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MENDEL MALBEC
2011 Release  
Liquid Art Selections
BRITISH COLUMBIA 
May 1, 2013
Neal Martin on vigneron Roberto de la Mota of Mendel
 
"Alongside Nicolas Catena, the late Raul de la Mota was considered the forefather of modern Argentinean viticulture and his son, Roberto de la Mota, has himself become one of the country's most respected vignerons. It was Roberto's knowledge and expertise that Mendel's proprietor, Anabelle Sielecki, whose father immigrated to Argentina, sought when looking for a partner, and it was a pleasure to meet both at this small winery. The first thing to catch my eye was a sign indicating the age of the vines in Lujan de Cuyo. Mendel is a bijou winery that does not rely on modern technology to conjure impressive wines. They come from the small, specially selected ancient parcels that are combined with a simple, intuitive approach to winemaking courtesy of Roberto and vineyard manager, Santiago Mayorga. These are splendid, intellectual Mendoza wines." - (October 2012 - Issue #203) 
Lunta by Mendel Mendel Malbec
Mendoza 2011

VARIETAL:
100%Malbec
REGION:Lujan de Cuyo,
Mendoza, ARGENTINA
PRICE:$37.00/ bottle 
FORMAT:
6 x 750ml
DRINKABILITY:
now - 2013

 90 POINTS + - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar  (March/April 2013)
"(aged in 40% new French oak):  Bright medium ruby.  Musky cassis, plum and dark chocolate on the nose, lifted by minty and mineral nuances.  Fine-grained and firm in the mouth, with a restrained sweetness to its black raspberry and smoky mineral flavors; conveys an impression of strong extract.  Nicely integrated acidity extends the finish, which features chewy, ripe tannins and excellent lift."

 

Roberto de la Mota is one of Argentina's most respected and admired winemakers.

 

His long career in wine began when he was just 19, working with his renowned father Raul, who made wine at Bodega Weinert for 20 years (at the time Robert Parker declared that Weinert was making 'the most profound red wine in South America'). After studying Viticulture and Winemaking at the University of Montpellier Roberto made wine at Moet + Chandon's Terrazas de los Andes, then created Cheval des Andes with Pierre Lurton of Chateau Cheval Blanc in 1999. He and business partner Annabelle Sielecki founded Mendel in 2003.

 

 

Roberto de la Mota is a unique person. A paraplegic since a 2007 car accident, he has an aura of gentle calmness and zen-like serenity that fills the room the moment he enters. You quietly become aware that you are in the presence of an immensely powerful source of positive energy. His presence is totally dominating in a way that is only possible because it is totally effortless. And of course when he speaks to you he has the special gift of tricking you into thinking that - at least for a moment - you are as smart as he is.

 

Malbec has adapted perfectly to Argentina's climate and soils. Mendel's Malbec is a classic expression of old-vines Mendoza fruit, with enticing aromas of violets and ripe plums and rich, deep, mouth filling flavor. It can be enjoyed now for its luscious fruit, or allowed to mellow for many years in the classic Argentine tradition, to be savoured in the full glory of its maturity.