Bodega Mendel Mendel Unus 2020 750ml

Blackberries, blackcurrants, mocha, cedar and cola on the nose. Medium-to full-bodied with firm tannins. Structured, with dark, chewy fruit on the mid-palate. Rich, smoky and flavorful finish. Malbec, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot. Drink after 2023. (James Suckling)

The red blend 2020 Unus was produced with 65% Malbec, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot from different locations in Mendoza, fermented in small stainless steel tanks followed by malolactic in barrel and 16 months in French barrique. This has the tannic structure from the Cabernet with the meat from the Malbec and the Petit Verdot giving volume and oomph on the palate. They have fine-tuned the picking date to keep the freshness and the floral note from the Malbec, working with precision to avoid over-ripeness, a rink in that climate. All of these wines are very classical, and they are just making small adjustments, like going for slightly larger barrels — 300- and even 500-liter ones — that have less impact and respect the fruit. The varieties feel very integrated and complement each other; it’s spicy and herbal, floral, complex and pleasant, and despite being young, it’s approachable but should show better with more time in bottle. 20,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in November 2021.

This is a full-bodied blend of 65% Malbec, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot, with a plush texture. The inviting nose exhibits licorice, ripe cherry, raspberry and baking spices. Firm tannins are matched by enough acidity to support the fruity palate. Hints of toasted oak, Jarilla and thyme mingle in the finish. (Jesica Vargas)