A powerful and polished Malbec from the high-altitude vineyards of Gualtallary in Argentina’s Uco Valley, the 2019 Tapiz Black Tears showcases depth, elegance, and the distinctive minerality of Mendoza’s mountain terroir.
Taste
Inky purple in the glass, this Malbec opens with aromas of blackberry, blueberry compote, and cassis, layered with violet, cocoa nib, espresso, and graphite. The palate is rich and concentrated, offering dark fruit, licorice, and savory spice framed by firm yet velvety tannins. A bright line of acidity balances the wine’s power, carrying into a long, persistent finish with mineral undertones and refined oak influence.
About the Winery/Winemaker
Bodega Tapiz is a leader in Argentina’s modern winemaking, producing terroir-driven wines from estate-owned vineyards in the Uco Valley. Black Tears is their flagship Malbec, crafted only in exceptional vintages from vines planted at over 4,000 feet in elevation. Guided by winemaker Fabian Valenzuela and legendary consultant Jean-Claude Berrouet (formerly of Château Pétrus), the wine is fermented with extended maceration and aged for 24 months in new French oak, followed by additional bottle refinement.
Why We Love It
Black Tears is Malbec at its most elevated—combining intensity and concentration with balance and finesse. It’s a wine that speaks clearly of place, offering immediate richness while promising extraordinary cellar potential. A benchmark Argentine red for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Technical Wine Notes
Origin: Gualtallary, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
Varietal: 100% Malbec
Vineyard: Estate-owned, high-altitude (4,000+ ft)
Harvest: Manual, small-lot selection
Fermentation: Stainless steel with extended maceration
Aging: 24 months in new French oak, plus bottle aging
Alcohol: 15% ABV
Style: Full-bodied, bold yet elegant, cellar-worthy
