The 2011 Malbec Vineyard 1955 is from La Consulta, an old vineyard planted in 1955 that they bought in 2010. The soils are a mixture of sand and lime, and, as with all old vineyards, there is a field blend where Malbec is dominant. But there’s a myriad of other red grapes mixed in the vineyard that are all picked and vinified together. I had the chance to walk this magnificent vineyard, on the border of Altamira. The wine is dark-coloured, with a pungent and intense nose of ripe cherries, baking spices and a lactic touch. The palate shows natural concentration and balance with round, sweet tannins, a sense of harmony and refreshing acidity, ending long and supple. Oak dominates this wine, but you can feel the force of the ripe fruit flavour underneath, the touches of violets and the smoothness of a seductive Malbec. A delicious example of a ripe, sweet style, this comes from La Consulta in the Uco Valley, off vines planted in 1955.

Decanter - Gold

James Suckling – 95 points