2021 Terrazas de Los Andes Grand Malbec, Uco Valley

A juicy and savory malbec with blackberry, crushed stone and orange peel aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, savory and delicious. Drink now.

93 points James Suckling

Terrazas de los Andes has been one of the key names in the modern rise of Argentine wine, established in Mendoza in 1996 with a philosophy centred on altitude. Its vineyards climb through the foothills of the Andes, matching varieties to different elevations and growing conditions. Grand Malbec sits near the top of the range, drawing on the Uco Valley’s high altitude vineyards for a more serious and cellar worthy expression of Argentina’s signature grape.

The Uco Valley is particularly exciting for Malbec. Intense sunlight helps build flavour and colour, while cold nights preserve acidity and fragrance. Poor alluvial soils scattered with stones encourage deep roots and naturally limit vigour. The excellent 2021 season produced wines with both concentration and freshness, and Grand Malbec captures that balance beautifully, powerful enough to impress but without becoming thick or cumbersome.

Deep purple crimson with blackberry, blueberry and black plum, followed by violet and a lift of red cherry. Liquorice, cocoa, graphite and cracked pepper build underneath, with subtle cedar and dried herbs adding savoury complexity. The palate is concentrated and plush through the middle, but fresh acidity and firm, polished tannins keep the dark fruit beautifully controlled. Blackberry, plum and blueberry gradually move towards graphite, cocoa and spice across a long, structured finish.

Chargrilled rib eye with chimichurri certainly speaks the local language, but Korean galbi, slow roasted lamb with rosemary or smoky eggplant with lentils and tahini are equally convincing. For something different, try it with mushroom empanadas and a punchy tomato relish. A good decant will help if opening it now.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2040.