Las Rubias Red Blend Uco Valley Argentina 2019

Karen first was introduced to Rob Lawson when she decided to move from Breckenridge to Napa to be a cellar rat in 1998 and was put in touch with him for potential employment opportunities. At the time, he was the assistant winemaker and general manager at Napa Wine Company, a major player in the custom crush realm. He soon became the CEO and oversaw production for some of Napa's top brands and winemakers today: Bryant, Pahlmeyer, Turley, Colgin, Staglin, Marcassin, Lewis, and Larkmead. Following his star-studded early career to his incredible winemaking efforts at Ghost Block, Kapcsandy, Pavi, T. Beckstoffer Wines, and more, was an easy choice.

We know that it's not uncommon for budding winemakers embarking on future careers to travel to wine-growing regions around the globe to work harvests, learning various techniques specific to the native grapes and terroirs. Some even later decide to expand their wine portfolios by starting brands or taking on consulting positions overseas. To highlight a few passionate, traveling, hands-on students of wine: Philippe Melka (Bordeaux), Marie-Laure Ammons (Burgundy), Helen Keplinger (Spain), Jayson Woodbridge (Australia), Paul Hobbs (Armenia/Argentina), Ted Lemon (New Zealand), and the list goes on.
 
When an opportunity presented itself to Rob, he traveled over 6,000 miles from Napa to Argentina to further his devotion to (obviously) a well-chosen career. Considered one of the top wine regions in Argentina, the Uco Valley's setting combines similar benefits to Napa Valley's with favorable alluvial soils, a majority of sunny days, little rain, vast diurnal temperature swings, and a long growing season - all conducive to growing quality wine grapes with excellent concentration, intense aromas, flavors, and textures.

As our niche allows, living close to the action, we are the first to present this bountiful and alluring red blend - from intrigue that started years ago just as the vines were being planted...

Las Rubias, meaning blonds, is a personal dedication to Rob's two daughters he raised in the Napa Valley. Great structure and acidity frame this blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Malbec. Hand-sorted and co-fermented, this blend exemplifies the quality we admire in the fine wines of Argentina. Aged in 50% new French oak for 24 months, then bottled for extended age before release, this blend is finessed and gorgeous! Refined and powerful, this is an iron fist in a velvet glove treasure for any wine-loving palate. The Aromatics of cassis, blackcurrant, graphite, and coffee bean are superbly balanced with subtle tannins and a long, luxurious finish.  This wine will age quite nicely, so don't worry about stashing several bottles away. But do try at least one bottle soon to know what you've just found!