Estancia Los Cardones Anko Malbec
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Salta is a land of extremes which makes for powerful, structured wines with a savory minerality.
- Anko Malbec is harvested by hand.
- Intense sunshine at 5,700′ elevation produces concentrated dark fruit flavors.
Varietal Composition: 100% Malbec
Elaboration: Very shallow and rocky soil at an average vineyard altitude of 5,700 feet. Harvested by hand. Soft destemming. Cold maceration for 7 days. Natural yeasts. 100% malolactic fermentation. 9 months in French oak, 10% new oak. Aged in 20% new French oak barrels for 6 months.
Estancia Los Cardones vineyards are named for the area’s majestic cacti which can grow as tall as 30 feet and are indeed an oasis amid the surrounding jagged landscape.
Tasting Notes: Currant, blueberry, tobacco and stone aromas. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins and bright acidity. Fresh and clean. Drink now.
PRESS
2018 – 92 James Suckling
2019 – 91 James Suckling
2020 – 91 James Suckling
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Established in 2008 by Fernando Saavedra Jr and his father, Estancia Los Cardones is home to Anko wines. Together these partners, Catena alumni Jeff Mausbach and celebrated winemaker Alejandro (Colo) Sejanovich, realized their dream to create a boutique winery in their native Salta. The name Estancia Los Cardones pays tribute to the giant cacti – Cardones in the region. The name Anko means “High Water” in the native Indian language (Quechan) of Salta, located in the northwest corner of Argentina.
Due to its location high on the eastern slopes, the soil profile of Estancia Los Cardones is unique in Salta – a very shallow, vey rocky soil with abundant splintered shale on the surface. “Salta is a land of extremes—extreme beauty, extreme altitude, extreme sunlight. These extremes make for powerful, structured wines with savory minerality that are very different from other regions in Argentina.” ~ Winemaker, Jeff Mausbach