Bodega Benegas Lynch Old Vines Blend
WHY WE LOVE IT
- The grapes for this wine come exclusively from the Estate vineyards at Finca Libertad. This location is on the upper banks of the Mendoza River in Cruz de Piedra, Maipú. The elevation is 850 meters above sea level.
- The vineyards were planted between 1899 and 1956, all by the Benegas family.
- After 12 months in the barrels, a pre-blend is created and aged for another 6 months. The wine is then aged in the bottle for 5 years before release.
- Drink now or cellar from 15-20 Years.
Varietal Composition: 50% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot
Elaboration: The winemaking process starts with cold maceration, followed by alcoholic fermentation at 25°C for 20 days. Malolactic fermentation occurs in first-use French oak barrels, with each varietal fermented separately. For Cabernet Franc, 500-liter barrels are used. After 12 months in the barrels, a pre-blend is created and aged for another 6 months. The wine is then aged in the bottle for 5 years before release.
Tasting Notes: This wine exhibits complex aromas of red and black fruits, spices, and herbal notes, with hints of cocoa and vanilla from oak aging. On the palate, it features a strong presence and impactful mid-palate, showcasing rounded tannins from four grape varieties. The long finish includes a delicate herbaceous note and great persistence.
PRESS
2019 – 92 James Suckling
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
In 2010, Bodega Benegas acquires Finca La Encerrada, located in Gualtallary, Tupungato in Uco Valley at 1400 meters above sea level. Finca La Encerrada is among of Mendoza’s 1% of highest vineyards.
It is in the authentic Appellation of Origin Gualtallary, the street name that went up to a Monastery. Today, the name was “expanded” to include other vineyards that are far away from the original Gualtallary. As the Appellation of Origin was broaden, Patricio Tapia (Descorchados, Wine & Spirits) speaks of the original area as “Gualtallary Monasterio”, considered Uco Valley’s “diamond”.
Finca La Encerrada has 40 hectares of planted vineyards under drip irrigation.
The water runs 170 meters deep in these poor, mostly calcareous soils, with rocky and sandy spots. The varieties are harvested by soil type and are vinified separately. The result is a luscious Malbec blend.