El Tractor Malbec (75cl, 14%)

A 100% Malbec red wine from Maipú, Mendoza, Argentina, produced by Bodega Villa Atuel and bottled at 14% ABV in a 750 ml bottle. The vineyards sit at about 3,117 feet above sea level in stony-sandy loam soil and are irrigated with water from the Atuel River. Fermentation uses selected yeast at controlled temperatures, followed by natural malolactic fermentation and prolonged maceration in stainless steel. About 10% of the blend spends three months in third- and fourth-use American oak barrels. The nose shows crushed dark fruits, plum, blackberry and black cherry, with spice and earthy, leathery undertones. The palate is fruit-forward with plum and mixed berry, soft medium body and velvety texture. The finish is moderately long with dark berry and faint spice.