Tapia’s pick from Patagonia, old and new

Bodegas Noemía, J Alberto, Río Negro 2015 96 £ 39.99 Museum Wines, The Wine Treasury Sourced from vineyards planted in 1955 in Mainqué in the heart of Río Negro Valley, this is a Malbec that unfolds subtly in the mouth, offering flavours of red fruits and violets enveloped in a mattress of tannins so soft they seem ethereal. It is delicious now, but will be much more so with a few years in the cellar. Drink 2017-2025 Alcohol 13.5%

Bodegas Noemía, Noemía, Río Negro

2014 94 £90 (2013) Lay & Wheeler This Malbec comes from a 1.5-hectare vineyard planted in 1932. The first thing that captures your attention is its lifted, fruity and floral aromas, but also the depth of its flavours. The texture is elegant, soft and rounded on the palate, and all in delicious balance – nothing seems in excess. Drink 2017-2027 Alc 15% Bodegas Noemía, A Lisa, Río Negro 2015 93 £ 23-£ 36.40 Handford, Majestic, Museum Wines, Voyageurs du Vin Noemía’s entry-level Malbec is a cascade of refreshing red fruits, spicy notes and subtle touches of violets, while the palate is driven by crunchy, juicy and jovial acidity. Drink 2017-2021 Alc 13.5% Aniello, Viña 1932 Trousseau, Río Negro 2015 92 £ 55 Barrica Trousseau is generally associated with France’s Jura region, but Patagonia has some old vines too. Here, the tannins are firm and the fruit refreshing, supported by earthy notes. A wine to enjoy by the poolside, but at the same time it has enough body for grilled black pudding.

Drink 2017-2020 Alc 13.5%

Bodega Chacra, Cincuenta

y Cinco, Río Negro 2015 92 £ 31.95 (2014) Lea & Sandeman The second in the hierarchy of Chacra Pinot Noirs, this comes from limestone-rich soils that seem to give it a vertical structure, highlighting the acidity and letting the generous flavours of fresh red fruits express themselves in all their exuberance. Drink 2017-2023 Alc 12.8%

Bodega del Fin del Mundo, Special

Blend, Neuquén 2012 92 £ 35.49 Café Malbec, La Docta This blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is impressive in its size, filling the palate with its ripe and opulent flavours of black fruits and spices. The wild texture demands some charcuterie. Drink 2017-2022 Alc 14.7% Bodega Chacra, Barda, Río Negro 2014 91 £ 23.95 (2016) Lea & Sandeman The definition of a Pinot Noir to quench your thirst, this is full of vibrant red fruit flavours, with acidity playing a fundamental role, refreshing everything in its path. One for sunny days in the park. Drink 2017-2019 Alc 13%

Bodega Chacra, Treinta y Dos,

Río Negro 2014 90 £ 59.50 (2013) Lea & Sandeman Compared to Cincuenta y Cinco (see left), the Treinta y Dos Pinot Noir feels broader and less angular in style, with tasty and unctuous berry fruit and sweet red jelly flavours on a soft, roundtextured palate. Decadent and delicious. Drink 2017-2021 Alc 13% Bodega del Fin del Mundo, La Poderosa, Neuquén 2016 88 £6.62-£8.99 (2014) Dylans Wine, Find Me That Wine Terrific value, this is a simple Malbec focused on its fruity flavours, the freshness of its acidity and soft texture. This should be a regular tipple at every wine lover’s house. Drink 2017-2018 Alc 14.5% Malma, Finca La Papay Malbec, Neuquén 2016 88 £ 13.99 Café Malbec, La Docta, Wined Up Here, The Art of Wine If you are looking for a sweet and friendly Malbec with a creamy texture and delicious, simple cherry flavours, then this is it. Ready now for grilled meat. Drink 2017-2018 Alc 14%