Bodegas Salentein 2016 Numina Gran Corte 750ml

There are some blends, of which I tasted two, starting with the one called 2013 Numina Gran Corte. It combines 62% Malbec, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 4% Merlot from their older vineyards from Los Árboles. The different varieties were harvested at different times and therefore fermented separately in oak vats and after six months in barrel they were blended and put back in barrique to complete an élevage of some 16 months. It's earthy, faintly reduced with some developed aromas, denoting ripeness (maybe the long cycle?) and black rather than red fruit. The Cabernet is quite noticeable in the blend, especially in the texture of the tannins, and the freshness of the vintage shows up in the shape of a fine thread of acidity. 52,560 bottles produced.

Score: 91 points -- Luis Gutierrez, Robertparker.com, Dec 2016