96% Malbec and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon from Mendoza, Argentina.
SRP of $22 and available for as low as $16. Imported by TGIC Importers. Sample submitted for review.
From the bottle:
"Adventure and the love of fine wine are what brought the Montes team from Chile to Argentina, and adventure and the love of fine wine are what guided us to create our first wines there: Kaiken Reserve. As our exploration led us to a deeper understanding of Mendoza's unique and ideal terroirs, we were inspired to craft a truly superior wine, Kaiken Ultra, which we offer you in two versions: Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. We decide to concentrate on these two premium grapes varieties because we feel that they are the virtuoso performers of Mendoza's vineyards.
Kaiken, the name chosen for this quest to produce the best wine that Argentina can offer, is the Mapuche Indian name for a wild Patagonian goose that can be found on both sides of the Andes and that frequently flies from one side of the Andes to the other - just as we do in our efforts to find the perfect vineyards to produce these exceptional wines.
Adventure and the love of fine wine have proven to be our true inspiration and we hope that you will join us on this exciting journey, sharing our enthusiasm for Kaiken Ultra which we offer you from Argentina with pride.
14.8% Alcohol"
Malbec may be one of the more reliably good varietals in the under $20 category, but that certainly does not mean that all Malbec is created equal. The best examples tend to have rich, deep fruit flavors and a smooth but substantial mouthfeel. In fact, some of our favorites blend in other varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat, Bonarda and/or Syrah. Today's wine adds in a little Cabernet Sauvignon and the results are impressive.
The 2011 Kaiken Ultra Malbec begins with a really lovely, really enticing aroma of plum, blackberry, violets and just a hint of smoked meat. Tasting reveals tons of rich plum and blackberry fruit just like the nose along with a smooth, dense texture, great balance and very good acidity. It ends dry with long lasting rich dark fruit and a little oaky spice. This is an extremely delicious, full-bodied wine but you'll definitely want to decant it a couple hours before serving for it to be at its best. It makes a great match with steaks and other grilled meats.
See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.
Overall Rating: 8.0
