At this point, I hear this narrative so constantly it borders on sarcastic comedy: a successful, well-to-do person in the finance industry gets tired of the rat race and decides to purchase a vineyard to enjoy a different sort of life. I mean seriously, how many times have we heard this by now? Hallmark has even made movies around this premise. But that's what happened with Gouguenheim, which is based in the Tupungato region. It's a small winery, purchased in 2002, and only 98 acres. It's 100% Malbec, aged in French Oak.
Nose: Red cherry, but with a sweetness that would not be out of place in a box of wax candy. Shifts more towards raspberry as it sits. There's a little bit of oak making an appearance but backs off after a few minutes. A gentle note of coffee grounds as it sits for a few minutes more.
Palate: Comes in with light oak and a big blast of cherry. Slightly thin texture, with a decent amount of acidity. Earthier on the second sip, with the oak amplifying, and bringing along a bit of clove with it. After a few minutes, the oak fades down in the mix again and notes of cherry and rose petals take things to the finish line.
Finish: Medium to long. There's a slight medicinal quality that cuts through the fruit and oak, and it disrupts everything which was working harmoniously together up to this point.
Perhaps I was the recipient of a poorly stored bottle, but the ending was so disruptive to the whole experience that I didn't bother going for a second glass. Maybe we'll do a revisit in time.
$17