Mendoza Argentina
Ernesto started his own business in 2002, but I am not sure how hard he is trying to escape the Catena name. He has access to the best vineyards and resources in Argentina and his wines are still being made at the main Catena winery. After drinking this wine though, it is not hard to see why they are so sought after in the top restaurants of Buenos Aires. He sources most of his fruit for the Siesta range, from a high altitude, bio dynamic vineyard, located in the heart of Vistaflores (in the Uco Valley in Mendoza). This vineyard is planted at 1,100 metres above sea level to Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Cabernet Franc.
It makes sense to offer a Malbec, as Argentina is all about Malbec and Mendoza in particular. This region accounts for nearly two thirds of their total production. Vista Flores is a sub region of the Uco Valley in Mendoza, where the hot days and cool nights allow the fruit to achieve full ripeness, whilst maintaining a solid acid core. It has a dry arid climate, but with an endless supply of clean water from the nearby Andes (From the snow melt after winter). Perfect wine growing conditions!
The Siesta Malbec is a big wine in a big bottle, but by no way, is it over the top.
It has a ripe, showy bouquet of dark cherries and mulberry with just a touch of a savoury liquorice type character. The palate is medium-bodied, with high quality oak in total balance with the fruit and tannins. It is aged for 14 months mostly in French oak. This is an elegant wine, more than a blockbuster, but it is juicy, fleshy and just a joy to drink