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. — 8 hours ago

Peggy Hadley

9.0

Mizumi. Las Vegas. — a month ago

with Jim and Tommy

Tom Casagrande

9.4

Post dinner party notes. Third bottle I’ve had of this and by far the best yet. Amazing. Such a complex nose, with roasted herbal notes, dark spicy fruit, earthy mineral iodine notes Tannins just about completely resolved. Length and depth for days. Wow. — 2 months ago

Michael Wehner

9.0

Apparently not a Tuesday wine — 2 months ago

with Margaret

K L

9.1

Issue with the half bottle again. These just aren’t right…. Would be good if not. — 3 months ago

with Matt

Ericsson

9.8

So much to say about this bottle. Its profile, its history, its growing rarity. And the fact that it was made at the very peak of The Patriarch’s era…

Then there is the occasion. A wine you cellar and protect, waiting patiently for the one moment worthy of all its allure.

A wine from a cooler Napa Valley, so evident in the glass it becomes mesmerizing. The freshness, the tension, the quiet authority; everything speaks of a time and place in Napa which no longer exists.

Yes, this is the kind of bottle that stays with you, not just as a wine, but as a memory. — 6 months ago

Mark Purdy

9.5

Still plenty of structure, color was ruby not brown. Amazing complexity for a 79. What a treat! — 4 days ago

Ron Siegel

9.2

This had notes of dark berry fruits, earth, spice & mineral. — 18 days ago

Peggy Hadley

9.1

Tao Las Vegas — a month ago

with Tommy and Jim

Steve Rura

8.9

Saline, dry, red berry, citrus rind, bitters. Very nice, but I prefer a little more fruit and a little more French. With the first grill of the season! Charred salmon, asparagus, corn on the cob, and strawberry tomato and watermelon salad — 2 months ago

Ericsson

9.3

Mondavi To Kalon Wine Vertical @ Thyme Restaurant — 3 months ago

Richard Sohn

9.1

Right bank — 2 months ago

K L

9.2

Great as Pinots go but only good for this maker. These half bottles continue to perplex. — 4 months ago

with Matt

Tim O’Brien

9.3

Really good cab sav someone gave us for engagement, not bitter at all but still rich (in a good way) — 5 days ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.4

Cena granfinale troigoss — 10 days ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.4

Cena granfinale troigoss — 10 days ago

Jason Keefer

9.4

Anniversary wine! Classic Nuit! Secondary characteristics starting to develop but still very fresh. Forest floor, dark fruits, a bit vegetal. Very layered. — a month ago

with Natasha

Chris Anton

9.2

A great Merlot to say cheers to the weekend! — 2 months 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

Michael Chelus

9.1

Pear, baked apple, lemon, honey and mango. Great acidity and balance. — 4 months ago