Bodega La Azul Reserva Blend 2019
Full-bodied red wine · Bodega La Azul
Vintage: 2019
Type
Full-bodied red wine
Producer
Bodega La Azul
Country
Argentina
Vintage
2019
Region & Appellation
Mendoza, Tupungato, Valle de Uco
Grape Varieties
A traditional Bordeaux blend typically featuring Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot
Color & Appearance
Deep ruby-red with purple highlights and a dense, opaque core, showing thick, slow-moving legs that indicate high alcohol and extract
Aroma Profile
Intense aromas of ripe black plums, blackberries, and cassis, complemented by secondary notes of sweet vanilla, dark chocolate, and subtle earthy undertones
Tasting Notes
A rich and generous initial palate attack leading into a lush mid-palate filled with dark fruit and baking spices, finishing with impressive length, fine velvety tannins, and a warming, elegant touch
Flavor Profile
Prominent flavors of black cherry, ripe blackberry, and blueberry, layered with secondary nuances of mocha, sweet tobacco, and a hint of eucalyptus and mint
Body & Texture
Full-bodied with a luxurious, velvety texture, plush mouthfeel, and excellent concentration that coats the palate without feeling heavy
Acidity & Tannins
Medium-high acidity providing refreshing lift to the rich fruit, balanced by ripe, fine-grained, and approachable tannins that offer structural integrity
Sweetness Level
Dry with minimal residual sugar, balanced harmoniously by ripe fruit flavors and high alcohol
Alcohol Content
14.5% ABV, offering a warming sensation that enhances the wine's rich, robust body
Aging & Oak
Aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels, imparting subtle notes of vanilla, toast, and sweet spice while allowing the fruit to remain the star
Food Pairings
Ideal for heartier spring dishes such as grilled ribeye steak, roasted lamb chops with rosemary, or hard aged cheeses like Manchego
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 16-18°C in a large Bordeaux glass, decant for 30 to 45 minutes before drinking, and enjoy within its current optimal drinking window
Price Range
$25 - $40 USD
Quality Assessment
Scored around 90-92 points by major critics, representing a stellar boutique premium red offering great depth and modern elegance
Production Methods
Hand-harvested grapes from low-yielding vines, cold-macerated prior to temperature-controlled fermentation using selected yeasts, followed by barrel maturation and minimal filtration
Terroir
High-altitude desert terroir situated in the Uco Valley at over 1,000 meters elevation, characterized by alluvial sandy-loam soils, intense solar radiation, and dramatic diurnal temperature swings
History & Heritage
Founded as a boutique family-owned winery in Tupungato, Bodega La Azul focuses on crafting expressive, handcrafted wines that capture the unique spirit of the Uco Valley
Interesting Facts
The distinctive handwritten artistic style on the label reflects the winery's intimate, personal approach to winemaking and storytelling
Cellaring Potential
Drinking exceptionally well now through 2026, with potential to develop further tertiary complexity if stored in optimal cool cellar conditions
Similar Wines
Catena Zapata Alta Malbec, Achaval-Ferrer Blend, and Terrazas de los Andes Reserva