By Luca
Old Vine Malbec 2019

History
Laura Catena is a 4th generation Malbec grower. With Luca, Laura pioneered grower relations in Mendoza and discovered many small old-vine Malbec vineyards previously going into bulk wine. The Luca team works with some of the best family vineyards in the Uco Valley to make this rich and dense example of Malbec.

Wine Details
Vintage: 2019
Varietal: 100% Malbec
Vineyard Locations: Paraje Altamira and La Consulta, Tupungato, Uco Valley
Average Elevation: 3,500 feet
Average Vine Age: 52 years
Oak Regimen: 12 months in 35% new French oak and 65% second-use French oak barrels
pH 3.7
TA: 5.4

Tasting Notes
This is a great example of Mendoza Malbec. Incredible deep purple-red color. Loads of spice and black and red cherry aromas with notes of chocolate. The berry flavors pop on the palate as the wine has a full mid-palate and lively acidity, leading to an incredibly long finish. A bottom note of freshly brewed espresso keeps the mouth watering. This one is a teenager and should age very well (and not talk back when you don't give it the car keys!). Pairs well with foods such as venison or wild game, steak, pork, quail, all types of lamb, and medium-strong cheeses. A very flexible Malbec due to its concentration and balance.
[Information provided by Vine Street Imports]

LUCA MALBEC VALLE DE UCO OLD VINE 2019
Thursday, February 3, 2022
Country: Argentina
Region: Mendoza
Vintage: 2019
Score: 95
Amazing depth and intensity to this old-vine Malbec with blackberry and black-licorice character to the wine. Violets, too. It’s full and dense, yet remains energetic and long. Polished, refined tannins. A gorgeous, plush red. Drinkable now for its generosity, but let it mellow with a few years of bottle age. Better after 2024.

2019 Malbec Old Vine
Producer: Luca
Place of Origin: Argentina, Valle De Uco, Mendoza
Color: Red
Grape/Blend: Malbec
Rating: 93
Drinking Window: 2021 - 2034
From: Argentina on the Couch: Malbec, Terroir and Other Trends (Nov 2021)
Reviewed By: Joaquin Hidalgo on November 2021
The 2019 Malbec Old Vine is a blend of grapes from [...] the Uco Valley. The 2019 was aged [...] in 35% new French barrels. Vivid purple in the glass. The nose is a combination of the best of the different regions. Fresh, ripe plum with hints of herb and sweet spices, violet and lavender aromas are present against a backdrop of cedar. Juicy with a velvety texture, the fine tannins are enhanced by the precise freshness. The tacky finish lingers at length. This is an elegant, voluminous wine; the 2019 is an accomplished approach to the variety. An upgrade for lovers of the Mendoza Malbec.

Luca Malbec Uco Valley Old Vine 2019
Score: 93
Wine Type and Color: Red Still
Magazine Issue: Nov 30, 2021
Accolades: Smart Buys
Top 100: Wine #21 of 2021
Region: Argentina / Mendoza / Uco Valley
Reviewed By: Kim Marcus
Unctuous and fine-grained flavors of dark currant and ripe cherry are supported by medium-grained tannins in this red, which is creamy midpalate, with concentrated chocolate mousse notes on the finish. Drink now through 2026.

2019 Luca Old Vine Malbec
Rating: 92
Producer: Luca
Wine Region: Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco
Variety: Malbec
Color / Type / Sweetness: Red / Table / Dry
Reviewed by: Luis Gutierrez
Drink Date: 2021 - 2024
The 2019 Old Vine Malbec comes from old ungrafted vineyards irrigated by traditional flood irrigation in the Uco Valley in Mendoza. It's a floral, juicy and varietal Malbec with nicely integrated oak and a lively palate with pungent flavors, vibrant acidity and fine and round tannins. It was bottled in May 2020.
Published: Mar 31, 2021