Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Clos de los Siete by Michel Roland, Malbec Blend 2021, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina 🇦🇷

Overview
A Bordeaux-inspired blend led by 59% Malbec, 15% Merlot, 13% Syrah, 6% Cabernet Franc, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Petit Verdot, crafted under the vision of Michel Rolland. Compared to the 2019 vintage, the higher proportion of Malbec gives the 2021 greater concentration, depth, and a more distinctly Argentine personality while maintaining its polished French-inspired elegance.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe blackberry, black plum, cassis, violet, dark chocolate, espresso, graphite, cedar, and sweet baking spices unfold in generous layers. The fruit feels darker and more concentrated, revealing additional complexity with air.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied with a luscious, velvety texture and beautifully integrated tannins. The extra Malbec brings added richness and depth, while vibrant acidity keeps the wine energetic. The finish is notably longer, more textured, and impressively persistent.

Food Pairings
Argentine asado, grilled ribeye, lamb chops, braised beef, mushroom risotto, aged Manchego, or hard Alpine cheeses.

Verdict
An outstanding evolution of Clos de los Siete that leans into a deeper, more expressive profile without sacrificing balance. Richer, more textured, and exceptionally harmonious, the 2021 stands out as one of the strongest recent vintages of this iconic blend.

Did You Know?
Although Clos de los Siete is inspired by Bordeaux, the increasing prominence of Malbec in recent vintages reflects the confidence of Argentina’s Uco Valley terroir, allowing the region’s signature grape to take center stage while the Bordeaux varieties provide structure and finesse.

🍷 Personal Pick
Having enjoyed both vintages, I found the 2021 even more compelling than the already excellent 2019 (also reviewed in Delectable). The additional Malbec adds a deeper core of fruit, greater texture, and a remarkably persistent finish that elevates the wine into an even more complete and satisfying expression. It has officially become my favorite Clos de los Siete vintage to date. — 2 hours ago

Matthew Robinson

9.1

Really, great malbec at its peak — a month ago

Donald Williams

9.5

We love Malbec. This is one of the reasons. — 5 months ago

with Bonnie

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

Deep Ruby color with aromas of dark red fruits, spice and floral notes. On the palate flavors of black cherry and blackberry with licorice, black pepper and toasty oak. Firm tannins, lively acidity, medium finish ending with fruit, oak and savory spice. — 6 months ago

Mark Mannebach

8.9

Black licorice, currant and earthy notes. 2012 vintage holding up well. — 7 months ago

Ashraf Attal

9.0

With the kids — 9 months ago

Matthew Cohen

9.3

N: hint oak
P: intense pineapple and acid. Very well done.

Grapevine 32 3/5 25 btg — a month ago

Matthew Cohen

9.1

N cherry cough syrup a bit. Cranberry.
P almost dusty. Solid. Good cherry. Subtly herbs.

Grapevine 40 — a month ago

K L

9.2

Kurt wine. Lovely. Upgraded version of a lower priced option but worth it. Would get again. Dry, earthy, balanced, dusty in a good way. — a month ago

with Matt

K L

9.2

Great as Pinots go but only good for this maker. These half bottles continue to perplex. — 4 months ago

with Matt

Peter Falk

9.1

Klassisk stil. Mycket bra vin — 6 months ago

with Annika Lindh

Alfonso Serrano

9.6

De los mejores vinos españoles que he probado. — 6 months ago

Paco Suro

8.9

Mature. At end of life but consistent. — 8 months ago

Kay Patterson

9.3

Best wine for the price — 12 days ago

Shelley Morrill

9.0

Definite repurchase. My cousin picked it out — a month ago

Steve Rura

8.9

Saline, dry, red berry, citrus rind, bitters. Very nice, but I prefer a little more fruit and a little more French. With the first grill of the season! Charred salmon, asparagus, corn on the cob, and strawberry tomato and watermelon salad — 2 months ago

K L

9.1

Issue with the half bottle again. These just aren’t right…. Would be good if not. — 3 months ago

with Matt

K L

9.4

Wonderfully balanced. A little cherry but not too much. Standout merlot. — 5 months ago

with Matt

"Odedi"

9.1

Deep ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.

Strong nose of black currants, plums, oak, dark chocolates, earth, tobacco leaf, herbs, eucalyptus, light vegetables and black pepper.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with black currants, black plums, cooked cherries, spices, chocolates, oak, licorice, light cola, vegetables and peppercorn.

Medium finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.

This 8 year old Malbec based blend from the house of Cheval Blanc is starting to drink very nicely now. Feels like a Right Bank Bordeaux.

Soft, smooth and elegant. Rich and fruit forward. Nicely balanced with a nice mouthfeel. Complex and interesting.

Needed 90 minutes in the decanter to open up properly, and will continue to age nicely in the next 10 years. Would be nice to revisit it in 5 years.

Wine Advocate 97 points.

Good by itself as a sipping wine or with food.

A blend of 62% Malbec and 38% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged in (50% new) French oak barrels for 15 months.

14% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$110. — 6 months ago

Halston Bruce

9.0

standard light crisp a little funky a little sea beeeze

found at central park liquor. mom and hunter hated it 👌 — 9 months ago