While Malbec is undoubtedly the king in Mendoza, Bonarda claimed that crown long before. This work-horse red grape of Italian origins, was mainly used in bulk table wine and now is mainly used as a blender, to to add fruitiness to the finished wine. But, Bonarda, especially ones from 85 year-old vines like this one is, can be excellent on its own, especially when oak aged as this one - 6 months in French barrels.
Fragrant aromas of plump raspberries, vanilla and violets, chocolate and star anise dominate the nose. The palate boasts an attractive fleshy character with cedar and fine spice, vanillin oak and ample purple fruit.
©copyright 2016 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 28th, 2016

Outstanding, tangy, racy.
An outstanding straw coloured Savvy offering lively aromas of passionfruit, gooseberry, snappy green apples and peach stone with verdant notes of asparagus, green beans, nettle and elderflower branch. Tangy and pristine, complex and focused it has a racy demeanor and impressive length and it shows the power of the Southern Valleys' clay soils in its structure.
©copyright 2020 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 5th, 2020

Complete, expressive, inky.
The vineyards of El Porvenir are located at 1750m or 5,740 feet above sea level this trio blend is led by Malbec.
It has a precision and levity I've come to expect from the mile-high vineyards of Salta. Inky purple colour with aromas of vanilla, licorice, black cherries and blackberries. The palate is loaded with expressive fruit and has impressive concentration. Plush purple fruits and baking spices dominate the palate; it is supple, seamlessly woven and complete.
Outstanding.
©copyright 2019 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 11th, 2019

Fresh, complexity, savoury.
The vineyards of El Porvenir are located at 1750m or 5,740 feet above sea level. This blend is equal parts Malbec and Cabernet Franc an is dominated by bouncy red fruits (think red plums and currents) atop dried herbs, leather, brown spices and tealeaf. The palate is an echo of the nose; red fruits, wild herbs and savoury spice flavours show good complexity. Balanced and fresh with integrated tannins.
©copyright 2019 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 11th, 2019

Juicy, purity, youthful.
The family vineyards of El Porvenir are located around 5,700 feet above sea level in Tolombon very near Cafayate. The winery was established four decades ago by winery director Lucia Romero-Marcuzzi's grandfather Roberto Romero. Planted with Tannat and Torrontes (vines now 55 years old) the estate was expanded two decades ago with the addition Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah among others.
This Malbec comes from Finca Rio Seco, a vineyard 20 years old and it saw no oak. Expect juicy red and purple fruits such as cherries and berries, cocoa and herbs, vanilla, brown spices and hints of white pepper. It is a smooth red with a palate to echo the nose. Medium-full bodied it has notable purity and a fresh, youthful character; a slight chill before serving is a great idea for this bottle.
©copyright 2021 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 28th, 2021