2018 Domaine Nico Soeur et Freres Grand Mere Pinot Noir Mendoza Argentina 750 ml

Last year, we cancelled our plans after an impromptu offer landed in our inbox: An invitation for brunch at the home of Laura Catena, the leader of the Catena Zapata clan that single-handedly turned “Malbec” into a synonym for lush, silken reds the world over. We’ve known Laura for years, so we also knew she probably had something special up her sleeve. 

Sitting inside her San Fransisco colonial one Saturday, surrounded by James Beard Award-winning wine writers, legendary sommeliers, and wine pros of all stripes, the topic wasn’t Malbec—it was Domaine Nico and the new brand's break-out Pinot Noirs that are enchanting critics worldwide.

Today, we’re thrilled to share an allocation of Domaine Nico's latest release, a ruby-hued Grand Mere Pinot Noir which is poised to redefine South American (and possibly even New World) Pinot Noir by applying Grand Cru Burgundian precision to Argentine terroir. 

Founded by Laura, Domaine Nico is the first label to showcase the potential of high-altitude Pinot Noir from Argentina’s nose-bleed inducing peaks, which reach 4,500 feet of elevation. That high-altitude provides these reds with tension and grace—it’s a refreshing parallel to their ripe, red fruit flavors, and that exquisite balance is rare to find in reds under $75.  

Named after Zapata’s grandmother, the 2018 Domaine Nico Grand Mère Pinot Noir began as tight-fisted, small clusters of Dijon Clone Pinot Noir grapes that have been living 3,675 ft. above sea level since 1993—quite mature for the Uco Valley. Native yeast fermented with 20% whole clusters, punch-downs done by hand, and aging 14 months in neutral French oak delivers an earthy, high-tone red-fruited wine with juicy, red cherry and strawberry-laced flavors and plenty of energy and mineral cut. Sprinkle in crush stones, black pepper and brown spices to the equation, a wonderfully persistent finish, and that’s a recipe to enjoy now and for the next five to eight years. 

The 2018 is clearly an ode to Burgundy, the way it plays off the palate with subtle fruit, earthy spice, and a kiss of oak in perfect harmony. And at this price, it knocks its peers out of the water.