Mendel Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 | Argentina

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WINE OVERVIEW

Roberto de la Mota is an icon and pillar in the Argentina wine world. Considered the proverbial Godfather of Argentine wine who led the movement of the country’s world class wine production, he has been immersed in the world of winemaking and viticulture for almost 50 years. He was named the 2024 Winemaking Legend, Medal of Excellence, by Tim Atkin. Growing up under the stewardship of his father, Raúl de la Mota, he is considered one of the most prized winemakers in Argentine history. Legendary French enologist Émile Peynaud encouraged Roberto to go to France to study Agronomy after he received his degree in Agriculture and Winemaking in Argentina. Returning home to Mendoza from France, Roberto’s time there, as well as applied techniques with French barrels and varietals like Semillon and Petit Verdot, made him the go-to, heavily sought-after winemaker. In 2002, Roberto partnered with the Sielecki family to help preserve and make wine from their historic estate in Lujan de Cuyo. Together, they transformed her family’s 1928 vineyard into the respected estate it is today, naming it after her father, Mendel. The 100-year-old vineyards are true First Growth wines of Mendoza. Anabelle Sielecki founded Mendel Wines. Her vision and entrepreneurial spirit have helped grow Mendel to the successful, sophisticated, premium winery it is today. Her niece Tati, is now taking over the business reigns, and making Mendel a world-renowned brand.

Tasting Notes

Notes of cassis, red and black pepper, and spices. There are beautiful mineral notes and integrated oak characteristics such as vanilla, caramel, and smoke. The mature and soft tannins are round with a fresh acidity. Concentrated, balanced, and full-flavored, it displays both elegance and freshness.

Food Pairing

Pairs well with grilled meats such as chicken, pork and beef. Try with sharp cheeses, wild mushrooms or grilled vegetables.

A vibrant, fruit-forward cabernet with aromas of crushed stones, dried herbs, violets, blackcurrants and cassis. Full-bodied, well-balanced and full of energy, with firm, fine tannins and a pretty finish. Drink from 2024. James Suckling April 2023

A vineyard at 1,100 metres in Perdriel is the origin of this Cabernet Sauvignon from Roberto de la Mota, a man who understands the variety as well as anyone in Argentina. Sweetly oaked in one-third new barrels, it has bramble, cassis and blackcurrant leaf flavours, structured tannins and the concentration to age. Essence of Luján de Cuyo. 2024-30 Tim Atkin

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon was produced with grapes from their vineyard in Perdriel (Finca de los Andes is now mentioned on the label) that was planted in 1994 and delivers a fruit-driven and varietal red with fine tannins and a gentle mouthfeel. It fermented in stainless steel and matured in French barrique for one year. It has good ripeness and 14.3% alcohol. I always find notes of honey and beeswax in this wine, and this vintage is not an exception. It has herbal and berry fruit and is fresh, spicy and peppery, from the variety, with a medium to full-bodied palate with fine-grained tannins. It represents the variety, vintage and place faithfully. 36,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in August 2022. Wine Advocate November 2022

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, from Perdriel, Luján de Cuyo, was aged for 12 months in one-third new barrels. A vivid garnet red in hue. Features gentle pyrazines, ash, pepper, delicate blackcurrant and cherry aromas and a touch of roasted red pepper. Indulgent and taut, the polished, reactive tannins channel the flow. Delivering long-lasting, prolix flavor, this is everything you’d expect of a Cabernet Sauvignon from Perdriel. Vinous January 2023