PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Pinot Noir isn’t the grape most people associate with Argentina, but Luca G Lot makes a strong case for it. The vineyard is in Gualtallary, in the north of the Uco Valley, at roughly 1,500 meters (about 4,900 feet), planted in 1994 on stony, calcareous soils with significant slopes, cool breezes, and abundant sunlight. Warm days alternate with extremely cold nights, which slows ripening, preserves fresh acidity, and gives the wine tension. One importer calls it a place that “defined a new terroir for Pinot Noir” and notes that Laura Catena was among the first to produce Pinot Noir at such an extreme altitude.
The 2022 is made from 70% Gualtallary 777 clone and 30% Gualtallary 115 clone, the two Burgundian clones best known for fine, perfumed Pinot, and aged for 12 months in French oak, 30% new. Laura Catena, daughter of Argentine wine pioneer Nicolás Catena, makes the wine as part of her Luca label, which focuses on small quantities, artisan quality, and sustainably farmed, high-elevation vineyards. The winery’s notes describe a “beautiful garnet color with aromas of wild strawberries, saddle leather and cola root,” and “a complex Pinot with notes of leather, spice, and cherry/raspberry confiture on the palate,” with “an enjoyable Burgundian bent.”
Critics responded well. James Suckling scored it 94 Points: “There is a subtle mineral streak to the spiced berries, moss and dry earth. Juicy, bone dry and elegant, with a mineral texture and a pithy, tense finish.” Wine Enthusiast scored it 91: “Blackberry, cherry and thyme shape an attractive nose. This is an elegant and structured Pinot Noir that has optimal acidity,” with a palate of “black tea flavors followed by blackberries, herbs, peppercorn and nutmeg” and “hints of cardamom.” Vinous also reviewed it, noting “curious herbal notes with a touch of damp earth, cherry and a hint of cinnamon” and “a slightly earthy Pinot Noir with a lingering hint of bitterness on the finish.” It’s a savory, earthy, mineral Pinot rather than a plush fruit bomb, closer to Burgundy than to California, and a good table wine for duck, salmon, lamb, and game birds. Serve it slightly chilled.
Luca 2022 G Lot Pinot Noir is produced by Luca, the label of Laura Catena, in Gualtallary, Tupungato, in the Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina. It is 100% Pinot Noir from a vineyard planted in 1994 at about 1,500 meters, on stony, calcareous soils: 70% clone 777 and 30% clone 115. It is aged 12 months in French oak, 30% new. Certified sustainable. Bottled at about 13.5% ABV, 750ml.
James Suckling — 94 Points (May 2024):
“There is a subtle mineral streak to the spiced berries, moss and dry earth. Juicy, bone dry and elegant, with a mineral texture and a pithy, tense finish. Drink or hold.”
Vinous — 92 Points:
“The 2022 Pinot Noir is 70% Gualtallary 777 clone and 30% Gualtallary 115 clone, aged for 12 months in 30% new oak. It shows curious herbal notes with a touch of damp earth, cherry and a hint of cinnamon. This is a slightly earthy Pinot Noir with a lingering hint of bitterness on the finish.”
Wine Enthusiast — 91 Points (November 2023):
“Blackberry, cherry and thyme shape an attractive nose. This is an elegant and structured Pinot Noir that has optimal acidity. The palate shows complexity, with black tea flavors followed by blackberries, herbs, peppercorn and nutmeg. Hints of cardamom add depth.”
Luca (official winemaker’s notes):
“Beautiful garnet color with aromas of wild strawberries, saddle leather and cola root. A complex Pinot with notes of leather, spice, and cherry/raspberry confiture on the palate. Amazing aroma and finishes with an enjoyable Burgundian bent.”
Nose
Garnet. Wild strawberry, saddle leather, and cola root, with blackberry, cherry, thyme, damp earth, and cinnamon.
Palate
Juicy, dry, and elegant, with cherry and raspberry confiture, black tea, herbs, peppercorn, nutmeg, and cardamom, with a mineral texture.
Finish
Tense and long, with a pithy mineral edge and a hint of bitterness.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Appellation | Uco Valley (Gualtallary, Tupungato), Mendoza, Argentina |
| Variety | 100% Pinot Noir (70% clone 777, 30% clone 115) |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Producer | Luca — Laura Catena |
| Vineyard | Gualtallary, planted 1994, ~1,500m, stony calcareous soils |
| Aging | 12 months, French oak, 30% new |
| ABV | 13.5% |
| Critics | James Suckling 94 · Vinous 92 · Wine Enthusiast 91 |
| Style / Identity | An elegant, earthy, mineral Pinot Noir from one of the world’s highest Pinot vineyards |
| Aromas & Flavors | Wild strawberry, saddle leather, cola root, blackberry, thyme, black tea, spice |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
Serve slightly chilled, at about 60-62°F.
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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