Review: Malbecs of Terrazas de los Andes, Fall 2024
The Lujan de Cuyo region of Argentina’s Mendoza province is scattered with quality finds, and Terrazas de los Andes (Spanish for “Terraces of the Andes”) is certainly on that list. Established in 1996 as a part of Moet-Hennessy’s wine division, the company acquired land originally established by the La Perla winery in 1895 and discovered several high-altitude vineyards planted but not being used, just waiting to be turned into wines again. Today, we’re taking a closer look at the latest offerings at three out of four price points. The fourth tier, dubbed Extremo, is scheduled to arrive on the U.S. market shortly with an asking price of around $200.
2021 Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Malbec Mendoza – There are certain qualities expected of a Malbec from Mendoza: darker fruit, a bit of oak, and perhaps a note of tobacco or vanilla. This checks all those boxes and provides a welcome surprise courtesy of bell pepper on the nose, even after some time in the glass. It’s very direct in its delivery but manages to keep things engaging throughout: loads of dark cherry and strawberry mingling with faint traces of minerality and floral notes evolving through polished tannins and good acidity. It’s quite an smart value. Spoil yourself and grab three: one for your next free moment of relaxation, one for later, and one to put away for a year or so. B+ / $20
2020 Terrazas de los Andes Grand Malbec – Amplified from the onset, this displays big aromas of blackberry and violet when going from bottle to glass. After a few minutes, nuances of dark chocolate and cassis appear, but this never strays too far from the dark fruit. Concentrated red fruit flavors take the lead on the palate, balanced with high acidity and juicy tannins. Things stay straightforward until a finish filled with dark chocolate, coffee, and blackberry endlessly lingers about. Cliché as it goes with burly Malbecs, this could be an excellent pairing with a well-prepared brisket and an evening in front of the firepit. A- / $45
2020 Terrazas de los Andes Los Cerezos Malbec – One of four offerings in Terraza’s Parcel series of higher-end wines. Sourced from a higher-altitude vineyard at the edge of the vineyard near the base of the mountain range and aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. A more muted version of a classic Malbec, it offers aromas of cherry and stewed plum eventually tempered by notes of mocha and vanilla. It remains fruit-forward, with strawberry peeking through on the palate as it builds, but it’s so elegant and balanced by good levels of acidity, fine tannins, and the oak aging that it never leans too heavily into jammy qualities. I can think of several high-end Malbecs ascending to elevated levels of quality, and this is worthy of inclusion in that cohort. Gorgeous. A / $100
2021 Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Malbec Mendoza
$20
