In Autumn of 2021, I was fortunate enough to review the 2017 Mascota Vineyards Malbec and noticed the front page was blessed with a charming adage reminding us “pleasure is a treasure.” (Unanime is one of Mascota’s sub-labels.) I am pleased to report that one pandemic spike, one unjustified invasion/occupation, and two downright unremarkable Kanye albums later the words are still affixed to the top of their website but with an added bonus tagline of “hold your special moments.” Wise words, indeed, and a notion we would all be wise to remember in these chaotic times. Today we are fortunate enough to enjoy two additional offerings from the Mendoza maestros.

2018 Unanime Merlot – Big and burly, this merlot delivers notes of forest floor and blueberry that gets sweeter as time goes by, and all for the better. Plum and raspberry on the palate, with ripe tannins and a large dose of oak on the finish, gel together in a wholly satisfying way. B+ / $26 [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]

2017 Unanime Signature Cabernet Sauvignon – This cabernet could easily pass as a Napa Valley wine when tasted blind, with lovely notes of chocolate, fresh garden herbs, and red licorice interplaying in a way that doesn’t make sense at first but resolves itself nicely. The earthier elements hang around while the finishing notes of black cherry, chocolate, and fresh coffee grounds linger for a long and enjoyable measure of time. It may take some time in the glass to work itself out, but the payoff is well worth the investment. A- / $40 [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]

2018 Mascota Vineyards Unanime Merlot

$26

8.5

Rating

8.5/10

BUY IT NOW