From 136 hectares of vineyards, planted in the mid 1990's in the Uco Valley, comes the Bodega Piedra Negra (Black Stone) 2015 Reserve Malbec. The Uco Valley is located 80km south-west of Mendoza, on the foothills of the Andes in Argentina, at 1100m above sea level. The vineyards are irrigated by drip feed during dry periods to prevent water-stress, and all water comes off the snow-capped peaks of the Andes. A point of difference of this producer is that their winery is located in the middle of the vineyards, and so the grapes are harvested and processed into wine with minimal transport stress.
The climate and altitude of the Uco Valley lends itself to wide-ranging day and night temperatures, allowing the grapes ripen slower, with a low yield of very high quality.
This 2015 Malbec is one of the better ones we've had, and the sub-$15 price tag makes this a firm favourite from a "bang for your buck" perspective. It is smooth and packed with juicy fruit flavours, but was a bit tight at the first sip. Aged in oak, the spice and vanilla notes come through well, and gives it a good balance. The second glass loosened up a little, and the wine's flavours opened up quite well. We found ourselves wanting another glass, but the bottle was dry; a good sign that we enjoyed it.
Overall, not a showstopper, but well worth a go at the budget price tag. Would I buy it again? Yes, a case full!! For overall taste, and value for money, I'm giving this one a 4 out of 5 scoring.
Cheers!!
