2010 Finca Las Moras Pedernal Malbec, San Juan Argentina

This wine requires work. You need to go out and buy a good cut of meat from a butcher who is on a first name basis. You need to change into something comfortable and ensure you have glasses that can the handle the truth. Because this wine demands it. It speaks of a place that exists only in rarefied air, with fruit and tannin bound by a mutual respect. It pulls you in close as you teter on the precipice of purity, wrapping you in warm sunshine of days gone by. The toil. The structure. The honesty. It might be work at the onset, but this is a labour of love and the views are to die for.

Of a violet red color, with ripe berries’ taste and aroma together with vanilla scent, sweet spices and smoky bouquet, Mora Negra has an intense flavor and soft texture that persists in the palate.Its vineyards are localized in Tulum Valley and Pedernal Valley between 650 and 1350 meters above sea level. As an advantage, the altitude offers cooler nights, giving freshness to the wine: it moderates the heat during the day, giving a ripe berrie’s taste. It also provides plenty of ultraviolet rays, offering wines of a soft texture as well as intense color and taste.

Have it with a great diversity of cheeses, due to its velvet-like texture as well as pasta with meat and risottos.

A firm and fruity red with dark fruit and hints of spices. Full body, plus hints of jam and walnuts. Flavorful finish. Shows salty and minerally character. Stylish. Verges on old style but will come around nicely with a year or two.

91 points James Suckling jamessuckling.com