Andás

Varietal: Malbec
ABV: 14%
Winemakers: Bodega Benegas
MSRP: $20.00

Scoring 95 points and winning the platinum medal at the 2017 Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition, Andás 2016 Reserva Malbec is the latest vintage from the Benegas family, pioneers of New World Malbec. The Benegas were the first to bring French grapevines to Argentina—an act that would help transform the country into one of the world’s most exciting Malbec regions.

Because the 2015 vintage of this wine was so well received by members, critics, and judges alike, we decided to reserve the entire 2016 vintage exclusively for our members. This vintage presents more structure, riper tannins and more power than the 2015. And while you can taste why this vintage has been acclaimed so highly right from the bottle, the ripe tannins make this the perfect wine to hold on to for a few years—it’ll just keep getting better and better with age!

REGION:

The lifeblood of Andás comes from Finca Libertad, the Benegas family vineyard located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Nestled along the bank of the Mendoza river in the Lujan de Coyo region of Argentina, this area has become known as the land of Malbec since the variety flourished in Argentina in the late 20th century. The region’s high altitude offers its vineyards cool alpine winds at night to balance long hot and dry days in the sun. The push and pull of the extreme temperatures means a longer growing season and fully ripe grapes, leading to a complex, velvety wine. Today, Argentina’s wines delight wine lovers worldwide with their fruit forward flavors and heady aromas— a flavor profile that is in no small part thanks to the pioneering efforts of the Benegas family.

TASTING NOTES:

Intense and full-bodied with a smooth mouth feel, the 2016 Reserva Malbec's bold tannins and intense fruity flavors—plum, berry, and cherry—are complemented by savory notes, featuring hints of toasted coffee and chocolate. Adding to the wine’s complex flavors and long finish, it’s aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, imparting an earthy wood influence. This luscious, intensely purple wine is perfect for long lazy dinners for two.