Uncorking South America - Melbourne

Estate Malbec mixes grapes from different terroirs and altitudes where they have vineyards: 1,800, 2,300, 2,600 and 3,111 meters!

Dried herbs, smoked tarragon and cherries with a touch of roasted spices. Full-bodied on the palate with structured, fine-grained tannins and a long, pristine finish. Well-structured. Drink from 2025. JAMES SUCKLING

The 2022 Malbec Estate blends grapes from various Calchaquí Valley sites. Its 15 months of aging in 225- and 500-liter barrels with 25% new oak contributes complexity and character. Deep purple in color, it opens with blackberry, plum, spice and floral notes against an oaky backdrop. The palate mirrors these elements with juicy fruit, a plush texture, active tannins and a hint of chalk. The 2022 is long, flavorful and representative of northwest Argentina. JOAQUIN HIDALGO

The grapes come from different sectors of the vineyard, of different ages, planted on alluvial and colluvial soils, thus achieving a complete and typical reflection of what a Cabernet Sauvignon from our Fundo Liguai is. Fresh red fruits and certain black fruits appear on the nose, with sweet aromas and a touch of kitchen herbs. In the mouth it presents with soft but persistent tannins with a certain sensation of sweetness and volume, typical of its passage through oak barrels that make our Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva a great example of the variety and its origin.

Made with grapes from Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, the 2022 Malbec Mendoza revives the plush Malbec profile that gained popularity in the U.S. market in the 2000s, now with added intensity and concentration from the vintage. It offers a rich fruit blend, from ripe plum to blackberry, with a subtle hint of oak and fine tannins on the finish. This is well crafted and enjoyable. JOAQUIN HIDALGO, Vinous

Much more nuance than their Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Deep blue-black fruit swathed in broad, inky, supple tannins. A hint of rosemary and violet. Textbook Mendoza Malbec. JancisRobinson.com


This wine is brooding with rich fruit, showcasing cherry, plum, and spice notes. Its juicy, persistent palate is balanced with savoury undertones and approachable tannins. DECANTER

Achaval Ferrer helped put Mendoza on the map, producing wines that quickly gained international recognition. Today, it stands as one of the region’s classic examples, known for purity, intensity and site-driven Malbec. Their focus on old vines and minimal intervention has cemented their reputation as pioneers.

The 2023 Malbec A. Lisa originates from Mainqué, Río Negro, and was aged for ten months in used barrels. This opens with delicate cherry and violet notes, vibrant fruit and a gentle touch of oak. The palate is smooth with juicy freshness, good concentration and slightly ripe fruit. (93) JOAQUIN HIDALGO, The Wine Advocate

Aromas of blue and purple berries with a splash of peppery spices and violets. Lightly chewy tannins on the palate, with a medium body and a direct, fruity finish. Drink now. JAMES SUCKLING

Rutini Winery, one of the oldest wineries in Argentina, was founded in 1885 by Italian immigrant Don Felipe Rutini and is the founder of Uco Valley, Argentina's current core producer. The chief winemaker Mariano Di Paula was selected by Decanter in 2015. One of the greatest winemakers in the world.

This is a vibrant, modern expression of Bonarda, Argentina’s unsung red grape variety. The wine opens with aromas of ripe black cherry, blueberry, and violet, underscored by subtle notes of licorice, clove, and a touch of cocoa from gentle oak aging. On the palate, it is lush and juicy, with generous dark fruit flavours and soft, rounded tannins. Medium-bodied with a fresh, lifted acidity, it finishes smooth and spicy, making it immensely drinkable and versatile at the table. Aged for a short period in French and American oak, it maintains fruit purity while adding just a hint of structure and complexity.

A great introduction to Bonarda—this is a crowd-pleasing, food-friendly red that shines with grilled meats, roast vegetables, or even a hearty pasta.

The 2020 Carménère – Syrah Vertice is 51% Carménère and 49% Syrah from Apalta Colchagua, aged for 22 months in 40% new barrels. Dark garnet red. The nose presents notes of undergrowth, boldo and ripe fruit such as blackberry, alongside country herbs, ash and aromas from the aging process. Broad on the palate with grippy tannins, precise freshness and a finish of dark fruit and herbs. It’s remarkable how expressive and juicy this is given the warm year. JOAQIN HIDALGO, Vinous

The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon - Malbec Colección is a 50/50 blend from the Uco Valley and spent 12 months in French barrels, a tenth of them new. Garnet red with a purple sheen. The nose offers notes of blackcurrant and hints of cherry with balsamic, oaky aromas. The characterful palate is voluminous but channeled before the fruity, fresh finish. JOAQUIN HIDALGO, Vinous