2014 Valle de Uco Malbec

Bright medium ruby. Musky dark berries, molten chocolate, leather, meat and espresso on the nose, lifted by a touch of violet florality; this struck me as a bit like Syrah from the northern Rhône. Very suave, fine-grained, dry wine with insidious intensity and nuance--not to mention lift--to its dark fruit and mineral flavors. Classically dry in an Old World style, showing a sexy mocha reduction today and no excess weight. Finishes with horizontal, fine-grained tannins and outstanding length. This is not quite as tightly wound as the 2013 version last year, but no complaints here! Finishes with dusty tannins and chalky suggestions. Not thick or fleshy wine, just a superb Malbec of terroir . In fact, I wonder if I'm underrating it. This wonderfully concentrated, layered wine finishes extremely long, with fine-grained tannins.

Moderately saturated medium red. Musky, reduced aromas of redcurrant, leather and roasted oak. Then surprisingly vinous on the palate, showing good definition and lift to its redcurrant, plum and herb flavors. Nicely fine-grained wine with a distinctly peppery quality to its redcurrant, mocha and leather flavors. Give this Malbec some air if you plan to open it soon.

The juicy and unoaked 2014 Malbec Clásico has a captivating, perfumed nose of violets, lilies and ripe cherries. It's all berries and flowers with a juicy palate. This is simply delicious and a real bargain for the quality it delivers. One to buy by the case. Bravo!