El Esteco Don David Malbec Reserva

The magic with this red starts in the vineyard, with the vines located at in Argentina’s Colchaqui Valley, which is a monster 1800m above sea level in the Andes foothills. While that may seem like a ridiculous place to grow grapes (it’s equivalent to the top of Thredbo, dammit), the 350 days of sunshine per year and the ultra-intense UV means warm days and cold nights – which grapevines absolutely love! In the winery, that fruit from such an amazing plot is given the royal treatment, with extended post ferment maceration (30 days on skins) and then careful maturation with some parcels matured in small oak barrels and some in tank (for more complexity). Described in the US by Wine Enthusiast Magazine as ‘one exotic number’ with a ‘lush, layered palate (that is) intense but doesn’t hit too hard’ and a finish that’s ‘stout and structured’. If you’re looking to try what is the pointy, high-quality end of Argentinean Malbec, then go no further – this is a blinder! Red – Other Reds – Malbec