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In 1988, Michel Rolland first encountered Argentina. He was immediately captivated by the country, its fantastic vine-growing potential and was quickly convinced that Argentina offered all the necessary conditions to produce truly great wine. In 1998 Michel collaborated with a group of partners from Bordeaux, whose names are closely linked to the internationally best known Grand Cru wines to produce Clos de los Siete, a blend of Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet, Syrah and Petit Verdot.

Grape

55% Malbec, 19% Merlot, 10% Cabernet-Sauvignon,

12% Syrah, 2% Petit Verdot , 2% Cabernet Franc

Vineyard & Vinification Note

Location: Valle de Uco ; Vistaflores, Canton de Tunuyàn (120 km south of Mendoza).

Climate: Continental with low rainfall.

Soil: Sand and clay with large pebbles.

Altitude: 1100 m.

Vineyard size: 325 Ha planted out of a total 850 Ha.

Size of parcels: 1-3 Ha.

Planting density: 5500 vines /Ha.

Pruning: Double guyot.

Practices: Vertical training, green harvesting, leaf trimming, computer-controlled drip irrigation.

Harvest: Manual harvesting in 15 kg trays.

Yield: 29 hl/Ha.

Sorting: Manually sorted twice (before and after destemming).

Transport: All by gravity i.e. no pumping.

Vinification: Cold pre-fermentation maceration.

Pumping over one and a half times the volume at the beginning of fermentation, half the volume at the end of fermentation.

Maturing: 11 months – 70 % in oak barrels (1/3 new French oak barrels, 1/3 in one year old barrel, 1/3 two years old); 30% in vats – No fining, no filtration.

2018: one of the finest harvests of the last 30 years

“2018 was a great vintage in the Uco Valley. The weather was relatively dry and cool, with record differences between day and night-time temperatures, especially in March and April. These conditions enabled the berries to ripen more quickly, while favouring the concentration of anthocyanins and tannins in the grape skins, resulting in exceptionally high-quality wines.

The winter of 2017 was mild and dry, with a few stormy periods. This clement, dry weather continued into the spring, with some occasional frosts in mid-October and no “Zonda” (a warm wind that descends from the Andes Cordillera). The summer started hot but then temperatures gradually fell in February, March and April, thanks to the cooling effect of the Pacific on the Andes. This phenomenon, combined with low rainfall, about 30% less than the historical average, made it possible to achieve an optimal balance between aromatic expression of the fruit and pleasant natural acidity.

The harvests took place two weeks early, with the vines in perfect health. The sugar and polyphenol levels were excellent, resulting in superb freshness and good concentration of the juices.” Michel Rolland

Tasting Note

“Clos de los Siete 2018 has a beautiful deep red colour with glints of ruby. The nose is characterized by intense, complex aromatic expression with scents of dark fruit, blackberries and blueberries, and floral notes accompanied by delicate hints of spice. The palate is generous, silky and full-bodied. The blend presents a remarkable balance between well-rounded tannins, intense fruit, and good concentration. This wine has a characteristic freshness and beautiful length on the palate. Seductive, elegant and complex, it has great potential to improve with age.”  Michel Rolland

 Vegan

James Suckling Tasting Note

Ripe plum, black cherry, lavender and cocoa on the nose. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, creamy tannins. Polished and rounded with a plush, deep core of dark fruit. Lingering crushed-hazelnut notes on a long, concentrated finish. Drink or hold. 94 Points, February 2022

Wine Advocate Tasting Note

I think the 2018 Clos de Los Siete is the finest vintage of this blend that I’ve tasted so far. In this cooler year, it’s a blend of 55% Malbec, 19% Merlot, 12% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% each Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. It has good ripeness (14.5%), juicy but fresh and balanced, tasty, with full flavors and fine tannins. Seventy percent of the wine matured in 225-liter French barriques for 11 months. Instant gratification at a great price. 988,000 bottles produced. 91+ Points, Luis Gutiérrez, March 2021,

Wine Spectator Tasting Note

Dense and powerful, with plenty of loamy notes to the dark cherry and roasted plum flavors that show creamy accents. Ends with dark chocolate on the finish. Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2024.  650,000 cases made, 22,400 cases imported. 90 Points, Kim Marcus, September 2021

Food Pairing

Ideal partner with red meat. Fantastic with steak, beef stew, pulled-pork, filet mignon. Also good with meaty fish dishes such as salmon teriyaki.