Located in the Uco Valley in Argentina, Tapiz is best known for their Malbecs which are on restaurant lists across the US. Tapiz winemaker Fabian Valenzuela was joined by Jean Claude Berrouet in 2012. Fabian is the son and grandson of vignerons and has more than 30 years of winemaking experience. Jean Claude is the recently-retired winemaker of Petrus, having presided over 44 vintages at this famed Bordeaux winery. Jean Claude was the first permanent winemaker at Petrus which was a pretty serious honor. These wines are sourced from San Pablo which has some of the highest altitude vineyards in Mendoza (4,600 feet above sea level). The high elevation here, with huge diurnal shifts, helps impart the natural acidity to the Malbecs.
The new release Malbecs by Tapiz were fantastic. One of the best Malbecs that I have reviewed in the past year, the 2012 Tapiz ‘Black Tears’ Malbec (WWB, 93) is massive, layered and downright delicious. This great wine will cellar marvelously for a decade or more. Learn more about this great winery at
2014 Tapiz ‘Alta Collection’ Malbec- This primarily excellent Malbec begins with aromatics of black tea, black olive and mocha with spice box accents. This has wonderful balance and poise as well as mid-palate weight. Black fruits and mild tannins show off this impressive red wine that finishes with cocoa. Enjoy this delicious Malbec over the next five years. Drink 2017-2022- 90
2012 Tapiz ‘Black Tears’ Malbec- This brooding wine begins with aromatics of black tea, coffee grounds and suggestions of baking spices with milk chocolate. The balance and poise as well as mid-palate weight is there. Milk chocolate shavings, blueberry compote, blackberry cobbler and red currant flavors sit alongside some excellent minerality. This is a long ager by Tapiz. Drink 2017-2030- 93