A Pavlovian reaction to “Wine/Argentina” might be “Malbec”! And upon shouting out “Malbec” a response might be Mendoza and if so what can go wrong with a Mendoza Malbec except perhaps for a growing sense of Malbec fatigue.
Jaque Mate is from a Luján de Cuyo vineyard at approximately 870 meters altitude. The 25-year-old vines grow in sandy loam soils. It was aged in mostly French oak barrels and a small amount in stainless steel tanks.
Aroma: Blackberry, cassis, black cherry, raspberry and a bit of smoke.
Palate: Moderately tannic. A heady combination of blackberry and Vermont artisan black licorice. The texture falls out of the parameters of the usual mug shot for Argentinian Malbec in that it is not of a lush and plush description. It is rich and full bodied without being unctuous. Light longish finish.
Personality: I am somewhat different on the palate from many of my Mendoza Malbec brothers and sisters. I am excellent even if so different from my brothers and sisters.
Cellarbility: This wine will gain in complexity throughout to the end of 2026 and may just reach ultimate perfection in 2028.
Food Match: Italian Fennel Sausage.
Price: $14.60 CDN.
RKS 2025 Wine Rating: 93/100.jamessuckling.com 92.
(Jaque Mate 2019 Reserva Malbec, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Bodegas Sanchez, Mendoza, Argentina, 750 mL, 14.6%).
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