BEST OF DIVERSE ARGENTINA

CATENA ZAPATA WHITE STONES CHARDONNAY 2018

Valle de Tupungato I.G.

One of the most remarkable white wines in South America. Ripe lemon, mandarine orange, tarragon, white mint and superbly integrated, smoky oak. Then on the palate this is practically vibrating with energy and precise, linear acidity; almost Mendoza meets Grand Cru Chablis in style. Gorgeous, chalky texture and •••• no end of flavour. Superb. FK

ALEANNA GRAN ENEMIGO GUALTALLARY SINGLE VINEYARD CABERNET FRANC 2016

Valle de Tupungato I.G.

A beautiful expression of Gualtallary; one of Mendoza’s great terroirs. Blackberries and bramble fruit mix with crushed violets, smoke, dark chocolate and a persistent streak of graphite underpinning it all. Soft, grainy tannin coats the palate as the finish lingers on and on. There is truly a bright future for ••••

Cabernet Franc here. FK

ZUCCARDI PIEDRA INFINITA SUPERCAL 2017

Paraje Altamira I.G.

A sleeping giant. Crushed blackberries and blueberries on the nose, mingled with notes of wild herbs, gravel, smoke and fresh violets. Such understated power and energy on the palate, framed by firm, finely grained tannins and persistent acidity. Endless flavour. This will be something special with a little time.

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RICCITELLI SEMILLON OLD VINES 2019

Patagonia

Few showcase the importance of old vines in Argentina quite like Mattias Riccitelli. Intense notes of grapefruit, freshly cut grass, orange pith and smoke pour out of the glass; evocative and really quite thrilling. Pure fruited, bright and long whilst retaining the slight ruggedness of a wine that has yet to •• show its best. Huge potential. FK

OTRONIA III & IV CHARDONNAY 2017 Patagonia

The nose is of lemon-laced polenta and equally lemony oatmeal with a hint of chalkiness peeping through. The palate comes in with generous stone fruit and a vivid, bold texture that is made all the more apparent by the vivid freshness that courses ••• through this wine. AK

ALTOS LAS HORMIGAS MALBEC GUALTALLARY 2018

Valle de Tupungato I.G.

The stony soils of Gualtallary speak loudly through this tight, spicy expression of Malbec. A beautiful combination of ripe, juicy black fruits, crushed rocks, black pepper and sappy herbs. Firm tannins and bright acidity suggest a long life ahead for this, though it’s already ••• delicious with a little air. FK

ELORZA VERUM SELECCION DE FAMILIA CABERNET FRANC 2018 Patagonia, Alto Valle del Rio Negro

A touch of iron oxide meets brisk, bright, vivid red fruit: cranberry, red cherry, even raspberry. There is a translucency to this that lets the purity of the red fruit sing. The body is light, exquisitely perfumed and aromatic, made all the more vivid by lively freshness. The tannins are silky, the finish is as fragrant as the •• opening. AK

SUNAL SALVAJE PUCARA SINGLE VINEYARD MALBEC 2018 Calchaquí Valley

Liquorice, smoke, crushed blackberry and plum unite on the nose. The palate is juicy and full-fruited, bold and mellow at the same time with ripe, almost sumptuous tannins. A fine freshness puts everything, especially the purity of the fruit, into sharp relief. A compelling and, despite its boldness, still very elegant •• wine. AK

EL PORVENIR LABORUM SINGLE VINEYARD OAK FERMENTED TORRONTES 2018

Valle de Cafayate I.G.

Thrilling Torrontes from the extreme north of Argentina. Explosively aromatic yet complex; ripe peach and apricot fruits, smoke, rose petals, crushed white flowers and hints of allspice. Bone dry and weighty with a broad beam of acidity carrying the flavours into a long •• finish. Delicious! FK