Kaiken by Montes Mai Malbec 2018

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Kaiken by  Montes
Label Name:
 
Mai Malbec
Vintage:
 
2018
Country:
 
Argentina
Region:
 
Vistalba, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14.5%
Grape(s):
 
100% Malbec
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
International Wine Challenge (IWC) Gold / 95 pts (Mai 2018); James Suckling ~96 pts (2018); Descorchados ~95 (2018); Tim Atkin ~93 (2018)

Tasting Note
Intense garnet with violet hues. Aromas of ripe black and red fruits (blackberry, plum, cherry) with tobacco, vanilla and cocoa. Full-bodied, velvety tannins, balanced acidity and a long, elegant finish.

Food Pairing
Grilled steak, roast lamb, Argentine asado, aged hard cheeses; Asian pairings: Korean BBQ (bulgogi/galbi), char siu/pork belly, spicy Sichuan beef, miso-glazed dishes.

Production Method
Hand-harvested from centenary Vistalba vines; cold pre-fermentation maceration, controlled-temperature alcoholic fermentation, extended post-fermentation maceration; aged ~18 months in French oak (majority new) and bottle-aged before release.

Vineyard Info
Kaiken (founded by Aurelio Montes in 2002) produces Mai as its flagship Malbec from old-vine plots in Vistalba. The project highlights century-old vines and premium Mendoza terroir.