At a glance

Producer

Bodega Lagarde

Region

Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina

Grape variety

Malbec

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$32-$40 USD

Tasting profile

Concentrated black fruits (blackberry, plum), violet, mocha, toasty oak, graphite, subtle herbal undertones, and emerging secondary notes (leather, tobacco).

Evolution: With additional aging, primary fruit will become more subdued, highlighting truffle, cedar, cigar box, and savory leather while retaining elegance.

At peak: Expect optimal integration of fruit, tannin, and oak between 2025-2029, with silky texture and complex layered finish.

Structure

Acidity

Medium; appropriate freshness to balance richness and ensure longevity

Tannins

Medium-plus to high; firm yet ripe, providing solid framework for aging

Alcohol

14-14.5% ABV (typical for premium Argentine Malbec)

Aging potential

Strong for Malbec due to vineyard pedigree, DOC controls, and careful elevage (10-15+ years in top vintages)

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2024 to 2030

Optimal window

2022 to 2032

Current status

In peak drinking window, capable of further aging

Current condition

The wine is showing excellent development, with tannins integrating and tertiary notes emerging without losing fruit vibrancy. It will continue to evolve gracefully for several more years.

The wine is sourced from old vineyards in the Luján de Cuyo DOC, a benchmark region for age-worthy Malbec. 2018 was a very good vintage in Mendoza, yielding structured, balanced wines with both concentration and freshness. Top-tier Argentine Malbec, especially from DOC-restricted sites and renowned producers like Lagarde, can easily reach a 12-15 year window, outpacing generic Malbecs in longevity.

Food pairing

Grilled Argentine steak, lamb chops with rosemary, roast duck, wild mushroom risotto, charcuterie, aged provolone or manchego cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften tannins, aerate the wine, and allow both primary fruit and emerging savory notes to express fully.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Bodega Lagarde employs deficit irrigation to conserve water (critical in Mendoza), integrated pest management, biodiversity corridors and compost for soil health, lightweight bottles to reduce shipping emissions, and extensive recycling at the winery. The vineyards are managed with reduced chemical inputs and some parcels are farmed organically, though not all certified as such.

Lagarde is a pioneer of sustainability in Mendoza and held as a model for responsible Argentine viticulture. While not fully certified organic, the winery demonstrates strong stewardship in water use (vital for arid Mendoza), waste reduction, habitat protection, and energy management. Imported Argentine wine will have a larger carbon footprint in European/US/Asian markets, but the winery’s proactive sustainable practices outpace many regional peers. Biodiversity efforts and lightweight packaging further improve its profile. Full organic/biodynamic conversion would raise the score to 8-9.