Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Malbec (75cl, 13.5%)

A 100% Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Terrazas de los Andes is owned by Chandon Argentina, a subsidiary of Moët Hennessy. Fruit comes from vineyards at about 1,070 metres elevation, blending Uco Valley grapes with parcels from Las Compuertas in Luján de Cuyo; vine age ranges from 20 to 80 years. After fermentation in stainless steel, the wine matures in French oak barrels for 12 to 14 months. The 2021 vintage earned the number 30 spot on Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2023 and 94 points from James Suckling. The nose opens with violets, hibiscus, black cherry, plum, blueberry, wild herbs, cassis and orange blossom. The palate is plush and juicy, with raspberry, dark cherry, toasty French oak, black pepper and dark chocolate. The finish is medium to long, with soft tannins, baking spice, black fruit and a savory, slightly earthy quality.