(2024) From the high altitude vineyards of Luján de Cuyo at 1050 metres, just 15% of this Chardonnay spent six months in oak, all used barrels. Yellowy green in the glass. A little bit of violet fig and crushed almond over juicy, ripe pear and stone fruits. The palate is lovely: there's a spicy, herb edged hint of leafy dill that sits alongside ripe, exotic fruits. In the background, the layer of toast and sesame seed from the barrels is cut through with a vivid navel orange juicy acidity. Very delicious in the final analysis.

(2023) What an interesting wine from leading Argentinian winemaker, Susana Balbo. The highly aromatic Torrontés is rarely fermented in oak, and this 11.5% alcohol example was clearly harvested early, which has also acted to temper its floral and herbal exuberance. There's still a whisper of jasmine, but aromas are much more about delicate orange and nectarine, just touched by a little oak creaminess. In the mouth lots of Mandarin orange juiciness, sweet peach juice, and refined acidity, the whole picture light, fresh and flowing due to that low alcohol and the delicate handling of the fruit. A nice way to celebrate International Women's Day in just a week or so. Watch the video for more information.

(2021) This is 90% Pedro Gimenez, with 10% field blend of Gewurztraminer, Semillon and Viognier. The Pedro Gimenez is made in concrete eggs, with wild yeasts, and the field blend component is fermented in French oak barrel, spends two years under flor, and is added as a 'dosage' at bottling. There's a distinct bronze hue to the colour, and a very natural nose, the light yeast and cool earthiness of the wild ferment and flor, a nutty apple fruit character. Tiny hints of more aromatic florals, but way in the background. The palate is deliciously full-textured and refined, with a lovely weight of orchard fruit, salty notes, and a flowing, seamless transition into a lemon and salts finish. Really distinctive and one of the stars of this Criollas tasting for sure. Imported into the UK by Las Bodegas at time of review.

(2016) Torrontes, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc fermented in concrete 'egg' with wild yeasts before ageing four months with batonnage. The lychee and perfumed floral notes of the Torrontes is powerful, but there’s a flinty character too that is very attractive, with the palate showing delightful fruit intensity and a huge blast of grapefruit. Delicious acidity and intensity, long and shimmering salty acidity. Not in UK at time of writing.

(2016) Plenty of barrel component, but also a delicious flintiness, the commplex reductive notes so appealing, and the creaminess is there on the palate with a lovely acid ripeness. The 2014 is in the UK at £15.95 at time of writing.