2005 Mendel Unus

Blueberries and black licorice with some brick and tile. Medium to full body. Fine, lightly dusty tannins. Fresh and balanced. Drink now.

2005 was very fresh and wet too. We had some rains and wines were less concentrated, but very elegant and with good freshness and acidity. Wines with great evolution in bottle.  Ungrafted Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon planted in 1928 in Luján de Cujo. 16 months in new French oak. Deep garnet. The nose is very different from that of the 2004 – more red fruited and fragrant, more expressive, with a slight herbal note and cherries. Very inviting. On the palate too it is more open and lighter, tannins are still compact but more silky. Overall less savoury, more charm and scented on the mid palate, tastes more than a year older than the 2006. Overall fresher than the 2004. Hard to believe it has been in 100% new oak. (JH)

(a 65/35 blend of malbec and cabernet sauvignon) Bright medium ruby. Slightly roasted aromas of currant, licorice and spicecake. Began a bit clenched and quite primary, but showed a more pliant, refined texture as it opened in the glass, with harmonious acidity leavening the wine's sweet fruit and exotic fruitcake ripeness. Finishes with fine tannins and very good persistence.