2015 Tapiz “Alta Collection” Malbec Mendoza
We love good Malbec wines from Mendoza, Argentina, especially ones produced by Bodega Tapiz. Maybe we are a little biased in our opinion. Back in 2009, we visited Bodega Tapiz and also stayed two nights in their beautiful wine lodge. What a treat for us!
When I received an email alert from KL Wines touting the 2015 Tapiz Alta Collection Malbec for $14.95, I did not hesitate. As you can see from the photo, the bottle carries a 94-Point sticker from wine critic James Suckling. I’m in for half a case. I expect the Tapiz Malbec to be very good.
Tasting Notes 2015 Tapiz Malbec
Act quickly, KL Wines shows low inventory on this wine. I love everything about this Malbec. The aroma pops from the glass with impressive character. The wine is polished, smooth, elegant, and fun. It is medium bodied and 100% Malbec. The after taste is brilliant.
In Argentina, Malbec and steak go hand-in-hand. When we visited in 2009, grass-fed beef was a mainstay. Now that may be a thing of the past in Argentina. The American way of corn feedlots seems to be more economical these days. We don’t have a steak too often but, when we do, I always search for grass-fed beef. It is it pricey but much healthier. The Tapiz “Alta Collection” Malbec is the perfect match with a grass-fed steak.
According to the KL Wines Website, this Tapiz Malbec is vinted from grapes that come from their sustainably-farmed San Pablo vineyard in the Uco Valley of Mendoza. “San Pablo is one of the highest-altitude vineyards in Mendoza (4,600 feet above sea level). This extreme altitude provides for warm days that impart concentration to the grapes, and cold nights that give natural acidity.”
More on Bodega Tapiz
Bodega Tapiz is a family-owned endeavor. The owners are Patricia Ortiz, a doctor in Buenos Aires and her husband, Jorge Ortiz, an attorney. In 2003, they made a bold move and decided to purchase the winery that was for sale by owner Jess Jackson. Fabián Valenzuela had been the winemaker from the start. In 2012, Patricia Ortiz took another major step in winery operations by hiring famed Chateau Petrus winemaker, Jean Claude Berrouet, as an additional winemaker. The result is more great wines from Tapiz.
My rating on the Tapiz is 91 Points. It is a lovely wine.
The regular Tapiz Malbec (not the Alta Collection) is usually available at BevMo stores for $10 a bottle on their 5-Cent Sale. Currently, the 2017 is available. Bodega Tapiz also has the Zolo label, another Malbec worth tasting.
The Alta Collection from prior vintages has been well worth the extra $. There is more more concentration and aromatics. Tapiz is a quality grower and producer at reasonable prices.
I agree, just a well run winery from the vines to the bottle. Fantastic quality to price ratio. Joe