lorca Gran Malbec 2020

Mauricio Lorca

Vines for this single vineyard wine were planted in 2002 at Finca Los Altepes in Los Árboles, Tunuyán, Uco Valley, Mendoza. The vineyard lies between 1,150 and 1,250 metres above sea level, with the vines for this wine at the higher level on high vertical trellising with 5,500 plants per hectare. The soils are alluvial, sandy-loam, deep, and free of compact layers with abundant calcareous stones. Roots develop comfortably between 1.2 and 1.5 metres deep, helping to stabilize the vines in dry years. Irrigation is via pressurized drip from a 130–140 metre well, managed under controlled deficit to concentrate flavour without losing freshness. The entire vineyard is protected by anti-hail netting to ensure quality and volume in each harvest. The estate has its own nursery to produce vines and maintain both sanitary and clonal traceability.

Fermentation takes place in concrete tanks for 10 days at 24–26 °C, with measured extraction to achieve fine tannins and a fresh palate. Malolactic fermentation is completed. The wine is aged for 18 months in new 225 litre French oak barrels, then rests before bottling. Production is very limited: less than one kilo per plant.

Winner! Wine Merchant Top 100 2026 (2022 vintage)

“Lovely rich fruit here, as well as chocolate and well-managed oak – this is smooth and rich but so much more than that… There’s a hint of tobacco leaf and something like eucalyptus that adds lovely freshness, too.”