Bodega Norton Privada 2017

It must be nice when you really, really, don’t need the money.

That was certainly the case when Austrian Billionaire Gernot Langes-Swarovski decided to purchase Bodega Norton – one of Mendoza’s oldest properties and the region’s only traditional winery surrounded by its own vines. But this was no idle investment, Gernot spared no expense in perfecting a world-class winemaking facility and team – even installing his son to oversee the entire operation.

The accolades began almost immediately, but they’ve grown even more spectacular since up-and-coming winemaker, David Bonomi joined the team in 2002. David made several ‘up and comer’/’winemakers to watch’ lists before landing on “Decanter’s South America’s Top 10 Winemakers” list in 2017. But this year – Bodega Norton’s 125th anniversary – brought the young man the title of ‘Winemaker of the Year’ from Decanter’s preeminent South American wine writer, Tim Atkins.

The ascent in recognition was spearheaded by almost universal record high ratings from the press. But one wine quietly existed for decades without a single rating or review. Because when you don’t need the money … you can set aside the estate’s most mature parcels for a single Bordeaux-styled cuvee each year, reserved just for family and friends.

Known just as ‘Privada Family Blend’, this has been slowly released to the general public over the last several years. Consequently the press has caught up. Five publications raved about this under $20 gem, each rewarding it with 91 points or more. You’d be smart to snag a few bottles before it’s too late!