Review: Wines of Pelleriti Priore, 2024 Releases
Argentina continues to be an outstanding source of wines that hit well above their price point. Today we are looking at 6 wines, all made by winemaker Marcelo Pelleriti with grapes from the Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina. Five of the six are made either exclusively or primarily with Argentina’s signature grape, Malbec. The last is an unexpectedly enjoyable Cabernet Franc. Let’s take a look at each.
2021 Marcelo Pelleriti Signature Malbec – On the nose and palate, this 100% Malbec exudes fruity notes of plum, blackberry, and blueberry along with a touch of nutmeg and cinnamon. Gentle tannins and medium acidity provide a nice mouthfeel and structure that holds the fruit in check. Altogether, this is a good example of why I love Argentinian Malbec: easy to enjoy with or without food and an excellent value. B+ / $14
2019 Terroir Expression Hostage Altamira Malbec – This lovely 100% Malbec couples floral notes with bold blackberry, cinnamon, and a touch of booziness. What makes it stand out are the gentle tannins, which give it a silky mouthfeel and really elevate the experience. As the drying notes of the tannin fade, the components of the wine come together well, making this an outstanding and well-structured wine for the price. It manages both to show sophistication and still be an easy-drinking red at the same time. A- / $18
2016 Marcelo Pelleriti Selection Blend of Terroir – 54% Malbec, 26% Syrah, and 20% Cabernet Franc. This wine shows deep, bold notes of ripe plum, raspberry, and blackberry, coupled with pencil lead and a touch of green pepper. This is a big wine, but it is also quite nuanced, and its flavors come together nicely. High acidity lends critical structure to the fruity wine and promises it will pair well with a range of heavier foods. The wine has a velvety mouthfeel and gentle, drying tannins coming in at the end. I wish the finish were longer, but this is a lovely red blend. A- / $35
2017 1853 Heritage Malbec – This excellent 100% Malbec is a big, aggressive wine. It displays deep, musty notes of stewed plums, blackcurrants, milk chocolate, and a touch of sage. The wine has a silky, viscous mouthfeel, but there is also a bit of an alcohol burn — not surprising since it reaches 15% abv. High acidity brings much needed liveliness to this brooding wine, which reveals a long, lovely finish. Altogether a bold, brilliant example of Argentinian Malbec. A / $40
2019 1853 Old Vine Estate Malbec – Be sure to let this one breathe for a bit before you give it a try. Fresh out of the bottle, it begins boozy with lots of sharp edges, but after 20 minutes in the glass, it becomes much more approachable. After resting, the wine presents deep, fruity aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and raspberry compote along with a lingering bit of alcohol. On the palate, tart cranberry comes first, followed by blackberry, raspberry, and, again, some booziness. The wine has medium acidity and a finish marked by gentle, drying tannins. This wine is a good value, but it ultimately didn’t come together as well as I would have liked. B / $20
2020 Marcelo Pelleriti Signature Cabernet Franc – This is a well-crafted 100% Cabernet Franc wine. The nose presents deep, fruity notes of plum and blackberry along with green pepper, mint, and a light, savory black olive note. The palate follows suit with the flavors coming together harmoniously. Plum is principal, but distinct notes of blackberry, mint, green pepper, and black olive can be enjoyed along the ride. The wine has medium acidity and nice, drying tannins on the finish, providing good structure. For the price, this is an excellent Cab Franc. It is also hearty enough to stand up to heavier foods, and I would love to have it with a burger or a steak. A- / $15
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