2002 Clos de Los Siete

2002 Clos de Los Siete (Mendoza) - this $25 Can. wine is a joint venture by seven partners, guided by the winemaking of the ubiquitous Michel Rolland, but with a difference. This wine isn't just made by the 'flying winemaker', it is also owned by him, along with the other investors, who are all French. The wine is a blend of 40% Malbec, 20% Merlot, 20% Cab Sauv, and 20% Syrah. Dark purple with a nose of primary fruit, not too sweet and not too ripe, reminding me of nothing so much as a Spanish wine in the nose. In the mouth, it is smooth and has lots of character, and it is evident that Rolland is not shooting for a long ageing wine, but for something that will be pleasant over the first few years. The oak isn't overdone, but the tannin to fruit balance makes the wine seem a tad chunky. Mellow with soft tannins, and good balance, it is very pleasant, though I think I'd give the nod to the other Franco-South American wine made by Lafite, Los Vascos Reserva, by a nose. Worth keeping an eye on this one.