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. — 3 days ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.0

Ypo pujol jrz 9/17 — 6 years ago

Sam Haeuser

9.7

Megan's favorite — 8 years ago

Rhonda Stone

9.0

A very nice malbec blend recommended by Zack. — 8 years ago

Matt Wright

9.0

#otheravenues — 8 years ago

Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

9.6

Great Joven Mezcal,
— 9 years ago

Stephen Osgood

10

wild agaves. doesn't get any better. #additivefree — 3 years ago

Jason Hutcherson

9.0

Very nice Cali Temp. — 4 years ago

Daniel Bloom

9.1

Lemons and chalk! A match, weirdly w cavatelli and pesto. Beautiful, bright stuff. — 6 years ago

Stuart Dershaw

8.9

Great Malbec at this low price point. Lots of fruit and mild tannins. — 6 years ago

Stefan MG

10

One of the best, and very cheap. — 8 years ago

Kai Wright

9.3

Pronounced aroma of ripe, fresh black cherry, currant. Mad juicy! Big, round body with soft tannins. Fig and prune take over on a long finish with a poof of tobacco and cedar. — 8 years ago

with Jedd

Steven Klass

8.9

Not too bad — 9 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

We first tried a bottle of Celestins in a restaurant in Gigondas some years ago, and for me it was a WOW Wine. Had this latest bottle on Sunday with Roast Pork. Medicinal to begin with which blew off. Barnyard aromas - horse manure. In hindsight this could’ve been Brett but the overall impression and tasting was impressive and memorable. Glad I have 3 left. Showing a medium to full bodied palate. This is textbook CdP in the old school genre. The tannins are silky and sexy - a liquorice note together with saddle leather. Henri Bonneau passed away in 2016 and the wine making is now carried out by his son, Marcel. A visit to his archaic cellars was keenly sought after and rarely granted. Mould all over the walls, rickety stairs light bulbs dangling from the ceiling and a floor which stuck to the soles of your shoes was how one visitor described his experience in the cellar. Nevertheless this is a CdP up there with Rayas and the top Cuvée from Beaucastel. The blend is usually 90% Grenache with the balance made up of around 4 or 5 different varieties. — 3 years ago

Charles York

9.1

Super enjoyable. Light, crisp.Raspberry. Perfect with paella. — 5 years ago

James Patullo

9.0

Costco - very tasty — 6 years ago

Erock C

9.1

Posthumously review, it was great — 8 years ago

Oxicedrus Juniperus

9.0

Sorprendente después de siete años ...
— 8 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

Since 1987, winemaker Rollin Soles and viticulturist Allen Holstein have teamed up to produce wines from low-yielding vines, receiving11 Wine Spectator Top 100 designations. Aromas of berry fruit and herb citrus notes. On the palate cherry and blackberry with orange citrus, spice and toasty oak notes. Fine earthy tannins, lingering ending with earthy mineral notes. — 9 years ago

Chad Henderson

9.1

Nose of leather, peppery spice, and berries. Taste of black current and pepper. Hint of licorice bite on the young and earthy notes like tobacco and soil. Aftertaste is subtle with plum jam and light tannins. — 10 years ago

with Kristen