Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Clos de los Siete by Michel Roland, Malbec Blend 2021, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina 🇦🇷

Overview
A Bordeaux-inspired blend led by 59% Malbec, 15% Merlot, 13% Syrah, 6% Cabernet Franc, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Petit Verdot, crafted under the vision of Michel Rolland. Compared to the 2019 vintage, the higher proportion of Malbec gives the 2021 greater concentration, depth, and a more distinctly Argentine personality while maintaining its polished French-inspired elegance.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe blackberry, black plum, cassis, violet, dark chocolate, espresso, graphite, cedar, and sweet baking spices unfold in generous layers. The fruit feels darker and more concentrated, revealing additional complexity with air.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied with a luscious, velvety texture and beautifully integrated tannins. The extra Malbec brings added richness and depth, while vibrant acidity keeps the wine energetic. The finish is notably longer, more textured, and impressively persistent.

Food Pairings
Argentine asado, grilled ribeye, lamb chops, braised beef, mushroom risotto, aged Manchego, or hard Alpine cheeses.

Verdict
An outstanding evolution of Clos de los Siete that leans into a deeper, more expressive profile without sacrificing balance. Richer, more textured, and exceptionally harmonious, the 2021 stands out as one of the strongest recent vintages of this iconic blend.

Did You Know?
Although Clos de los Siete is inspired by Bordeaux, the increasing prominence of Malbec in recent vintages reflects the confidence of Argentina’s Uco Valley terroir, allowing the region’s signature grape to take center stage while the Bordeaux varieties provide structure and finesse.

🍷 Personal Pick
Having enjoyed both vintages, I found the 2021 even more compelling than the already excellent 2019 (also reviewed in Delectable). The additional Malbec adds a deeper core of fruit, greater texture, and a remarkably persistent finish that elevates the wine into an even more complete and satisfying expression. It has officially become my favorite Clos de los Siete vintage to date. — 2 days ago

Caleb Krell

9.6

After 10 years amazing savoury and vivid red fruit. Just fantastic. — 3 months ago

web bond

9.3

Bruno Clair G-C Clos Saint Jacques 2009 — 5 months ago

Steven Heydemann

9.1

Not the best showing of this wine. — 5 months ago

Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.4

Absolute fire — 6 months ago

Clay Bullwinkel

9.4

Superb. Minerals, strawberry. — 7 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Bright Ruby color with aromas of red berry fruits, spice and floral notes, aged for 14 months in French oak. On the palate flavors of cherry and strawberry with spice, licorice and floral notes. Fine chewy tannins, medium+ finish ending with fruit, floral spice and slight earthy character. Nice! — a month ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.4

Cena granfinale troigoss — 11 days ago

Lorenzo Marzilli

9.0

Interesting palette not sure I ever tasted such an herbal wine before. Nose: cherry, orange? Taste: cherry, rhubarb, unidentified herb? Definitely a new try but very interesting and I did enjoy.  — 3 months ago

Louis Martin

9.2

Smooth, dry, medium body, lemon accents, paired very well with linguine à la vongele. — 5 months ago

Joe Carroll

Owner/Wine Director Spuyten Duyvil, Fette Sau, St. Anselm & Gotham Artisanal Provisions

9.4

Outstanding — 5 months ago

Mike Matsumoto

9.2

いずこ供出の2022年もの。やっぱりすごい。 — 6 months ago

Clay Bullwinkel

9.5

Superb. Minerals, herbs, mango — 7 months ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.4

Cena granfinale troigoss — 11 days ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.5

Cena dia padre casa mazf — 11 days ago

Stephen Osgood

8.9

very heavy Barbera, tasting too much wood — a month ago

Sean Burke

9.1

Great, unusual and not fruity — 4 months ago

romo

9.3

Called Volnay. Dr Pepper, raspberry and crayon. — 5 months ago

Sean Lee

9.1

Enjoying this — 5 months ago

Doug Powers

9.0

This CdP seems a bit more angry and wild from being opened, a touch more structure than the softer 2000 Bosquet des Papes (2001 was a more tannic vintage), solid balance, also mature, 13.5% ABV, longish finish. — 7 months ago

with Jim