Bodega DiamAndes, de Uco Syrah, 2019
Bodega DiamAndes, de Uco Syrah, 2019
- 75cl
- 14%
- Red Still
- Syrah
- Organic
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Couldn't load pickup availability
Optimal drinking window: 2026 - 2031
In the heart of Clos de los Siete, Bodega DiamAndes stands as a winemaking haven, producing wines that resonate with intensity and finesse from their beautiful vineyards high up in Argentina's Uco Valley.
Set up in 2005 by the esteemed Bonnie Family (the famous name behind Malartic Lagraviere & Gazin Rocquencourt), this is another very successful project from an established Bordeaux dynasty.
Currently in its primary fruit phase, this 2019 Syrah is drinking beautifully now with vibrant blackberry aromatics and well-integrated tannins. Over the next 2-3 years, we expect the primary fruit to meld further with the oak, developing more complex savoury characters whilst retaining that distinctive olive note. The wine should reach its peak drinking window around 2028-2030, when the tannins will have fully softened and secondary flavours of leather and herbs will emerge. Beyond 2032, the fruit may begin to fade, though the wine's natural acidity and structure suggest it will age gracefully rather than decline precipitously.
What the critics say:
"Aromas of violets, blackberries, black olives and ash. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins. Focused and concentrated with lingering, savory olive notes. Delicious. Vegan. Drink or hold."
"The 2019 Syrah from the Uco Valley spent 12 months in a third new barrels. Purple in the glass. The fairly spicy aromas feature blackberry and hints of raspberry with black pepper and a whiff of cedar. Juicy and moderately structured in the mouth with finely grained, grippy tannins and a voluminous flow, it ends with a medium-length finish."
Tasting Notes
AppearanceDeep purple with vibrant clarity and a youthful rim.
NosePerfumed violet and blackberry leap from the glass, followed by black pepper spice and a whisper of cedar. There's something wild and mountain-fresh about the aromatics that speaks to the altitude.
PalateMedium to full-bodied with concentrated blackberry fruit wrapped in fine-grained, grippy tannins. The savoury black olive character builds through the mid-palate, adding complexity to the juicy berry core. Oak integration is seamless, providing structure rather than flavour.
FinishLong and savoury with lingering olive tapenade and a peppery spice that echoes the nose.
Overall impressionThis is high-altitude Syrah at its most refined, balancing power with elegance.
Food Pairings
In Mendoza, this style of Syrah would traditionally accompany asado - the region's famous barbecued meats cooked slowly over wood fires. The wine's savoury olive character pairs beautifully with chorizo and morcilla, whilst its firm tannins can handle the richness of slow-cooked beef short ribs. Locals might also serve it alongside locro, a hearty stew of corn, beans, and meat that's perfect for the cool mountain evenings. The wine's natural acidity makes it an excellent match for chimichurri-dressed grilled vegetables, particularly roasted red peppers and aubergines.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-17°C to allow the aromatics to fully express themselves without the tannins becoming too prominent. A brief decanting of 30-45 minutes will help integrate the wine's components and soften any youthful edges. Use a large Burgundy glass to concentrate the violet aromatics whilst providing enough surface area for the wine to breathe. No need for extended decanting - this wine shows beautifully with just a gentle opening up.
The vineyards sit at 3,000 feet above sea level in the Uco Valley, where the extreme altitude creates dramatic diurnal temperature shifts that preserve acidity and enhance aromatics. The soils are alluvial with limestone deposits, providing excellent drainage whilst retaining enough moisture for consistent ripening. The desert climate means virtually no disease pressure, whilst the Andes mountains create a natural barrier that concentrates flavours and extends the growing season. This combination of altitude, soil, and climate produces Syrah with remarkable intensity and natural freshness.
The Uco Valley represents Argentina's new frontier for premium winemaking, sitting at the foot of the Andes at altitudes between 2,500 and 5,000 feet. Unlike the warmer, lower-altitude zones of Mendoza, the Uco Valley's extreme elevation creates a cool climate that rivals Europe's finest regions. The appellation has gained international recognition for producing wines with remarkable freshness and aromatic complexity, particularly from Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and increasingly, Syrah. The region's reputation continues to grow as producers like the Bonnie family demonstrate what's possible at these heights.
The 2019 vintage in Mendoza proved that patience pays off. After a challenging start with spring frosts that had growers holding their breath, the season settled into a beautiful rhythm of warm days and cool nights that lasted well into autumn. The extended hang time allowed fruit to ripen slowly and evenly, particularly in the higher altitude vineyards where the diurnal temperature swings kept acidity intact while tannins softened to silk.
What emerged from the cellars is a vintage of real character and immediate charm. The Malbecs show the grape at its most expressive – rich and structured but without the sometimes brooding intensity of cooler years, while Cabernet Sauvignon found its voice with remarkable purity of fruit. We're drinking these wines with genuine pleasure right now, though the best examples will happily develop for another decade. It's the sort of vintage that reminds you why Mendoza captured the world's attention in the first place.
FAQs
What does this Syrah taste like?
Expect violet aromatics with blackberry fruit and distinctive savoury olive notes, supported by firm but fine-grained tannins. It's elegant rather than heavy, with real personality from the high-altitude Uco Valley site.
When should I drink this wine?
It's drinking beautifully now and will continue to improve until 2032. The tannins are already well-integrated, so no need to wait, but patience will be rewarded with added complexity.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Perfect with grilled meats, particularly lamb or beef with herbs. The savoury olive character makes it brilliant with Mediterranean flavours - try it with tapenade, grilled vegetables, or herb-crusted roasts.
Should I decant this wine?
A brief 30-45 minute decanting will help the wine open up, but it's not essential. Serve at 16-17°C in large glasses to maximise the aromatic expression.
How does this compare to other Argentine wines?
This represents the new wave of high-altitude Argentine winemaking - more elegant and aromatic than the powerful, lower-altitude styles. It's Syrah with real finesse, showing what's possible in the Uco Valley's cool climate.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
Absolutely, though it's already drinking well. It will develop more complexity over the next 4-6 years, with the fruit integrating further and secondary savoury characters emerging. Peak drinking will be around 2028-2030.
-
-
Speak to one of our Wine Gurus
Speak to a Wine GuruWith years of experience, our team can help you with all your wine buying and selling needs