"(60% cabernet sauvignon with 20% each malbec and syrah): Deep medium ruby. Blackberry, violet, menthol and spicy oak on the nose; fresher and less porty than the Estate Selection Malbec. Very rich and densely packed, with a medicinal coolness to the flavors of blackberry, bitter chocolate and menthol. Finishes with serious but ripe tannins and very good length."
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (Issue 167, March/April 2013), 89 pts
"The 2011 Chakana Estate Selection Blend consists of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Malbec and 20% Syrah and is aged for 12 months in French oak (30% new). It offers a smooth, seductive bouquet of macerated dark cherries, strawberry, iodine and black currant pastilles that is succinctly defined and perfumed. The palate is medium-bodied with a lovely, ripe, rounded entry that belies the structure underneath that never imposes upon its caressing, focused finish, which offers magnificent minerality and tension. This is a truly superb wine from the Uco Valley, one supremely well-crafted. Drink now-2018."
Wine Advocate (Neal Martin, Issue 203, October 2012), 92 pts
"Chakana's top cuvee is their 2011 Estate Blend, which is 60% Malbec from the Agrelo vineyard and the rest equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Aged 10 months in French oak, this wine displays notes of toast, blackberries, sweet cherries and Asian plum sauce as well as notes of white chocolate and barrique. The wine has great fruit, an opaque purple color, medium to full body, and loads of glycerin, fruit and length. It will drink well for 7-8 years, possibly even longer, and it is a sensational value." Wine Advocate (Robert Parker, Issue 201, June 2012), 94 pts
"The 2012 Estate Red is a blend of 60% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Shiraz aged 10 months in 100% new French oak. This killer red comes from Chakana-s two well-placed vineyards in southern Mendoza, Agrelo and Alta Mira. Aromas of flowers, blackberries, camphor, forest floor and subtle new oak emerge from this full-bodied, textured, opulent blockbuster. Extremely pure and rich, this bargain-priced Malbec should drink well for 6-10+ years. If this were a Napa Valley or Bordeaux red, it would undoubtedly be priced between $150.00-200.00."
Wine Advocate (Robert Parker, Issue 208, August 2013), 95 pts
"Opaque ruby purple. The Chakana Red is a very successful, big but refined blend of 60% Malbec, 20% Syrah, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. It shows graphite, violets, plums and a note of red raspberry aromas and a velvet texture with fine tannins. Additional notes of dark chocolate and dense black raspberry confiture are revealed on the palate. Nicely structured with a refined character, this is a superb wine and another incredible value."
I-Wine Review (December 2013), 93 pts
"Very crisp, with snappy raspberry, red currant and white plum flavors. Quite minerally, showing notes of ripe citrus on the focused and spicy finish. Drink now through 2018. 625 cases imported. –KM"
- Wine Spectator (December 31st 2014), 88 pts
"Aromas of blueberries and vanilla follow through to a full body with soft and silky tannins plus hints of chocolate. Malbec, cabernet sauvignon, and syrah. Drink now. - James Suckling"
- JamesSuckling.com, 88 pts
