(2016) A smokiness and meatiness, dry and savoury. The black fruit is inky and dense, lovely ripeness. So much pepper and spice and liquorice density and bittersweetness in a profound and concentrated expression of Malbec, though I would have asked for a little more light and shade.
(2016) Malbec 66%, Cabernet Sauvignon 26%, Petit Verdot 8%. Much purer and freshner nose than the 2011, with graphite and cherry notes, a light ash quality to the ripe black fruits. A nice lift here that seems purer than the 2011. The palate has a similarly plush character, with a roughening edge of tannin, but the lovely fruit balance and the acidity is fine. This has a real liquorice or endive edge and needs time, but lovely elegant and powerful ftuff.
(2014) This vineyard in Pedregal, Lujan de Cuyo gives such beautiful fruit, and this has a tiny herbal and floral lift. The palate has really fine red fruits and a certain creaminess and has very fine raciness and red fruit character, It is very dry, really structured, but has the gravelly, grippy, refined character that is lovely. With a touch of tomato fruitiness and a touch of briar and really nice length and balance into the finish. Gravelly, like a really good right bank Bordeaux in some ways. 15% alcohol.
(2008) 100% Malbec from the Finca Mirador vineyard in Medrano, which produced 577 cases in 2005. Aged in 100% new French oak, this is nevertheless fresh, racy and vital, with cherry fruit that is very poised with gorgeous ripeness. On the palate that racy, energetic character continues, with some black olive savoury character and racy, crisp raspberry fruit and acidity into a long finish. Lovely, and around
(2008) There are 669 cases of this old vine Malbec from Finca Altamira in La Consulta in the Uco Valley. It spent 16 months in 100% new French oak. A notch of extra plushness over the Mirador on the nose, but retains that freshness and raciness. Fantastic stuff, with a hint of minerality. Very fine indeed, with a medium-bodied finesse and a raciness. Great length - concentration without extraction.
