2019 Old Vine Malbec

A cold winter and dry summer characterised the 2019 harvest across the board in Argentina offering balanced and concentrated wines. With the total crush standing at 2.4 billion kilograms of grapes (compared to 2.5 in 2018), production was slightly lower in 2019.

At our Versado vineyard in Lujan de Cuyo, dry weather (precipitation 40% lower than usual), small berries and slightly lower yields (8085 kg from 7 acres); cooler temperatures overall. The 2019 harvest happened about one week earlier than usual on March 28, and the grapes were in pristine condition with not a hint of botrytis or downy mildew.


Score: 93 “Versado’s 2019 comes across with immediacy with thanks to its sheer purity, clarity and distinct take on a Luján de Cuyo expression for malbec. … incredible vintage where everything is in balance and striking… The fruit is spot on ripe and confidently diagnosed to react so positively with its partners. Terrific combination of flavours as a treat for the senses. Tasted April 2024 ~ Michael Godel

Score: 92 “100+ year old vines from estate vineyards on Cobos Road in the heart of Luján de Cuyo, the latest Versado malbec by Canadians Ann Sperling and Peter Gamble is a fluid and sleek example, not without appealing grit and structure, but overflowing with savoury dark fruit and tonic orange peel notes in an attractive expression. I find it more composed and complex than the mean, not just fruit, or oak, but rather a complete ensemble. It's drinking well now, but no rush; continue to hold towards the end of the decade. Tasted April 2024” ~ John Szabo, MS

Score: 90 “From 100 year old vines, this a full bodied, fairly dense and very ripe malbec with almost raisined fruit. It captures malbec mulberry, geranium and black tea aromas, with very good flavour intensity. Full bodied, fairly dense and rugged on the palate. Not particularly tannic but sturdy nonetheless, with excellent length. Best 2026 to 2030.” ~ David Lawrason  winealign.com

At our Versado vineyard in Lujan de Cuyo, dry weather (precipitation 40% lower than usual), small berries and slightly lower yields (8085 kg from 7 acres); cooler temperatures overall. The 2019 harvest happened about one week earlier than usual on March 28, and the grapes were in pristine condition with not a hint of botrytis or downy mildew.

We were concerned that there would be problems with frost, because of the dry spring, but a constant evening breeze made frosts rare this year. Thankfully, there were no significant hailstorms. A high skin/juice ratio that resulted from the small berry size made for highly concentrated wines with great colour. Acidities ran higher than usual due to the cool climate. We expect the 2019s to be approachable when young, but also able to age.

Availability

Ontario
CRU Wine Merchants
, David Foran,
DavidForan@cruwinemerchants.com 613.805.8710

Quebec
Vertigo Vins
, Mathieu Belanger,
mbelanger@vertigovinsetspiritueux.com 514.234.7818

Nova Scotia
NSLC Port of Wines
, #1016972

Bermuda
Miles Market
, Hamilton Bermuda
https://www.miles.bm/waterfront-wine-club