old vines (planted in 1928). These vines produce small berries with thick skins, resulting in deep color, velvet tannins, and floral notes of violet.
Color & Appearance
Deep, intense violet-red with purple highlights. It is clear and brilliant with significant viscosity (legs) indicating high extract and alcohol content.
Aroma Profile
Complex bouquet featuring intense primary aromas of black cherries, plums, and raspberries. These are layered with floral scents of violets and secondary notes of vanilla, cedar, and cocoa from the French oak.
Tasting Notes
The palate is meaty and voluminous with a silky entry. It shows a wonderful harmony between fresh fruit and spicy oak. The finish is persistent, marked by soft, ripe tannins and a refreshing lift of acidity that prevents the ripeness from feeling heavy.
Flavor Profile
Prominent flavors of black fruit jam, dark chocolate, and licorice. As it develops, notes of black pepper, tobacco leaf, and a slight mineral graphite character emerge, leading into a toasted oak finish.
Body & Texture
Full-bodied with a luxurious, velvety texture. It possesses great concentration and weight, feeling oily and smooth on the tongue with a dense mid-palate.
Acidity & Tannins
Medium-plus acidity provides freshness and longevity. The tannins are high but incredibly fine-grained and sweet (ripe), typical of well-managed Luján de Cuyo old vines.
Sweetness Level
Dry. While the fruit seems sweet and ripe on the nose, the residual sugar is low (usually under 2 g/L), common for premium dry reds.
Alcohol Content
Usually ranges between 14.5% and 15.0%. The alcohol is well-integrated, providing body and warmth without a burning sensation.
Aging & Oak
Aged for approximately 12 months in French oak barrels (partially new, partially second-use). This softens the grape's natural tannins and adds complexity through slow oxidation and spice extraction.
Food Pairings
A classic match for grilled ribeye (Ojo de Bife), lamb chops with rosemary, or hard cheeses like aged Manchego. For a seasonal Spring pairing, try it with grilled portobello mushrooms or a slow-roasted brisket.
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 16-18°C (60-64°F) in a large Bordeaux glass. Decanting for 30 to 60 minutes is recommended to allow the aromatics to fully open and the tannins to soften.
Price Range
Approximately $25.00 - $35.00 USD. It is widely considered an exceptional value for the quality and the pedigree of the winemaker.
Quality Assessment
Consistently scores in the 91-94 point range from critics like James Suckling and Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. It is a premium tier wine that represents one of the best expressions of 'traditional' Mendoza Malbec.
Production Methods
Manual harvest in small crates followed by double sorting (clusters and berries). Fermentation takes place in small temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with regular remontage (pump-overs) and delestage for extraction.
Terroir
The soils are predominantly alluvial with sandy loam and some stones. High altitude (approx. 900-1100m) ensures a wide diurnal temperature range, preserving acidity while ripening the fruit perfectly.
History & Heritage
Mendel was founded in 2002. Roberto de la Mota is the son of Raúl de la Mota, the man legendary for modernizing Argentine winemaking. The winery is housed in a restored 1928 facility, blending history with modern tech.
Interesting Facts
The label contains the Mendel 'M' crest, symbolizing the union of the Sielecki family's business acumen and De la Mota's winemaking art. The 2020 vintage was particularly notable for being the 'COVID vintage,' harvested under strict lockdown conditions in Argentina.
Cellaring Potential
Excellent. Drink now through 2030. It will develop tertiary notes of leather and dried fruit over the next 5-8 years while maintaining its structural integrity.
Similar Wines
Catena Alta Malbec, Achaval-Ferrer Quimera, Viña Cobos Felino Malbec, or Luca Malbec Old Vine.