Siesta en el Tahuantinsuyu Malbec Mendoza

2018 Ernesto Catena Vineyards “Siesta en el Tahuantinsuyu” Single Vineyard Malbec Mendoza is a soulful, high-altitude Argentine Malbec that brings together dark fruit, floral lift, and polished structure in a bottle that feels both expressive and distinctive. The wine comes from Vista Flores, Mendoza, and Vineyard Brands explains that the Siesta project was inspired by ancient Incan tradition, with bottles symbolically buried in the vineyard each year to protect the vines, people, and harvest. That backstory gives the wine a strong sense of place and identity, while critical reviews and retailer notes point to a style that is rich and dark-fruited, yet still balanced by freshness and finesse.

Process & Profile

This is a single-vineyard Malbec from Vista Flores in Mendoza, produced under Ernesto Catena Vineyards’ Siesta label. Wine Enthusiast identifies the wine as a 2018 Malbec from Mendoza at 14% alcohol, while retailer listings position it as a refined, site-driven expression that emphasizes both fruit depth and elegance.

On the nose, the wine opens with a dark, layered profile of ripe plum, blueberry, blackberry, and floral berry notes, supported by nuances of herbs, cocoa, graphite, leather, and sweet spice. James Suckling’s published note highlights new leather, graphite, blackberries, dark spices, and a balsamic note, while other retailer summaries point to cocoa and floral berry character that give the wine an immediately polished and inviting feel.

The palate leans rich and supple, with reviews describing it as juicy, round, and sleek, supported by ample fruit and silky tannins. Wine Spectator notes a palate of berry and plum with a polished finish, while retailer notes describe it as smooth and balanced, with enough freshness to keep the darker fruit from feeling overly heavy. Together, those notes suggest a Malbec that delivers ripeness and depth, but with a more refined, lifted feel than a heavier, more rustic style.

What makes 2018 Ernesto Catena Vineyards “Siesta en el Tahuantinsuyu” Single Vineyard Malbec Mendoza especially compelling is the combination of single-vineyard identity, Incan-inspired storytelling, and a polished high-altitude Malbec profile. Wine Enthusiast rated the 2018 vintage 91 points, and the wine’s consistent descriptions of floral lift, ripe dark fruit, and smooth structure make it particularly attractive for shoppers looking for an Argentine red that feels both characterful and easy to sell.

Serve it just below room temperature and give it a little air to let the floral, cocoa, and darker-fruit notes fully open. It should pair beautifully with grilled steaks, roast lamb, empanadas, mushroom dishes, or aged cheeses, which is an inference based on the wine’s fruit concentration, tannin profile, and Mendoza Malbec structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2018 Ernesto Catena Vineyards “Siesta en el Tahuantinsuyu” Single Vineyard Malbec Mendoza?
It is a single-vineyard Malbec from Vista Flores, Mendoza, produced by Ernesto Catena Vineyards under the Siesta label, a project inspired by ancient Incan vineyard rituals.

What are the key specs of 2018 Ernesto Catena Vineyards “Siesta en el Tahuantinsuyu” Single Vineyard Malbec Mendoza?
It is a 2018 Mendoza Malbec from Vista Flores, bottled at 14% ABV, and reviewed by Wine Enthusiast at 91 points with a listed price of $17 at the time of review.

What flavors characterize 2018 Ernesto Catena Vineyards “Siesta en el Tahuantinsuyu” Single Vineyard Malbec Mendoza?
It shows notes of blackberry, plum, blueberry, floral berry tones, herbs, cocoa, graphite, leather, dark spice, and balsamic accents, with a palate that is juicy, round, and polished.

How should you enjoy 2018 Ernesto Catena Vineyards “Siesta en el Tahuantinsuyu” Single Vineyard Malbec Mendoza?
Serve it slightly below room temperature and consider decanting briefly to let the aromatics open. It should work especially well with grilled meats, savory dishes, and aged cheeses; those pairing suggestions are an inference based on its structure and flavor profile.

What makes 2018 Ernesto Catena Vineyards “Siesta en el Tahuantinsuyu” Single Vineyard Malbec Mendoza special?
Its appeal comes from the combination of single-vineyard sourcing, Vista Flores terroir, polished dark-fruit character, and the distinctive Incan-inspired story behind the Siesta label.