Domaine Bousquet Reserve Malbec

A great wine, this Malbec Reserve from Domaine Bousquet has already garnered numerous awards, including 92 points from Tim Atkins and 91 points from James Suckling. As far as we're concerned, it deserves even more gold medals because it's truly an exquisite wine from the Tupungato Uco Valley in Mendoza. Domaine Bousquet's old vineyards are situated at the perfect altitude of four thousand feet. The large, old vines with deep roots are now producing a magnificent harvest of Malbec grapes. Winemaker Jean Bousquet owes this in part to the refined climate in his vineyards. The Argentinian sun naturally does its work, providing warmth for the Malbec grapes. But cooling is also necessary for a smooth growing season. The grapes receive this from the cool wind that blows through the vineyards at high altitude, as well as from the cool nights. As you can imagine, the difference between day and night temperatures is enormous.

Wood aging for the Bousquet Reserve Malbec

When the grapes are ready to be harvested, work begins very early in the morning. The Malbec grapes are harvested with the utmost care and placed in small crates. This prevents damage to the bunches and preserves the freshness of the grapes. After pressing, the juice is aged in oak. Not entirely, however, because Jean Bousquet wants to offer something new with this Reserve quality. He wants to combine the freshness and fruity style of Malbec with the oak notes to create a drinkable, lightly oaked Malbec. He succeeded, and the wine is aged for at least eight months in oak barrels for half of its age.

The smell and taste of the Malbec Bousquet Reserve

Our senses are already stimulated upon pouring; a beautiful deep black color indicates that this is no ordinary glass. A typical color for a top-quality Argentine Malbec. The aroma clearly reveals the wine's oak-aged character; refined aromas of black fruit and a touch of spice complete the bouquet. A very balanced, elegant wine, this Bousquet Malbec Reserve expresses pure fruit with notes of raspberry, blackberry, and fig, along with a distinct chocolate note and a distinctive minerality. Good acidity with a supple mouthfeel and excellent structure and length.