bodega noemia patagonia malbec 2017 750

Since the very beginning at Bodega Noemia, the philosophy was to bring the vineyard to the bottle in the most sincere way. To achieve such a feat, we go by the following steps: We pick by hand. We do de-stemming and full bunch. We use the most traditional ways of extraction like punching down or even foot treading. For the single vineyards we help proliferate the native yeasts . We ferment in open wooden fermenters, cement vessels and stainless steel tanks. We do our "elevage" which means ageing, in 600 litres by 43 mm oak vats and mostly seasoned barriques. Every year we include a 15% of new barrels in order to renew our stock.

The vineyard consists of 1.5 hectares, with vines planted in 1932; they are of pre-phylloxera period, pie franco and massale selection (original rootstock ungrafted). Each vine is genetically distinct, contrary to those that are cloned. The vineyard is divided into 4 plots and each plot is managed independently to optimize the care of each one and provide a specialized approach. Then each plot is fermented separately in four open french oak fermenters that were specially customized for us by the Surtep Tonnellier.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM:
"2017 was a humid year that had a late spring frost and a cool summer with some higher temperatures during harvest. The 2017 Noemia, produced with grapes from one 1.5-hectare plot that has been certified by Demeter for the past seven years, fermented with 15% full clusters and 20% crushed berries, and the rest fermented uncrushed in 2,500-liter open-top oak fermentors with their own estate yeasts. The wine matured in first and second use oak demi-muids for 23 months, during which time the wine was racked three times. The wine has a restrained 13% alcohol. The extended élevage made it feel extremely young and backward compared with the 2018s I tasted next to it. The oak is still noticeable, and I think it will need one or two years in bottle to integrate it completely. There is beautiful fruit, flowers, purity and elegance, with a medium-bodied palate that reveals plenty of energy, fine tannins and long-lasting flavors, finishing with very tasty, almost salty sensations. 3,900 bottles and 150 magnums were filled in May 2019."
96 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"So floral on the nose with hints of citrus and crushed stones. Medium to full body. Very silky tannins. Extended finish that gives a sense of ripeness and precision. The fruit pops out at the end. Balanced and all about finesse. Savory freshness brings you back together. Drinkable now, but will age for years ahead."
96 points, James Suckling

750ml bottle