Deep ruby-purple, almost black color; black cherry, tobacco, chocolate, oak on the nose; blackberry, black cherry, plum, oak, chocolate, tobacco, leather, black pepper on the palate.
Dry; significant, fine-grained tannins—swirl a while or decant. Balancing acidity. Good structure. Exuberantly voluptuous in the mouth. Medium plus-to-full body. Blend of 60% cabernet sauvignon, 25% malbec, 15% cabernet franc from the southern end of the Uco Valley. Spent 20 months in French oak; oak is there but the oak is generous, not flamboyantly obnoxious. 14% ABV
Finca La Mascota lies at the foothills of the Andes Mountains, about half a mile from the Mendoza River. Fresh breezes from the Andes and the river caress the vines and also cause significant diurnal shift, a key to Mascota’s reputation for outstanding cabernet sauvignon and malbec. The vineyards cover around 250 acres. Main grape varieties include cabernet sauvignon, malbec, shiraz, and chardonnay. The oldest cab vines are more than 40 years old, the average age of the vines is around 30 years. Rodolfo “Opi” Sadler is the winemaker.
La Mascota Vineyards Unánime Gran Vino Tinto 2018 is big, juicy, but at the same time has a charming softness and approachable elements. Vibrant, tasty, interesting wine and excellent QPR (quality-price ratio). With 450,000 bottles produced, this should be findable. Pair with traditional Argentine dishes; grilled beef; wild game—venison, boar; lamb; pasta dishes; poultry; cold cuts; charcuterie board with hard cheeses. $18-21
