The high-altitude vineyards of Argentina’s Uco Valley are known for producing some of the country’s most expressive wines, and the 2018 Mascota Vineyards Unánime Malbec is a standout example. Consistently earning 90+ point ratings from leading critics, this wine showcases impressive depth, structure, and balance.
Crafted from 30-year-old vines in the La Consulta subzone and aged for 15 months in a mix of large foudres and used barrels, it reflects a thoughtful approach to winemaking that highlights both fruit purity and refined complexity. The result is a Malbec that combines intensity with elegance—qualities that make it a remarkable value within Total Wine’s Argentinian selection. For those looking to experience the sophistication of modern Mendoza reds, this vintage is well worth exploring.
The Story Behind Mascota Vineyards
The Andes Influence
Mascota Vineyards sprawls across 250 acres of prime viticultural land in Argentina’s famed Mendoza region, specifically within the prestigious Uco Valley. This elevated terrain, nestled at the foothills of the magnificent Andes mountains, provides an exceptional environment for growing exceptional Malbec grapes. The La Consulta subzone, where Mascota has established its roots, is particularly renowned for producing wines of remarkable depth and character.
Distinctive Terroir
What truly distinguishes Mascota’s vineyard sites is their elevation. Positioned at significant altitude, these vineyards experience dramatic diurnal temperature variations—warm sunny days followed by substantially cooler nights. This temperature shift stresses the vines in precisely the right way, forcing them to develop thicker skins and more concentrated flavors while maintaining fresh acidity. The result is grapes with an ideal balance of ripeness, structure, and complexity that ultimately translate into wines of distinction.
Winemaking Philosophy
Mascota’s approach to winemaking centers on respecting the natural expression of their exceptional terroir while enhancing it through thoughtful oak aging. Rather than overwhelming the fruit with aggressive new oak, they employ a nuanced combination of foudres (large oak vats) and previously used barrels. This methodology allows the pure expression of Malbec to shine while gaining complexity from oxygen exposure and subtle oak influence.
Tasting Notes: What Makes the 2018 Unanime Malbec Special
Visual and Aromatic Profile
In the glass, the 2018 Unanime Malbec displays a captivating deep purple hue that hints at its concentration and youth. The aromatic landscape is dominated by rich dark fruits—plum, blackberry, and blueberry—complemented by cassis notes. These primary fruit aromas intertwine with more complex elements of vanilla, clove, and subtle spice, creating an enticing bouquet that continues to evolve with exposure to air.
Palate Experience and Texture
The first sip confirms what the nose suggests—this is a full-bodied, richly textured wine with impressive concentration. Dark fruit flavors of blackberry and plum dominate, alongside more evolved notes of fig and date. The extended oak aging contributes secondary characteristics of cigar box, black tea, and dark chocolate that add complexity and depth.
What truly distinguishes this Malbec is its textural quality. The tannins are substantial yet velvety, providing structure without harshness. A creamy mouthfeel coats the palate, while the wine maintains enough freshness to remain balanced despite its power. The finish is long and persistent, revealing new layers with each moment.
Oak Influence
The 15-month aging regimen—with approximately 50% in foudres and 50% in used barrels—has clearly left its mark on this wine. Unlike more commercially-styled Malbecs that might see shorter aging periods or higher percentages of new oak, the Unanime’s approach allows for gentle oxidation and subtle oak integration without overpowering the fruit. This results in complementary notes of vanilla and spice rather than dominant oak characteristics.
Terroir and Production Techniques
Climate and Altitude
The Uco Valley’s unique climate plays a crucial role in shaping this wine. Sitting at approximately 3,000 feet above sea level, the vineyards benefit from intense sunlight during the day, promoting ripeness and color development. However, the significant drop in temperature at night (often 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit) preserves acidity and extends the growing season, allowing for more nuanced flavor development without losing freshness.
Vine Age and Management
The average 30-year age of Mascota’s vines contributes significantly to the wine’s complexity. These mature vines naturally produce lower yields with more concentrated fruit, resulting in wines of greater depth and character. Their established root systems penetrate deeper into the soil, accessing minerals and water stores that younger vines cannot reach, while also providing greater resilience against seasonal weather variations.
Distinctive Aging Approach
The winemaking team’s decision to split aging between foudres and used barrels represents a thoughtful deviation from standard Argentine Malbec production. Many producers opt for either shorter aging periods or higher percentages of new oak to create more immediately approachable wines. By contrast, the Unanime’s extended aging in less intrusive vessels allows for slower, more gentle evolution, resulting in a wine with both immediate appeal and mid-term aging potential.
