PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Luca is the label of Laura Catena, daughter of Argentine wine pioneer Nicolás Catena and a fourth-generation winemaker, born from her vision of “a new breed of Argentine wines: small quantities, artisan quality, and true to their individual terroirs.” It is named for her first son, and the family crest on the label belongs to her husband Dan McDermott’s family. Laura works closely with small growers to source fruit from some of Argentina’s best old-vine, low-yield, high-elevation vineyards, and all Luca wines are certified sustainable.
The Old Vine Malbec is Luca’s flagship. The 2018 comes from vineyards in La Consulta and Gualtallary in the Uco Valley, with vines averaging 52 years old, at an average elevation of about 3,500 feet. The altitude, intense sun, and cool nights give Malbec concentrated color and flavor while keeping the acidity bright. The wine ages 14 months in French oak (typically about 35% new and 65% second-use), with 156,000 bottles produced, a larger run than most wines of this quality. Wine Enthusiast named it #4 on its Top 100 Wines of 2020.
Critics were enthusiastic. James Suckling scored it 94 Points, with “blueberries and black tea with volcanic salt and violets on the nose and palate,” “medium to full body and fine, silky tannins,” and a “savory finish.” Wine Enthusiast scored it 93 and named it an Editor’s Choice: “Concentrated black-fruit aromas alongside hints of cardamom and coriander open this lush Malbec. Blackberry, cassis and dark plum flavors are pure and agile on the palate.” The Wine Advocate gave 92, calling it “a floral, juicy and expressive bottling with nicely integrated oak, fine and round tannins and some finesse.” The winery’s notes describe “spice and black cherry cola aromas with notes of cocoa.” A reviewer called it “a smooth red”: “delicate spice, hints of espresso and violet, and enjoyable notes of black and blue fruits.”
In the 1.5L magnum, the same wine gives you two bottles’ worth in one striking format, a natural centerpiece for a steak dinner, barbecue, or holiday table, and larger formats are widely believed to age more gracefully. The critic scores above are for the 2018 vintage in standard bottles.
Luca 2018 Old Vine Malbec is produced by Luca, the label of Laura Catena, in the Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina. It is 100% Malbec from vineyards in La Consulta and Gualtallary, at an average elevation of about 3,500 feet, from vines averaging 52 years old. It is hand-harvested and aged 14 months in French oak (typically about 35% new and 65% second-use). Certified sustainable. Bottled at about 14% ABV, presented here in a 1500ml magnum.
Scores are for the 2018 vintage in standard bottles; the magnum contains the same wine.
James Suckling — 94 Points (April 2020):
“Blueberries and black tea with volcanic salt and violets on the nose and palate. Medium to full body and fine, silky tannins. Savory finish. Drink or hold.”
Wine Enthusiast — 93 Points, Editor’s Choice (Top 100 Wines of 2020, #4):
“Concentrated black-fruit aromas alongside hints of cardamom and coriander open this lush Malbec. Blackberry, cassis and dark plum flavors are pure and agile on the palate.”
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate — 92 Points:
“The 2018 Old Vine Malbec comes from vineyards in La Consulta and Gualtallary, both in the Uco Valley in Mendoza. It’s a floral, juicy and expressive bottling with nicely integrated oak, fine and round tannins and some finesse. 156,000 bottles.”
Luca (official tasting notes):
“Spice and black cherry cola aromas with notes of cocoa.”
Nose
Spice, black cherry cola, and cocoa, with blueberry, violets, and cardamom.
Palate
Medium- to full-bodied, with blackberry, cassis, and dark plum, black tea, a touch of volcanic salt, and fine, silky tannin.
Finish
Savory and long, with spice and cocoa.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Appellation | Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina |
| Variety | 100% Malbec |
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Producer | Luca — Laura Catena |
| Vineyards | La Consulta & Gualtallary, ~3,500 ft, vines averaging 52 years |
| Aging | 14 months, French oak (typically 35% new, 65% second-use) |
| Production | ~156,000 bottles |
| ABV | ~14% |
| Critics | James Suckling 94 · Wine Enthusiast 93 (Editor’s Choice, Top 100 of 2020 #4) · Wine Advocate 92 |
| Style / Identity | A smooth, savory, old-vine Mendoza Malbec with fine tannin |
| Aromas & Flavors | Blueberry, black tea, violets, black cherry cola, cocoa, cardamom |
| Bottle Size | 1500ml (Magnum) |
Decant for 30 minutes or more; serve at about 62-65°F.
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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