The focus is primarily on Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, a variety that has been somewhat forgotten as Malbec has surfed one wave of success after another in the past decade. These are complex wines that blend the best Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec with varieties that have tremendous personality, such as Bonarda and Petit Verdot. string(1821) "In the centre west of the territory, at the foot of the Andes mountain range, Mendoza holds 75% of the total vineyards in Argentina and the largest number of wineries in the country. This makes it the most important wine province and one of the main producing centres in the world. The highest peaks of the Andes are found in Mendoza: with 22.832 ft, Aconcagua is the highest peak in America. The presence of the Andes, which act as a barrier to the humid winds of the Pacific, added to the distance to the Atlantic Ocean, shape the climate generating ideal conditions for the cultivation of vines. The altitude, continental climate, heterogeneity of soils and the snowmelt are key factors for the production of excellent wines, which add to a significant winemaking tradition. The 2018 is deep red in colour, with violet tones. On the nose, it displays fruity aromas of plum and cherry combined with spicy notes of tobacco and cinnamon. An elegant and complex wine, with soft tannins and a long lingering finish.

string(307) "In its native Bordeaux, Malbec is little more than a blending component. In Argentina, Australia and increasingly, South Africa, it offers bold, expressive, richly-flavoured reds that simply cry out for a juicy steak! Notes of cured meat, cocoa, scorched earth and cherry liqueur-like flavours lead the way." Kaiken Winery is located in the district of Vistalba and relies on state-of-the-art technology. All of its wines are made with grapes sourced from estates distributed across the very best winemaking areas in the provinces of Mendoza (such as Vistalba, Agrelo and Vista Flores) and Salta (Cafayate).It was Aurelio Montes‘ spirit of adventure and curiosity that led him to Argentina. He was seduced by the people and culture, as well as Argentinean viticulture and winemaking, which he felt was open to new ideas. I’ve also reviewed Kaiken Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon. That wine is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Malbec. Meaning ‘first’ in the Pehuenche dialect, Mai is Kaiken’s top wine, sourced from 100+ year old vines in Vistalba, this 100% Malbec is structured and powerful yet balanced. It is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, which lends the wine a complexity and roundness that carries through to the finish. Naturally low yields results in extraordinary concentration of flavour. There is a nice dryness all over the palate from the tannins that balances very well with the wine’s flavors. Finish

Per the tasting notes I received with this wine, fruit was sourced from the Uco Valley. Three different vineyards were selected as sources due to their individual characteristics and superior terroirs.Kaiken Malbec Ultra is deep ruby in the glass. It’s a very dark wine with little to no light able to shine through. The 28.5 Vistalba Vineyard in Luján de Cuyo planted at 1,050 metres above sea level on alluvial derived sandy loam, pebbly soils with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay, makes well-structured elegant and complex wines. When the glass is tipped this wine really coats it up! Slow falling legs then form and glide down the sides of the glass. Aroma These wines feature appealing fresh fruit aromas, and complexity on the palate enhanced by ten months’ aging in French oak and six months’ in bottle. Heat a large ovenproof frying pan until hot, carefully lift the beef out of the marinade (discarding the marinade), place the beef in the pan and sear on each side until brown.