Luca Old Vine Malbec 2021

Cellar for up to 9 years. No need to decant before serving. This remarkable Malbec was awarded 4th place in Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Wines for 2020, a testament to its exceptional value for money and luscious flavour profile dominated by deep wild berry notes. Fruit is sourced from La Consulta and Gualtallary in the Uco Valley which is famed for being home to Mendoza’s highest altitude vineyards. All of the fruit is carefully harvested by hand and the young wine is aged in French oak barrels for 14 months to add extra polish and complexity. Seductive hints of cassis, ripe plum and blackberry dominate on the nose, while on the palate there’s a robust full body, smooth texture and notes of toasted oak and spice which mingle with the succulent dark fruit flavours. The long finish and well-built structure make this a great wine to drink alongside typical Argentinian favourites like chorizo sausages or a prime steak. The Luca label was founded by Laura Catena, daughter of Argentina’s most famous winemaker Nicolas Catena, who wanted to create bespoke artisanal wines in tiny quantities. The wines are named after her son, Luca, and the labels feature the family crest of her husband Dan McDermott, symbolising her love for her family. Laura carefully selects top quality fruit from a number of prime plots in Mendoza which are vinified according to her exacting standards.

Price: £22.93 from 8wines UK