Dona Paula 2017 1350 Red Blend, Mendoza

The high altitude of the vineyards is one of the unique aspects of Mendoza viticulture. This creates slow ripening due to large diurnal temperature swings creating an ideal balance. And also deep color and intense flavor from the direct sunlight the grape receive. With their 1350 Red Blend, Dona Paula shows the exceptional quality and character that high altitude vineyards can bring. 

Doña Paula 1350 comes from 2 blocks (No. 10 and No. 7) in their Alluvia Vineyard, which is located in Gualtallary, at 1,350 meters (4,430 feet) above sea level. The area soil is sandy, with alluvial and calcareous stones. The climate of the Uco Valley has warm days and cool nights, with an average temperature variation of 54.5°F and an average annual rainfall of 11 in. The vines are planted in espaliers, using snow-melt water and drip irrigation systems, and they yield 4 tons per acre. Doña Paula's vineyards have always been managed using sustainable agricultural practices.

50% Cabernet Franc, 45% Malbec and 5% Casavecchia, the harvest starts with Malbec and Casavecchia by mid-April, and it finishes with Cabernet Franc at the end of the same month. The grapes are hand-picked and then they are destemmed gently, without breaking the berries. Each variety undergoes cold maceration separately, in stainless steel tanks, to extract the primary aromas. Once the alcoholic fermentation is complete, the blend is made, and the aging process is carried out in 20% new French oak barrels, for 16 months.

James Suckling scored this 92 points saying "A powerful, but really fragrant red with a ton of crushed-blueberry and floral aromas, the soft tannins building on the rather sleek palate to a silky crescendo. The pronounced acidity may be too much for some, but it’s an essential part of the distinctive personality of this high-altitude wine. Drink or hold."