Bodega Norton Norton Privada Family Blend 2021 750ml

The 2021 Privada Family Blend is a blend of 40% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot sourced from Luján de Cuyo. Aged for 16 months in oak barrels, this purple wine presents ripe aromas of blackberry and plums, complemented by a faint balsamic whiff against a cedar backdrop. Dry, rich and plush, the velvety and juicy palate lingers long with a tasty finish. This is an intense, fruit-forward and balanced Luján de Cuyo wine from a cold vintage. (Joaquín Hidalgo)

There’s better integration of the oak and better balance, harmony and elegance in the 2021 Privada Family Blend. It was produced with 40% Malbec and 30% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from vineyards in Luján de Cuyo. It feels very integrated, with each variety adding aromas and flavors and coming through as complex and powerful. This has to be one of the finest vintages for this bottling. Maybe they used less new barrels… 220,000 bottles produced. (Luis Gutiérrez)

Up-front notes of vanilla and cocoa bean fold into a well-contoured core of plum and berry flavors, which takes on additional layers of cassis and chocolate. Ends with polished tannins, showing nice length. Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2034. 960 cases imported. (Aaron Romano)