Malbec Don David Reserve 2018

Bodega El Esteco


The Don David range are the flagship wines of the Bodega El Esteco estate named in homage to the winery founder David Michel.

Terroir: Each selection in the Don David range is sourced from entirely estate owned vineyards throughout the Cafayate Valley. Vineyards sit at elevations well above 3,000 feet with many sitting above 6,000 feet. The power of the sun at these elevations combined with very little moisture or pests leads to wines of unique purity and concentration.

Vinification: Concentration and varietal expression are the goals of both the red and white wines in this range. The red wines undergo a 5 hour thin covering maceration which extracts additional concentration followed by more than a week of cold maceration in steel tank and 9 months in the cellars in a combination of French and American oak.

The flagship red varietal of Argentina. This wine shows plum, red fruits, spicy black cherries and cassis with toasted oak notes on the nose and palate. Ripe fruit and linear acidity balance strong but soft, ripe tannins.

El Esteco Don David Malbec 2017 – Winery Overview & Score

Additional Information

Displaying expressive plum jam, raisin and pipe tobacco aromas, with toasty vanilla notes, the wine has balanced, spicy dark fruits and cassis, almond and nutty notes on the long finish.

Technical Details

  • Appellation: Calchaquí Valley
  • Winemaker: Alejandro Daniel Pepa
  • Sustainability: Sustainable Practices
  • Soil: Sand, Gravel
  • Alcohol: 14%
  • Ttl Acidity: 6.1 g/l
  • Residual Sugar: 3.95 g/l
  • Pack Size: 12/750ml
  • Varietals: 100% Malbec

Recent Press

  • Score: 87 Points

    Wine Enthusiast Author: Michael Schachner
    Date: Wednesday, January 1, 2020
    "Earthy, roasted plum and black-fruit aromas are reduced at first and never that bright. On the palate, this Salta Malbec feels heavy and demanding. Ripe but short berry, spice and herbal flavors finish with a mix of wildness and sauvage notes."
  • Score: 92 Points

    JamesSuckling.com Author: James Suckling
    Date: Wednesday, March 27, 2019
    "Dark fruit, such as black plums, together with capsicum, Thai basil and earthier notes of crushed stones and violets. Medium to full body, firm and medium-chewy tannins and a savory finish. Drink now."

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