Susana Balbo Malbec

Susana Balbo Malbec is a high-altitude Argentine Malbec from Uco Valley, Mendoza, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2015 vintage earned an exceptional 97 points from Decanter, and multiple vintages have scored 93–95 from James Suckling, establishing this wine as one of the most consistently acclaimed Malbecs in its tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina  |  Blend: 94% Malbec, 6% Petit Verdot  |  Winery: Susana Balbo Wines

Production & Heritage

Susana Balbo was Argentina's first female winemaker and has become one of the country's most influential figures in viticulture, known for pushing boundaries with experimental techniques including egg-shaped concrete fermenters and wild yeast fermentations. For this signature Malbec, grapes are hand-harvested from vineyards planted at approximately 4,000 feet in the Uco Valley, where wide diurnal temperature shifts preserve natural acidity alongside deep fruit concentration. After destemming and light crushing, the must undergoes pumping over and délestage three times daily to extract color and flavor gently, followed by 13 months of aging in French oak barrels — 30% new, the remainder second-use — lending structure without overwhelming the fruit.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe blackberry and black cherry, building into layers of violet, sandalwood, and a whisper of mint. Subtle oak-driven nuances of toasted vanilla and ash emerge as the wine breathes.

Taste: On entry, lush cassis and dark plum coat the palate with generous fruit weight. The mid-palate introduces bittersweet chocolate, currant, and warm baking spice, supported by firm yet silky tannins and a bright thread of fresh acidity that keeps every sip balanced and lifted.

Finish: The finish is long and elegant, with lingering notes of smoky oak, dark berry, and a faint minty coolness. Tannins resolve smoothly, leaving a velvety, satisfying texture that invites another glass.

How to Drink Susana Balbo Malbec

This Malbec drinks beautifully at cellar temperature (60–65°F), where its aromatics fully expand; decanting for 30 minutes further opens the mid-palate complexity. It also works well in red wine cocktails: a Malbec Sangria with dark stone fruit and cinnamon complements the wine's natural plum and spice; a New York Sour gains richer body and color from its concentrated berry profile; and a Kalimotxo becomes notably more sophisticated with this wine's depth compared to a basic table red.

Best For

• Hosting an Argentine asado-themed dinner party
• Gifting a Malbec enthusiast who appreciates high-altitude terroir
• Pairing with a weekend grilled steak or braised short ribs
• Building a vertical tasting collection of premium Mendoza Malbecs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Susana Balbo Malbec taste like? It delivers rich blackberry, dark plum, and cassis up front, followed by bittersweet chocolate, warm spice, and toasted vanilla, all carried by silky tannins and bright acidity.

How does Susana Balbo Malbec compare to Catena Malbec? Both are benchmark Mendoza Malbecs from the Uco Valley, but Susana Balbo's blend of 94% Malbec and 6% Petit Verdot and its 13-month French oak regimen tend to produce a slightly more structured, spice-driven profile. Catena Malbec typically emphasizes pure varietal fruit with a somewhat lighter body at a comparable price point.

Is Susana Balbo Malbec good for sipping neat? Absolutely — the wine's layered aromatics, balanced tannins, and long finish make it an ideal choice for contemplative sipping, especially after a brief decant to let the oak and fruit integrate fully.

Where is Susana Balbo Malbec made? It is produced by Susana Balbo Wines in the Uco Valley subregion of Mendoza, Argentina, from hand-harvested grapes grown at approximately 4,000 feet above sea level.

What foods pair well with Susana Balbo Malbec? Grilled ribeye steak mirrors the wine's bold fruit and smoky finish. Lamb empanadas echo its warm spice notes. Aged Gouda complements the bittersweet chocolate undertones. Braised short ribs with chimichurri match its depth and acidity. Dark chocolate truffles highlight the cocoa and berry interplay on the finish.

What sizes does Susana Balbo Malbec come in? The standard release is widely available in the 750ml format.

Is Susana Balbo Malbec worth the price? It positions comfortably as a premium Argentine Malbec, and with vintages regularly earning 91–97 points from Decanter, James Suckling, and Robert Parker, it delivers critical-darling quality that frequently outperforms wines at a higher price tier.

Why Susana Balbo Malbec?

Few Argentine Malbecs in this category carry a track record as strong as Susana Balbo's flagship red — a 97-point Decanter score and consistent 93+ ratings from James Suckling across multiple vintages speak to a wine that delivers year after year. The high-altitude Uco Valley sourcing and meticulous délestage extraction produce a texture that balances power with finesse, while the restrained 30% new oak program ensures fruit remains the focal point. Behind the label is a pioneering winemaker whose experimental spirit — from concrete egg fermenters to wild yeast fermentations — has reshaped expectations for Mendoza wine. This is a serious Malbec with both the pedigree and the palate presence to justify its reputation.