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Bodegas Piedra Negra 2009 Valle de Uco Mendoza Gran Malbec

Bodegas Piedra Negra 2009 Valle de Uco Mendoza Gran Malbec

92 Points
James Suckling
dryness
acidity
tannin
body
fruit
92 Points
James Suckling

Mission Codename Uco Franco

At $40 retail this was on the higher end of Argentine Malbec.

Key word, “was”.

But after working our magic and bringing the price back down to earth, we’re serving up this 91/92 point beauty for a very sensible $16 (that’s 60% off if you’re doing the math). Now THAT reflects the insane value you can find from the region.

Maybe you know the name Lurton? André Lurton, who sadly passed away last year, ran the Bordeaux Wine Bureau from 1966 through 1986 and is most famous for the creation of the prestigious Péssac-Léognan appellation. He had seven children, and this wine tells the story of one of them, François Lurton. During a consultancy trip for the Catena family François fell in love with Argentinean wine, and purchased 500 pristine acres at 3,600 elevation, in what would be the future home of Piedra Negra.

No doubt this family has an eye for prime terroir. But unlike Château Haut-Brion, whose 2009 vintage trades in the $1,000+ per bottle realm nowadays, Argentine Malbec remains one of the world’s best values. This is a prime example.

Anyhow, what’s in the bottle?

Bright garnet color with carmine streaks and vivid crimson highlights, alluring the eyes. Tons of cassis, blackberry, black cherry, cardamom, cracked pepper, and dried shiitake hints define the nose at first. Once sipped, fine cocoa powder tannins coat the mouth, as lush plum and rum-raisin spices add complexity to this gorgeous red. One might even swear there’s some Left Bank influence as the caressing silky finale lingers long. The impeccable balance and the peak drinkability here take you right to the snow-capped Andes. With just the right bottle age, this shows great pairing potential, be it with traditional Argentinean marinated skirt steak, eggplants, peppers, or onions, make sure you drizzle it all with chimichurri.

Heartfelt regrets, in advance, for not being able to bring you an infinite pile of it, as this will go fast.

92 Points – James Suckling

“This is very balanced with blackberry, tar and dark chocolate. Full body, with attractive dark fruit character and a flavorful finish. Like the mouthfeel to this. Succulent. Drink now.”

91 Points – Wine Enthusiast

“An exotic component to the bouquet gives this Malbec something different on the nose, namely aromas of blueberry, cardamom and anise. This is full bodied, maybe a touch fat, but with fine balance and rich flavors of blackened toast, licorice, peppercorn and blackberry. A chocolaty, toasty, coffee-laden finish brings mild warmth and gravitas.”

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Tasting Profile Tasting Profile

dryness
acidity
tannin
body
fruit
Bodegas Piedra Negra 2009 Valle de Uco Mendoza Gran Malbec 750ml Wine Label
Look

Bright garnet with carmine streaks and vivid crimson highlights

Smell

Tons of cassis, blackberry, black cherry, cardamom, cracked pepper, and dried shiitake hints

Taste

Fine cocoa powder tannins coat the mouth, as lush plum, rum-raisin spices add complexity

Finish

One could swear of the Left Bank influence as the caressing silky finale lingers long

Pairing

Be it marinated skirt steak, eggplants, peppers, or onions, drizzle it all with chimichurri

What the Winery Says 2009 Valle de Uco Mendoza Gran Malbec

Bodegas Piedra Negra
Bodegas Piedra Negra
Winemaker / proprietor
François Lurton
Varietal
100% Malbec
Vintage
2009
Appellation
Valle de Uco, Mendoza
Vineyards
Agrelo, La Consulta, Chacayes
Elevation
3,600 feet
Soils
Pebbly, volcanic
Alcohol
15%
Density
4,500 vines/ha
Vine age
10- 50 years
Yield
30-35 hl/ha
Aging
15 months
Barrels
50% new French oak

About the Winery Bodegas Piedra Negra

Bodegas Piedra Negra Winemaker François Lurton
Bodegas Piedra Negra Winemaker François Lurton
Bodegas Piedra Negra 2009 Valle de Uco Mendoza Gran Malbec 750ml Wine Bottle
Offer Expired Oct 10, 2020 at 11:59 pm
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Bodegas Piedra Negra 2009 Valle de Uco Mendoza Gran Malbec 750ml Wine Bottle
Offer Expired Oct 10, 2020 at 11:59 pm
Register to get notified when this wine is back in stock:
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