The renowned "flying winemaker" Michel Rolland first visited Argentina in 1988 at the invitation of the Etchart family. Captivated by the remarkable terroir of northern Argentina, Rolland soon partnered with the Etcharts to establish Bodega San Pedro de Yacochuya in the Cafayate region, known as the world's highest winemaking area.
The vineyards for Yacochuya are planted at an impressive 2,000 meters (6,560 feet) above sea level. This high-altitude location creates exceptional conditions for producing top-quality wine. The intense sunlight and cool nighttime temperatures allow the grapes to reach optimal ripeness and develop greater depth of flavor, tannin, and color.
Rolland's signature Yacochuya cuvée is predominantly Malbec, blended with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate's oldest vines, which are over 60 years old. To preserve the grapes' freshness, they are harvested at night and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine then undergoes 12 months of aging, with 70% in used French oak barrels and 30% in new French oak.
The resulting Yacochuya red wine is rich and robust, bursting with luscious dark berry flavors, hints of dried violets, and cigar box spice on the long, persistent finish - a testament to the unique high-altitude terroir of Cafayate.
94 Pts Tim Atkin