Clos de Los Cardones Malbec

About this wine

Clos de Los Cardones Malbec is the estate's flagship bottling, sourced from hand-selected old-vine blocks growing in calcareous-clay soils at 1,050–1,200 meters in the Valle de Uco. Native yeast fermentation preserves the vineyard's character, while gentle extraction keeps the tannins silky and precise. Aging in French oak barrels (a mix of new and second-fill) adds structure without masking the wine's signature aromatics: violets, blueberry compote, crushed stone, and a whisper of dried Andean herbs. The signature of Uco Valley — bright acidity, mineral backbone, and fine-grained tannins — runs through the wine from first impression to a long, saline finish. A wine that reflects both the grandeur and the purity of Argentina's high Andes.

Sommelier's Note

"This is the definitive argument that Malbec is not just about power — Valle de Uco proves it can be as precise and mineral as a great Burgundy."

Food Pairings

A natural partner for Argentine-style grilled red meats (asado), especially grass-fed beef ribeye and lamb chops cooked over quebracho charcoal. The wine's mineral acidity cuts through fat beautifully. Also excellent with aged hard cheeses, mushroom risotto, and braised short ribs with red wine reduction.

When to drink it

Perfect for a special dinner at home, a romantic anniversary, or as a thoughtful gift for a wine-curious friend. Best decanted for 30–60 minutes to allow the wine to fully open.

Specs

Grape Varieties

Malbec

Style

Red

Price Range

¥5,500–8,000

Terroir & Winemaking

Vineyards at 1,050–1,200m elevation in Valle de Uco, Mendoza. Hand-harvested from old-vine Malbec blocks on calcareous-clay soils. Native yeast fermentation in stainless steel and open-top concrete vats. Gentle extraction with periodic pump-overs and pigeage. Aged 14–18 months in French oak barrels (30–40% new). Unfiltered, naturally clarified. Alcohol approximately 13.5–14.0%.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Clos de Los Cardones Malbec taste like?

Expect a deep violet-purple color and intense aromas of blueberry, blackcurrant, and violet flowers layered with crushed stone minerality and a hint of Andean herbs. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied yet fresh, with silky fine-grained tannins, bright acidity, and a long saline finish that sets it apart from heavier, lower-altitude Malbecs.

How does this Malbec compare to other premium Argentine Malbecs?

At the premium level, Valle de Uco Malbec like Clos de Los Cardones competes with names like Achaval-Ferrer, Zuccardi Valle de Uco, and Clos de los Siete. The Clos de Los Cardones style emphasizes mineral precision and elegance over sheer concentration — more Pomerol in spirit than Napa Cabernet.

What is the best way to serve this wine?

Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F). Decant for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 1 hour, for younger vintages. Use a large Burgundy-style glass to allow the violet and blueberry aromas to fully unfurl. The wine continues to improve for 8–12 years from vintage in a proper cellar.

Is this wine age-worthy?

Yes. The combination of Valle de Uco's natural acidity, the wine's mineral backbone, and the structure from French oak aging gives it excellent aging potential. Drink from 2–3 years after vintage for primary fruit expression, or cellar for 8–15 years to develop secondary complexity of dried flowers, earthy spice, and leather.

Is Malbec grown only in Argentina?

Malbec originated in Cahors, France, where it's known as 'Côt' or 'Auxerrois.' It nearly disappeared from France after the 1956 frost devastated its vineyards. Argentina — particularly Mendoza — rescued the variety and transformed it into the world-class grape it is today. Valle de Uco represents the current frontier of what Argentine Malbec can achieve.