Cherry red. Black Fruity matured. Good concentration. Black pepper is not much. Fermented flavor.
Fruitiness M+ Sweetness M Acidity M Tannin M Soft Bitterness M Body M Finish M %
Balanced Concentrated M. Chapoutier Domaine de Bila Hait Occultum Lapidem Syrah Blend 20 @1000, city, 260629 — a month ago
Classic La Mission nose that is in a perfect spot showing red & black fruits, cedar, leather, earth, graphite, spice box along with sweet tobacco — 2 months ago
At peak. Not great, but balanced, resolved and we emptied the bottle fast. — 3 months ago
Medium deep ruby garnet with a quite wide medium garnet rim . This has quite an open personality with cigar box , earth , grafite and cedar and some spicy cassis underneath. Showing maturity and quite classic in style. On the palate suave and polished , with resolved fine tannins . There is good depth with some sous bois , but mostly mixed summer fruits , earthy dark cherry and grafite. Good length , perfectly balanced alcohol, and lovely salivating freshness . This grows in the glass , showing more facets , at a great moment , without the need for an extended decant . After a while this become a touches more smoky , hints of soy sauce , violet and sea spray. Grafite tinged saline finish . Perfect now , though no rush , best over the next 5-8 years . At Hawksmoor , Liverpool , 26th July . — 4 days ago
I loved the flavor and finish of this. Great smell and one of the few deeper reds I can drink without food—but also thoroughly enjoyed it with our surf and turf dinner. Would buy again for a dinner party wine. — a month ago
Lacks complexity but its a truly excellent bottle and is singing now. Really good wine that is long lasting in bottle. Classical style. — 4 months ago
Clos de los Siete by Michel Roland, Malbec Blend 2021, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina 🇦🇷
Overview
A Bordeaux-inspired blend led by 59% Malbec, 15% Merlot, 13% Syrah, 6% Cabernet Franc, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Petit Verdot, crafted under the vision of Michel Rolland. Compared to the 2019 vintage, the higher proportion of Malbec gives the 2021 greater concentration, depth, and a more distinctly Argentine personality while maintaining its polished French-inspired elegance.
Aromas & Flavors
Ripe blackberry, black plum, cassis, violet, dark chocolate, espresso, graphite, cedar, and sweet baking spices unfold in generous layers. The fruit feels darker and more concentrated, revealing additional complexity with air.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied with a luscious, velvety texture and beautifully integrated tannins. The extra Malbec brings added richness and depth, while vibrant acidity keeps the wine energetic. The finish is notably longer, more textured, and impressively persistent.
Food Pairings
Argentine asado, grilled ribeye, lamb chops, braised beef, mushroom risotto, aged Manchego, or hard Alpine cheeses.
Verdict
An outstanding evolution of Clos de los Siete that leans into a deeper, more expressive profile without sacrificing balance. Richer, more textured, and exceptionally harmonious, the 2021 stands out as one of the strongest recent vintages of this iconic blend.
Did You Know?
Although Clos de los Siete is inspired by Bordeaux, the increasing prominence of Malbec in recent vintages reflects the confidence of Argentina’s Uco Valley terroir, allowing the region’s signature grape to take center stage while the Bordeaux varieties provide structure and finesse.
🍷 Personal Pick
Having enjoyed both vintages, I found the 2021 even more compelling than the already excellent 2019 (also reviewed in Delectable). The additional Malbec adds a deeper core of fruit, greater texture, and a remarkably persistent finish that elevates the wine into an even more complete and satisfying expression. It has officially become my favorite Clos de los Siete vintage to date. — a month ago
In a great spot if you like savory wines. Fruit and acidity have calmed, allowing a gamey aroma profile of cured meats and iodine to come through. It still has some dark plum and cherry but showing the age and complex bouquet which is quite nice. Medium plus bodied, it has nice texture with an approachable ABV at 13.5%. — a month ago
Soft tannic structure. Buttery. — 2 months ago
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego
2016 vintage. Last tasted 10.09.21 (9.2), 8.23.21 (9.2), 7.26.21 (9.2), 7.11.21 (9.2) and 6.29.21 (9.2). Something to be said for consistency but forgot what that was exactly. Medium-medium heavy body. Anyway, nice value BDX and the previously reticent, hitherto hidden, legendary tannins finally emerged from a lengthy vacation so more back end structure. Front and mid-palates unchanged and still notable for their intensity. 7.24.26. — 6 days ago