2014 Versado Reserva
This is our favorite vintage since 2009. We made a change to our winemaking protocol and included a small percentage (15%) of whole clusters in the fermentation. To this rich wine, floral and spicy notes have added an exciting dimension to enhance the structure, harmony and length. ~ Ann Sperling
Score: 95. “Owner and winemaking consultant Peter Gamble and chief winemaker Roberto de la Mota have created a blockbuster Argentine red for the 2014 vintage. Made from the iconic Malbec grape, this wine underwent a spontaneous fermentation, rather than one induced by the winemaker with specific yeasts. The wine was aged in oak barrels. This is another gorgeous red wine from Versado - this wine and winemaker perform consistently well every year. Aromas of fleshy black fruit, dried herbs, spices and pepper. Pair with grilled lamb. Highly recommended.” ~ Natalie MacLean, nataliemaclean.com
Score: 94. "A twenty year wine in all respects, with highest vintage quality fruit and purposeful winemaking decisions to see this get stronger as the days get longer. Drink now if you will but aerate and food match accordingly. Beef ribs anyone? Drink 2023-2031." ~ Michael Godel, winealign.com
Score: 94. “Dense purple colour; spicy, lightly peppery, plum and tobacco bouquet; full-bodied, richly concentrated, black fruit flavours with a mocha chocolate note. A beautifully harmonious wine.” ~ Tony Aspler, tonyaspler.com
Score: 93. "Maturing, complex, spicy and mature, indeed a highly evolved malbec here from Versado, with almost amaro/vermouth-like development, and all the more intriguing for it. The palate is broad and silky, well-proportioned, voluptuous and satisfying, with a high degree of extract and loads of depth. A delicious and substantial wine, with measured balance of power and refinement, drinking well now or continue to hold short term." ~ John Szabo, winealign.com
Score: 93. “The 2014 version of the Ancient old-vine Malbec follows closely in line with the 2013 vintage. A wow nose of rich, deep currants, plums, anise with elegant spice notes, minerals and swirling earthy/savoury accents. … shows depth of fruit, concentration and plenty of spicy/savoury goodness through a finessed finish.” ~ Rick VanSickle, winesinniagara.com
Score: 92. "This is from a three-hectare site planted in the 1920s in one the most famous regions of Mendoza. For a wine of its size there is a certain sense of elegance. But even at seven years it is still not quite ready for prime. Very complex, wild, herbal and almost meaty aromas swirl around the ripe red raspberry/mulberry fruit. It is full bodied and fairly dense with mid-palate finesse and firm tannin. There is some minerality here as well. The length is excellent to outstanding. Certainly enjoyable now with some aeration, but built to last towards 2030." ~ David Lawrason, winealign.com
A year in the vineyard
As Canadians living with four distinct seasons, we find it normal to talk about the weather all-the-time and to think about its impact on the developing vineyards and eventual harvest. We have often remarked that when we catch up each season with our viticulturist, Sergio Rinaldi, it's amazing how he can remember the exact date, time and volume of each rainfall. But typically, there are only a few in Mendoza each year, so they stand out and are memorable. The 2014 growing season is marked as memorable for its variable weather. The highlights include a "light spring frost" that made us very nervous, but in essence worked to naturally thin the crop. Resulting clusters were loose, allowing faster air-drying after rains which at times were more often than normally expected in Lujàn de Cuyo. February was cooler than normal, so ripening occurred at a slower pace, developing red and black fruits with freshness and no dehydrated berries. Thankfully our little vineyard was ready and harvested before the fall rains, resulting in wines that are of intense colour, freshness and spicy aromatics with floral elements mixing with red and black fruits and medium weight and good length on the palette.
Availability
Ontario
- LCBO Vintages release Feb. 5, 2022 #316984 SOLD OUT