Mendoza Means Malbec

First, a vibe check…Welcome to Cavas Wine Lodge

The room includes a plunge pool and an upper deck with fireplace for stargazing on cool evenings.

Mendoza and Malbec. I gave up heavy red wines years ago but when in Mendoza (or anywhere in South America, for that matter) often the best wines on offer are Malbec.

Over the course of the month, we have had several. A few stand out. One is by Rutini. It was a big, rich, black cherry with a long finish. Low astringency made this go down almost too easily.

(You will notice that I tried a Pinot as well. Strawberries with fairly high acidity.)

Best though was Lagarde’s Primas Viñas 2013 (fully matured, soft and earthy, with ripe dark berries) and its Gran Reserva Henry 2018 (decant or hold, black currants, structured tannins, and tightly wound). The first we had in Bariloche and the second was served as part of a beautiful luncheon and wine pairing held at the winery in Mendoza. As lovely as they are, we aren’t collecting wines on this trip. But should you go, steer yourselves here. You won’t be disappointed.