Top 5 Most Expensive Mendoza Wine
Mendoza wine has become synonymous with quality – and even some of the priciest bottles in the world. This renowned Argentinian wine region, famous for Malbec and bold red blends, now competes with top wine regions globally. Wealthy collectors and casual wine drinkers are fascinated by the premium wine emerging from Mendoza. In this article, we uncork five ultra-premium Mendoza wine gems. We explore what makes each one special on the South American wine stage. For anyone lucky enough to try them, these labels promise a wine tasting experience unlike any other.
1. Catena Zapata Estiba Reservada – Legendary Mendoza Cabernet Blend
Crafted by the iconic Catena family in Mendoza, this wine is often regarded as the pinnacle of Argentinian wine. It’s an exclusive Bordeaux-style blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (with a touch of Cabernet Franc). The wine is made only from the winery’s finest vineyard lots. It ages in new French oak barrels to achieve exceptional depth and elegance. With tiny production and high critical acclaim, Estiba Reservada averages over $700 per bottle. That makes it one of the most expensive Mendoza wine releases ever. This premium wine sets a high standard for quality and prestige. Rich black fruit flavors, hints of tobacco, and velvety tannins characterize this legendary red. It’s a true trophy bottle for those seeking the finest wine Argentina has to offer. It’s the kind of bottle opened only for special occasions or wine tasting events.
2. Rutini “Felipe Rutini” Blend – Ultra-Premium Red from Mendoza
Felipe Rutini is an ultra-premium red blend that represents the pinnacle of Mendoza wine heritage. It has earned a place among the region’s premium wine legends. Bodega Rutini is a historic Mendoza winery founded in the 1880s. This winery produces the cuvée only in outstanding vintages as a tribute to founder Felipe Rutini. The blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec stands out for its layered complexity and refined balance. Notes of blackcurrant, plum, cocoa, and cedar unfold with each sip. This richness showcases the meticulous winemaking of Mariano Di Paola, one of Argentina’s top winemakers. With decades of aging potential, bottles of Felipe Rutini are highly sought after. Expect to pay around $350–$400 for a recent vintage. This exclusive red embodies the rich tradition and innovation behind the best Mendoza wine. It has earned top ratings and recognition among South America’s elite wines.
3. PerSe “La Craie” – Boutique High-Altitude Malbec Marvel
La Craie was created by two star winemakers in the lofty Gualtallary subregion of Mendoza. It’s a unique co-fermentation of Malbec and Cabernet Franc from a single rocky vineyard. This bold yet elegant red exudes aromas of blackberry, violet, and graphite. It reflects the extreme high-altitude terroir of the Uco Valley’s limestone-rich soils. Production is extremely limited, which adds to its exclusivity and cult appeal. PerSe La Craie is a newer project, yet it has already earned near-perfect 97-point scores in wine tasting competitions. For collectors looking beyond the established names, this artisan Mendoza wine delivers world-class quality with a truly personal touch.
4. Familia Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita “Supercal” – 100-Point Malbec from Uco Valley
Zuccardi’s Finca Piedra Infinita Supercal is a modern icon that proves Mendoza can produce luxury wine at the highest level. Sourced from a tiny 0.93-hectare parcel in Paraje Altamira (Uco Valley, Mendoza), this single-vineyard red is all about expressing its unique terroir. Uniquely, it sees no oak aging – allowing the high-elevation limestone soil character to shine through in the glass. The result is a profoundly mineral, aromatic Malbec with firm tannins and remarkable freshness. British critic Tim Atkin awarded the 2021 vintage of Supercal a perfect 100 points. It was the only Argentinian wine to ever achieve this score in his annual report. Such prestige has made Supercal highly collectible. Expect to pay around $260 for a bottle – a price justified by its rare origin story and perfect critical acclaim. It stands as one of the best Mendoza wine achievements, firmly placing Argentina in the global fine wine spotlight.
5. Tiano & Nareno “Travesía 1908” – Rare Limited-Production Malbec
Travesía 1908 by Tiano & Nareno is one of the rarest wines in Mendoza. In fact, it’s among the rarest in all of South America. This exceptional red blend (with a splash of Cabernet Franc) was created to honor two Italian immigrants who arrived in Mendoza in 1908. It revives century-old family vineyards with the help of famed winemaker Roberto de la Mota. The wine itself is powerful yet polished, offering lush dark fruit, subtle spice, and a long silky finish that wows at any wine tasting. What truly sets Travesía 1908 apart is its scarcity. Only about 6,000 bottles are produced each year, making it an extremely sought-after cuvée. Collectors lucky enough to find a bottle can expect to pay around $250 or more. Its rarity and storied background justify the price. This modern classic shows that a lovingly crafted wine can attain both exceptional quality and exclusivity. It’s a luxury Mendoza wine that connoisseurs cherish for its blend of story and craftsmanship.
Savoring the Best of Mendoza Wine
These five wines represent the pinnacle of Mendoza’s winemaking. While most of us may never get to taste such exclusive bottles, there are plenty of wonderful Argentine-inspired wines available at more accessible prices. Garrafeira da Ilha offers a curated wine selection to explore, including fine red wines from robust Cabernet-Malbec blends to velvety pure Malbecs – all without breaking the bank. By trying some of these alternatives, any enthusiast can enjoy a taste of what makes Mendoza’s top premium wines so special. They’ll also appreciate how far Mendoza wine has come on the global stage. Mendoza’s rise in the Argentinian wine world shows no sign of slowing down – great news for wine tasting and premium wine enthusiasts.
