Cooper’s pick: wines from signature grapes
Altos Las Hormigas, Appellation Paraje Altamira Malbec, Uco Valley, Argentina 2015 94
POA (2014) Exel, Liberty Wines Another superb offering from the Appellation series by this excellent Malbec specialist. From the high altitude of Altamira, this is tightly wound, with gorgeous dark fruits, graphite and a tantalising saline, mineral finish. Drink 2019-2030 Alcohol 14%
Viña Progreso, Reserva Barrel-less, Progreso, Uruguay 2018 93
N/A UK www.vinaprogreso.com Unoaked Tannat. Incredibly floral and perfumed nose, with blackcurrant and violets. Such a lovely balance and depth of fruit, yet with a real lightness of touch and freshness. Really long finish. This is a lovely unoaked style. Drink 2019-2023 Alc 13%
Familia Deicas, Domaine Castelar Vineyard Tannat, Uruguay 2015 92
£ 18.99 The Good Wine Shop, Vinos Latinos Beautiful, lifted aromatics with a delicious earthy, smoky edge. This just crackles along with zippy acidity, sculpted tannins and a dollop of dark fruit. Succulent, juicy and classy. Drink 2018-2024 Alc 13.5%
Santa Carolina, Herencia Carmenère, Peumo, Cachapoal Valley, Chile 2011
92 £64.99 Amazon UK, Ehrmanns A blockbuster Carmenère that improves with each vintage that’s made. Has a rounded palate with extremely fine tannins and dark fruits, a ripe sweetness that isn’t cloying and a touch of mint balanced by beautifully integrated oak. A very accomplished wine.
Drink 2018-2025 Alc 14.5%
Susana Balbo, Signature Malbec, Altamira, Uco Valley, Argentina 2015 92
£ 27 Good Wine Online, Grapevine, The Secret Cellar, The Wine Co Delicately perfumed aromas of crushed raspberries, fig and rose. Superb chalky tannins balance a lovely sweet, ripe core of red and dark fruits. Long and poised finish. Big, but elegant too. Drink 2018-2024 Alc 14.5%
Aresti, Trisquel Carmenère, Curicó Valley, Chile 2017 91
£ 16 Copestick Murray A new addition to Aresti’s Trisquel range from estate fruit in Curicó. Dark chocolate with dark fruit, mint and a lovely dense, chewy core. There is no greenness at all (even at 13% abv) and there’s a really zingy acidity to this vibrant expression of Carmenère. Drink 2018-2023 Alc 13% ➢