94 Points, James Suckling
This comes from 80-year-old vineyards. The nose is expressive, showing pure red and dark fruit. The palate is elegant and precise, with fine dark fruit, polished tannins and an overall sense of harmony and refinement. So much elegance. Drink now or hold.
91+ Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
A blend of Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from 50- to 80-year-old massal selections, the 2023 Privada Family Blend opens with a fresh, red- and blue-fruited nose lifted by dried spice and herbal accents. The palate is seamless and broad with a succulent, juicy core, concluding with a sturdy, powdery finish.
Sometimes in life, it’s not about the money. At least that was the case when Austrian Billionaire Gernot Langes-Swarovski decided to purchase Bodega Norton – one of Mendoza’s oldest properties and the only one which sits among the vines in the traditional manner. 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 poured in 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. Then in 2020, Bodega Norton’s 125th anniversary, Bonomi earned the title of ‘Winemaker of the Year’ from Decanter’s preeminent South American wine writer, Tim Atkin.
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 an estate-grown single bordeaux-styled cuvee each year, reserved just for family and friends.