Clos de los Siete 2020

Clos de los Siete was conceived by the oenologist Michel Rolland, who was drawn to the Uco Valley in Mendoza for its altitude and Andean soils. The vineyards sit high on the alluvial gravels and stones washed down from the mountains, free-draining ground that stresses the vines and concentrates the fruit. Altitude is the key here: intense sunlight ripens the grapes fully, while cold mountain nights preserve acidity and colour, giving a wide day-to-night temperature swing that builds structure and freshness at once. The wine is Malbec-led, filled out with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. It is aged around eleven months in barrel alongside time in concrete, the oak lending vanilla and sweet spice and rounding the tannins through slow oxygen exchange, while the inert concrete keeps the fruit fresh and defined. The colour is deep, saturated purple, the nose showing ripe plum, black cherry, cocoa, pepper and vanilla. The palate is full and ripe, with generous fruit, rounded tannins and a warm, spiced finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees with grilled red meat or lamb.