2022 Caro

The 2022 Caro is 83% Malbec and 17% Cabernet Sauvignon from Altamira, Gualtallary and San Pablo. It fermented in concrete vats and matured in a combination of barrique, foudre and concrete for 14 months. A beautiful, multifaceted bouquet of purple flowers, espresso and gravel melds with a dense core of black fruits, followed by a suave, seductive palate that balances contained opulence with pedigree and elegance. It culminates in an even-keeled, long and layered finish of luscious fruits, integrated oak flavors and fine-grained, powdery tannins. A classical expression of Uco Valley rendered with restraint, this should be a joy to follow in the cellar well past its first decade.

Concentrated plum purple colour, medium to full intensity with vibrant violet edging. This continues in its concentrated feel on the palate, expect slabs of deep blueberry and blackcurrant fruit, with cocoa dusting, violet flowers, liqourice and crayon. Captures the personality of both of its component varieties, and has clear consistency between vintages - this is a great bet for a carefully crafted Argentinian wine with a ton of signature. Joint venture between Nicolas Catena and Domaines Baron de Rothschild (Lafite), wine aged in barrels made in the Lafite cooperage in Pauillac. Oliver Tregoat winemaker, director Philipe Rolet.

Clear, luminous, but densely structured. Floral, with peony and a wild garrigue herbal element. Tightly structured, quite strict and quite linear. Blocky. Foursquare. Serious. This is very much a vin de garde, impressively so. Very pure, above all on the finish. Dense and compact.