I do not know much about S American Malbec. I’ve had a few inexpensive examples and enjoyed them. Somewhere I read that the Adrianna Mundus Bacillus Terrae is an amazing wine, though I can’t remember where. Very few mentions of it here on WBers, and a few very favorable reviews on CT.
I ask bc I am able to get a great deal on a bottle of the 2016. It’s well below the WS low, and seems like it could be a steal, but still expensive enough that I really want to know whether its worth it for me.
For those of you who have had it, what do you think? What US/Old World wines might be comparable?
Yes, I’ve had it three times in two vintages (11/13). Two times double blind. The best Malbecs I’ve had to date as it has so much structure and freshness (for a Malbec) and with a good terroir expression. All wines improved markedly in the glass after a long decant (hence a long decant is advised). It is the only wine from Argentina that is still on my buying list for future vintages.
I don’t have a history with this Malbec, but I will say that the Chardonnay coming from Adrianna Vineyard (White Bones/White Stones) is just amazing.
If I were personally looking to try this Malbec I would look to drink it with 8+ years of age on it. At least with their high end/single vineyard wines Laura Catena states they are really looking to produce terroir-driven wines meant to age. It’s true of at least the Chardonnay, some White Bones with 10+ years on it can be phenomenal.
I found the Bacillus even more structured, cool and fresh but the Fortuna Terrae (had one vintage a few times) is definitely also one of the finer examples.
Just ran across this - yes, the MBT is insane good. Just had the '16 in Argentina a couple weeks ago and the '15 at home before that. It is definitely a couple ticks above the FT. (Also wandered around the vineyard.)
Mundus Bacillus Terrae is a special bottle of Malbec and certainly worth trying. I would wait to drink it until you’ve made something of survey of other quality Argentine Malbec so you can understand how it fits into the Argentine style.
Lovely nose with muted bass note dark fruits, stems and fertile earth. Follows with loam on the palate. Lots of high toned and acidic fruits. Firm but rounded structure centered on the Malbec with earth textures and graphite in between. Finish is a bit umami and more fruit and even more of this plush but intricate structure. Very compelling but a shyness that made the pleasure now just a tick off. Incredible wine. (95 pts.)
I don’t know if I’m ever going to get an opportunity to taste these $150-300 Argentine malbecs, but I love knowing that they exist. Not the price part of it, but that there are Argentine malbecs (or any malbecs) being made and enjoyed at this kind of quality level.
I love it when producers and vineyards can break through the perceived ceiling of a variety or region.
I really like the SV Cab Francs. And I like the SV Bonardas. The rest of the wines are OK to good (Gran Enemigo blend). I also find more of a house style than I do the CZ wines.
That is hard. I had the 16 from a Coravin bottle a few weeks ago and it was gorgeous. I also suspect it will age well though unsure on improve ( there is an electric quality to the freshness) I guess I’d just say whenever you feel like it. An evening you can spend with it or friends who want their Malbec reset.
