El Esteco – Malbec 2013 – Calchaqui Valley

Very inky colour here, deep black-purple core. Pretty nose here with floral hints; violet, lavender. With mostly dark fruit such as blackberry and clove. No noticeable oak. The palate has high concentration, but a quite subtle texture here. The tannins and extract are well integrated, well melted. Some notes of cocoa powder with that inky dark fruit; blackberry, plum. Quite a fresh acidity as well. Which I think it backs up that sweet and ripe fruit pretty nicely. We have certainly a high degree of ripeness and alcohol here. A style of wine I would drink in a slightly cool temperature to take down the alcohol. I get a slight hint of toastiness on the finish, so there is obviously a hint of oak but I think it is well concealed. So overall a fine balance. Good drinkability today. I would certainly prefer to keep it because it would develop more complexity and harmony, but a pretty solid result as of today.

Tasted by the Best Sommelier of the World, Andreas Larsson.