About the Wine

Sitting high up in the Andes at just over 4000 feet above sea level, Bodegas Salentein is producing some very high-quality Malbec. With an emphasis on single-vineyard expressions of grapes, this producer is a great case study on the terroir of Argentina. This wine is dense and concentrated ready to impress 

Los Jabalies, translates to the boars. The vineyard takes its name from the wild boars that inhabit the area surrounding the vineyard. This location is at 4,500 feet above sea level, providing the grapes with plenty of sun and a cool climate. The cold climate, vast thermal amplitude, and humidity, together with stony soils rich in calcium carbonates and sustainable vineyard management, offer unique conditions for producing Malbec grapes of the highest quality. Winemaking with minimal intervention produces an exceptional expression of Malbec from this unique vineyard. 

The goal of Bodegas Salentein is clear: to produce first-rate wines, committed with the earth where they come from. During its preparation, Salentein respects nature and, at the same time, takes part in the life of the area’s community, because the people become an essential component that reflects in the wine expression.

Since 2010 José Galante has been the head winemaker of Bodegas Salentein. Prior to his time with Salentein, José was making world-class wines with Cantena Zapata where he set the industry standard for what quality Argentine Malbec should be. One of the keys to his success is the style he brings to the wines. Far from following fleeting trends or making products without identity, he always produced great, modern varieties which preserved the identity of the Argentinian wine. As Bodegas Salentein’s enologist, his wine-making philosophy consists of “preserving entirely the spectrum of aromas and flavors of the fruit through a soft and gentle fermentation process, with the excellent technology and a particular emphasis in achieving the best expressions of the Uco Valley”.

Tasting Notes: 100% Malbec. This wine has a deep purple color. The nose has an intensity and complexity of its fruity and floral aromas. The palate is elegant, with silky tannins, notes of black fruits, pepper and graphite. A refreshing acidity gives it a long finish.

Reviews

Deep nose of dark fruit, ink and spice. Full-bodied with firm, tight tannins. The palate is flavorful and structured. Nice acidity supports the long, savory finish. Dried fruit at the end. Try after 2022. ~94 James Suckling

Ripe dark-fruit aromas mix with an oaky vanilla note on the nose. This Malbec from the high-elevation San Pablo section of the Uco Valley feels lush and thick, thus blackberry, prune, and cassis flavors are not surprising. This runs at max fullness through the finish, with a hint of oaky coconut at the end. Drink through 2026. ~93 Wine Enthusiast

Despite being marked by the élevage of 16 months in French oak barrels, the 2017 Los Javalíes Vineyard San Pablo Malbec is the finest of the Single Vineyard range in the warm and challenging 2017 vintage. Not surprisingly, this is only 13.5% alcohol and feels lighter than the other vineyard-designated Malbecs. It has the warm and ripe character of the year but cushioned by the freshness of the high-altitude vineyard (1,400 meters above sea level). Wait a little longer before pulling the cork. There is stuffing and balance to make it age nicely in bottle. The chalky tannins make it nicely textured. 5,520 bottles were filled in February 2019. ~92+ Robert Parker's Wine Advocate