Bodega Noemia de Patagonia Noemia 2018

2017 was a humid year that had a late spring frost and a cool summer with some higher temperatures during harvest. The 2017 Noemía, produced with grapes from one 1.5-hectare plot that has been certified by Demeter for the past seven years, fermented with 15% full clusters and 20% crushed berries, and the rest fermented uncrushed in 2,500-liter open-top oak fermentors with their own estate yeasts. The wine matured in first and second use oak demi-muids for 23 months, during which time the wine was racked three times. The wine has a restrained 13% alcohol. The extended élevage made it feel extremely young and backward compared with the 2018s I tasted next to it. The oak is still noticeable, and I think it will need one or two years in bottle to integrate it completely. There is beautiful fruit, flowers, purity and elegance, with a medium-bodied palate that reveals plenty of energy, fine tannins and long-lasting flavors, finishing with very tasty, almost salty sensations. 3,900 bottles and 150 magnums were filled in May 2019.

Cropped from an almost perfect growing season when the grapes ripened slowly, the 2016 Noemía is pure Malbec from one single plot of vines planted in 1932 and comes through as aromatic, floral, perfumed, open, showy and impressive. They used 25% full clusters (higher than in the past) for the vinification this year, and the wine matured in Darnajou oak demi-muids for a shorter amount of time than ever before—just 15 months—when it used to have an élevage of 18 months or longer. This is the result of winemaker Hans Vinding Diers now living on the property and following up on the vineyard and wine every day. It's open, impressive and captivating from minute one—as soon as I put my nose in the glass, I had to smile. The palate is elegant with refined tannins, bright fruit and subtle minerality, nicely textured. It's super tasty and elegant, with less alcohol than ever, yet it has not lost any of its clout and is still powerful and seems to have all that is needed for a nice, long life in bottle. This was bottled earlier than other vintages. It has to be one of the finest vintages of Noemía to date.Rating: 97+

Fascinating aromas of blackberries, hot stones, fresh herbs, coffee and hints of strawberries. Subtle and complex. Medium to full body with a very refined texture and fine-grained tannins. It builds on the palate as you taste it. Harmonious and focused. A pretty sensibility and savoriness, driving you back for another sip. Drink or hold.

Suave and refined, with a seductive minerality to the rich red plum, dark currant and black olive flavors. The finish is loaded with luscious dark chocolate and spicy notes. Drink now through 2024.