Produced in conjunction with renowned wine consultant Michel Rolland, this beauty – from Mendoza, Argentina – is a real blendy blend: 52% Malbec, 21% Merlot, 15% Syrah, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. According to the winery, “Clos de Los Siete 2017 is deep red in appearance shot through with purple glints characteristic of Malbec. On the nose, its intense and complex aromatic expression delivers subtle notes of fruit and spice. On the palate, the delicate tannins are ripe and silky, and combine with appealing freshness. Well-balanced in structure, full-bodied and offering typical freshness, the wine showcases the charming, elegant style ever present in Clos de Los Siete.” Well-known critic Natalie Maclean more or less agreed, giving the wine a 92-point rating, commenting, “Produced by the much-respected consulting winemaker Michel Rolland, this is a medium-bodied, lush and savory mostly Malbec with some Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Creamy on the palate with ripe blackberry, blueberry, dark chocolate and toasty nut flavors finishing long. Tannins are velvety. Pour with a juicy rib eye steak.” She said the wine will be drinking well into 2024. But the commentary hardly ends with her. Decanter magazine bestowed a generous 94 points on the wine, calling it an “Assertive and confident wine displaying blueberries, blackberries, wet earth and chocolate. Ripe, round and juicy with a lovely savory finish.” James Suckling was likewise generous, giving the wine 93 points, finding “aromas of blueberries, lavender, crushed stones and cocoa. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, powdery tannins carrying pretty, bright layers of blue fruit. Creamy, caressing and refined. Drink or hold.” Wine Spectator gave it high marks, too, finding “Deep, rich flavors of roasted cherry, plum tart and dried savory herbs . . . supported by firm acidity and tannins. Features a tensile frame, with slate accents midpalate.” Most reviewers seem to think it will be drinking well in 2024. As for price, believe this or not: As little as $12/bottle. I got a case and will be drinking it five years from now (assuming I have a few bottles left!).
