(2024) In Asda, this is a wine from Mendoza that is a multi-variety blend. It majors on Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah which make up 97% of the blend, plus a splash of Tannat. It is assembled after separate fermentation of the components, and it is unoaked. Plummy and spicy stuff, a little bit of prune but also a distinct olive/herb lift. The palate has sweetness - maybe a touch of residual sugar, but also ripe berry fruit. The finish is spicy and fruity finishing gently.
(2023) A deeply saturated colour for this high-altitude wine (vineyards at 1,200 metres),l the nose offering plums and spices, a little gravelly background. On the palate there's initial sweet fruit, but quite firm and rustic tannins interrupt rather abruptly. The finish is just a touch rough and aggressive. Down to £6.99 until 24th January 2023 in Waitrose improves value for money from it's usual tenner.
(2021) A Malbec from the Uco Valley of Mendoza in Argentina, this is a big, dark and plummy wine with some spicy fruit cake character and a hint of chocolate. That, says its producers, makes it a perfect candidate as a mulled wine base. On offer at £7.00 at time of review. Watch the video for more information.
(2020) The largest producer of organic wines in the Mendoza province with 305 hectares of its own vineyards certified organic, Bodegas Argento's new wine blends 70% Malbec with Cabernet Franc. 20% of the Malbec is aged in French and American oak, and 30% of the Cab Franc in French oak. The wine is also Fairtrade accredited. Saturated and dark in colour, there's a touch of coffee and gravy browning, solid and spicy black fruit, and with swirling a little hint of something floral and violet-like. In the mouth it is dense and rich, sweet curranty fruit bolstered by a roughening edge of tannin. Powerful stuff, that really has to be matched with robust foods. Watch the video for more information and food-matching ideas.
(2018) From the clay soils of Lucán de Cujo, at 1,050 metres in the Andes foothills, this is 100% Malbec. The colour is dark, but not opaque, a glimpse of light leading on to a vibrant, zingy aromatic, fresh with blueberry and cherry, lifted notes sage and violet too, which are all very pure and appealing. In the mouth there's a mineral character to this, stony and graphite-like, the savoury fruit is there too, in a pert and agile wine that benefits from its directness. Herby, tangy and fresh in the finish.
(2016) Real violet and kirsch lift. A fine, elegant fruit, a strawberry sweetness but lovely bite of plum and cherry, taut with its tight tannins and cherry skin acidity, smoothed by some of that creamy, chocolaty depth.
(2008) Twelve months in oak, all French. A nice meaty, chocolaty nose, with a hint of mint to quite earthy black fruit. The palate has a fine juiciness to it, with lots of crisp-edged, very mouthfilling fruit with nicely supple tannins.
(2008) Very fine nose, with a spice and cedary character, and a touch of coffee. There is very svelte black fruit here, with plenty of ripe, juicy appeal. Lovely palate of very plush, juicy black fruit, bursting berry quality and freshness, just leading into a peppery spice quality with good balance. A big line, with 450,000 litres made.