Wapisa Malbec (75cl, 13.8%)

A Patagonian red wine from Argentina's only coastal winery, Wapisa, bottled at 13.8% ABV in a 750ml bottle. The vineyard, Finca Los Acantilados, sits in San Javier, Río Negro, 25 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, with lime clay soils and cooling maritime breezes. The Malbec ages for eight months in a combination of new and second-use French oak barrels (80%) and American oak barrels (20%). The 2020 vintage earned 95 points from James Suckling. The nose leads with dark plum and blackberry, then roasted spices, dried leaves and sweet tobacco, with bay laurel, hibiscus and subtle mintiness. The palate is ripe and focused, with crunchy blue and black fruit, a sleek medium-bodied structure, chocolate and baking spice, and a meaty, savory quality. Tannins are present but polished. The finish is juicy and lingering, with blackberry preserves, dark chocolate and a hint of smoke.