Wine Reviews

Wine Review: 2017 Mas Reserva Malbec

At the end of 2019, my fiancé and I went looking for, and subsequently purchased, our very first house. It was a huge step, and to make matters even more complicated, because of our jobs, we only had TWO DAYS to find the one.

Fortunately for us, we hired an absolutely amazing real estate agent (shout out to Adam Wilson with ReMax in Spruce Grove, Alberta!) who helped us find out dream home.

Now we have been in our home for nearly a year, but we were pleasantly surprised to receive a holiday message from Adam to let us know he had dropped off a little something on our doorstep. And to my delight, it included wine!

This wine, to be specific: a 2017 Mas Reserva Malbec, awarded 91 points by wine critic James Suckling.

According to the back label, this is 100% Mablec, from three different sites in Uco Valley, Medoza, grown in soils of deep-calcareous, rocky and sandy loam. 75% was aged for 9 months in 500 litre oak barrels, while the other 25% spent it’s time in cement vats.

The label also includes a few tasting notes for us to refer back to as well. I’m a sucker for an informative label!

I just couldn’t wait to try this wine. Why don’t you join me?

THE LOOK

This wine is an incredibly deep ruby-purple. It’s completely opaque and the colouring is gorgeous. I want a lipstick in this shade.

THE AROMAS

The intensity of this nose is powerful right out of the gate. I can already start to pick up aromas while it’s still down at my chest. Raspberry dark chocolate is the first thought to pop into my head.

Ripe red fruits like raspberry and cherry hit me first, but there’s a deeper base of dark fruits sitting beneath it. Black berries and black plums that smell like they are simmering away on the stove to be made into jam, but without any sugary notes added. Instead, there’s a hint of spice.

I like to make my own notes before referring back to the label to compare.

I’m feeling pretty proud of my senses on this one, as it lists the tasting notes including black fruit, cherry, dark berry fruits, with spice and floral characteristics to add on the palate.

THE PALATE

The spice becomes much more pronounced on the palate, and it really fills the mouth with it’s full body.

The acidity and tannins are very well-balanced, both sitting around medium. Usually I expect a Malbec to be a bit more tannic and cause my gums to dry out, but I’m not getting that much with this wine.

The balance also does a great job of disguising the higher alcohol, sitting at 14%, which only becomes apparent in that burning sensation that follows after I swallow.

As for the flavours, it’s spice and black fruit all the way. Those fresher red fruits and smooth dark chocolate notes are gone now.

And finally, the finish is long, lasting well over the 30 second mark. It’s the spices that stick with me the clearest. I find myself really wishing I’d paired this with an appropriate dinner. A hamburger topped with spicy cheese comes to mind.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, I am very pleased with this wine. It lived up to it’s 91 point expectations.

It was well balanced, had a long finish, very intense aromas and flavours, and was both complex and consistent with what one would expect of a Malbec.

I also googled it quickly online and found out that it retails for under $20, so it’s a great buy as well! I’m such a sucker for a great wine that doesn’t break the bank.

What do you think of this wine? Great value for a great price, or do you disagree? Let me know in the comments!