Food Pairing Suggestions
Meat Companions
The robust structure and velvety tannins of the 2018 Unanime Malbec make it an exceptional partner for substantial meat dishes. Grilled porterhouse steak stands as perhaps the most perfect pairing, with the wine’s tannins cutting through the steak’s richness while complementing its savory character. Lamb chops, particularly when seasoned with herbs like rosemary and thyme, create another harmonious pairing as the meat’s slight gaminess resonates with the wine’s darker fruit notes.
For long winter evenings, slow-braised beef ribs offer perhaps the most luxurious pairing option. The tender, gelatinous meat and rich sauce mirror the wine’s creamy texture while providing a savory backdrop for its dark fruit flavors to shine.
Cheese Selections
When constructing a cheese board to accompany this Malbec, focus on aged selections with some intensity. Aged cheddar, with its sharp, nutty character, stands up beautifully to the wine’s structure. Aged gouda, particularly those with caramelized flavor notes from extended aging, complements the wine’s hints of date and fig. Blue cheeses with moderate intensity can also work wonderfully, creating a contrast between the wine’s fruit and the cheese’s savory qualities.
Serving Recommendations
For optimal enjoyment, this wine benefits significantly from decanting. A 30-minute aeration period helps to open up the aromatics and soften the tannins, particularly if the bottle is young. Serve at a temperature of 62-65°F—slightly below typical room temperature but warmer than cellar temperature—to showcase both its aromatic qualities and structural elements.
Value Proposition and Critical Reception
Price Analysis
With a market average of approximately $40 USD, the 2018 Unanime Malbec positions itself in the premium category for Argentine reds, though certain retailers like Total Wine offer it at a more competitive $21.99 in some locations. At either price point, this wine delivers exceptional quality relative to cost, especially when compared to similarly structured wines from regions like Napa Valley or Bordeaux that might command twice the price or more.
Critical Assessment
The wine has garnered consistent acclaim from professional critics, with scores ranging from 90-93 points from major publications. These ratings place it firmly in the “excellent” category and reflect its successful balance of immediate pleasure and structured complexity. Critics typically highlight its concentrated fruit profile, integrated oak, and textural qualities as particularly noteworthy.
Aging Potential
While the 2018 Unanime Malbec offers immediate drinking pleasure, its structural elements—particularly its firm tannins and fresh acidity—suggest potential for short to mid-term aging. The wine should drink beautifully now through the next few years, with optimal drinking likely in the 2023-2025 window for those seeking more evolved tertiary characteristics.
Serving Recommendations and Storage Tips
Temperature and Glassware
Serving this wine at the proper temperature dramatically affects the tasting experience. At 62-65°F, the wine’s aromatics are most expressive without sacrificing structure. Too warm, and the alcohol becomes prominent; too cool, and the tannins can seem austere.
A large Bordeaux-style glass with adequate room for swirling allows the wine’s complex aromatics to develop fully. The broader bowl provides sufficient surface area for aeration while directing the aromas toward the nose.
Decanting Benefits
Given the wine’s youth and structural components, decanting serves multiple purposes. Beyond separating any potential sediment, a 30-60 minute decanting period allows oxygen to interact with the wine, softening tannins and amplifying aromatic complexity. The difference between a freshly opened bottle and one with an hour of air can be remarkable, transforming the experience from good to outstanding.
Storage Considerations
For those wishing to cellar bottles, consistent temperature (around 55°F), horizontal positioning to keep the cork moist, and protection from light and vibration will ensure optimal aging. While not necessarily requiring decade-long cellaring, even 2-3 years of proper storage will allow the wine to integrate further and develop additional complexity.
The Verdict: Why This Bottle Deserves a Place in Your Collection
Among Argentina’s many Malbecs, the 2018 Mascota Vineyards Unánime stands out for its impressive balance of quality, character, and value. Combining high-altitude fruit from the Uco Valley with thoughtful oak aging and precise craftsmanship, it delivers the depth and complexity often found in far more expensive wines. The result is a red that feels both powerful and refined, showcasing the elegance of Argentina’s signature grape.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner, expanding your wine collection, or simply treating yourself to something exceptional, this Total Wine selection captures the essence of Mendoza’s winemaking excellence. The 2018 vintage, in particular, highlights how meticulous viticulture and skilled winemaking can produce a wine that overdelivers in every sense.
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