Region: Argentina, Mendoza
Grape variety: Malbec
Background:
A masterpiece by Susana Balbo, Crios Malbec 2018 won top recognition from multiple experts. With deep purple colour, intense aromas of crushed blueberries, cherries and blackberries, it is aged 9 months in 100% French oak to soften the hard tannins. Grapes for the Crios Malbec were cultivated at high altitude of 1,140 metres above sea level. The cool night temperatures help to develop refreshing acidity, which balances the alcohol level and creates a velvety rounded character.
Tasting notes: Bursting with black fruit aromas and a fusion of toasty oak and vanilla notes this Malbec is the perfect creation from Susana Balbo's stable of Crios (young offspring) wines. Plump, with dark cherries and brambles complemented with a touch of spice and smoky oak, this full bodied wine finishes long with soft silky tannins offering up a lot more than the price would suggest.
Reviews
92 Points - James Suckling: “This shows the beautiful quality of the 2018 vintage with a solid core of fruit, bright acidity and a silky finish. All here. Drink now.” – 92/100 JamesSuckling.com
Screaming value - Stephen Tanzer: Crios means “offspring”. Winemaker Susana Balbo has chosen this word to reflect the notion that these wines haven’t quite “grown up” to the same level of maturity as her other, more premium wines, but they receive the same loving care and attention as all of her wines. This is probably the champion of the range – a fabulous mix of crushed red cherries and toasty / smoky oak.
