Today’s Deal ~ 2011 ZOLO “BLACK” Malbec (Mendoza, ARG)

$44.95/bottle or $32.95/bottle on 6+

25d95355-0946-4551-a017-56a261729964

Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator must have been having an “off day” when they sampled the 2011 ZOLO “Black” Malbec.  These 90-point scores from two of the most esteemed periodicals of the wine world do not do this malbec justice because this monster is all of 90 points and then some!!! Especially with Carpe Vino’s EXCLUSIVE OFFER of $32.95/bottle on 6+…today might as well be “BLACK” Friday!!!

Here’s The Skinny:

The 2011 ZOLO “Black” Malbec comes from Argentina’s highly touted Mendoza Province.  Specifically, from vineyards in the Luján de Cuyo district which sit at 3444′ in elevation.  Malbec THRIVES in this region because of the steep terrain and excellent sunshine.  The terroir  allows the grapes to flourish and optimizes their superb aromatic intensity.

Still Need Convincing?

Over the years ZOLO wines have been hugely popular and some of our best-sellers at CV.  Modestly priced, yet extremely well-made, our next venture was to test the waters with some of their premium wines.  Immediately, the opportunity arose to score the 2011 ZOLO “Black” Malbec and we were chomping at the bit!   Turns out our instincts were spot-on…this wine is THE BOMB!!!   It is LOADED with INTENSE aromas of RIPE BLACK fruits. Its VIVACIOUS INKY VIOLET hue coats the glass like paint and begs you to dive in.  LUSH flavors of VANILLA, MOCHA, and hints of LIQUORICE accentuate the LONG CREAMY finish.   A classic pairing would be an herb crusted grilled lamb, but if you’re looking for something off the beaded path, try a glass with a blue cheese burger.  It’s absolutely DYNAMITE!!!

Screen Shot 2017-11-16 at 11.01.54 AM
“Wine Spectator” Rating: 90 Points

“Effusively spiced and extracted, with raspberry ganache notes to dark plum, raspberry and porcini flavors. Baker’s chocolate details show on the ripe, tannic finish. Best from 2017 through 2020.” 500 cases made.–KM

“Wine Advocate” Rating: 90 Points

“The top of the range is the 2011 Black Malbec that they oddly enough explain as being a wine in search of red fruit. Well, the name reflects the color, and there is a deep color, yes, and also some earthy, graphite-like aromas and notes of shoe polish, black rather than red cherries accented by perfumed notes. The wine, sourced form Agrelo in Lujan de Cuyo, matured in French and American oak barrels for 18 months. It has the sweet Malbec tannins but also a slightly drying texture, most likely from the barrels, so it should benefit from some more time in bottle. 12,000 bottles.”

Cheers,
Jay