"Saturated, deep ruby-red. Sexy, syrah-like aromas of raspberry, blackberry, blueberry and game. Dense, silky and sweet, with harmonious acidity giving clarity to the fine-grained dark berry, violet and game flavors. With aeration, redder fruits emerged. Finishes long and perfumed, with tannins dusting the front teeth. Already boasts superb appeal, but this has the constitution and balance to evolve gracefully in bottle."
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (Issue 167, March/April 2013), 91 pts
"The 2011 Chakana Estate Selection Malbec comes from Uco and Lujan de Cuyo and is aged for 12 months in French oak (30% new). Tasted twice, it has a delightful bouquet with crisp red cherry, strawberry and vanilla scents that are beautifully defined. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, supple tannins and crisp acidity. It is harmonious and focused, with caressing vibrant red berry fruit on the bright, classy finish. This is a sophisticated Malbec: feminine and seductive. Drink now-2018."
Opulent in its ripe red fruit, this is an international-style malbec, bolstered by candied cherry notes. And yet it's also firm, held up by a strong backbone of tannins, whiskied along by acidity that leaves a trail of sweet spice in its wake. Ready for roast duck."
"Opaque purple. The Chakana Malbec is a lush, meaty wine reveal rich dark chocolate and sweet blackberry in a beautifully concentrated package. It's modern and generous with big, spicy flavors and well-integrated oak that linger and linger. Aged in new and used oak barrels for 18 months."
This large winery in Mendoza, Argentina makes numerous wines under the Maipe, Chakana and Cueva de las Manos labels. Almost all of them represent good values. The more expensive cuvées include the 2013 Chakana Malbec Estate, a 100% Malbec from the finest vineyards. Aged in both new and one-year-old French oak for 18 months, it reveals a deep plum/ruby/purple color, sweet blackberry and white chocolate notes intermixed with cassis and licorice, medium body, a velvety texture and a lush personality. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. - Robert Parker"