2023 Pulenta La Flor Malbec, Mendoza

Fruity and floral nose with upfront black cherries, bramble berries, fruit tea, sangria and herbs. Round, fleshy and fruity on the palate, with soft tannins and a direct, fruity finish. Simple but well-made. A good wine for those who seek immediate fruit and potpourri appeal from malbec. Drink now.

90 points James Suckling

The Pulenta family has been part of Argentina's wine story for generations, helping to shape the reputation of Mendoza as one of the world's great wine regions. Following decades of success with the family business, brothers Hugo and Eduardo Pulenta established Pulenta Estate in 2002 with a vision of producing wines that showcase the purity and character of high altitude Mendoza vineyards. La Flor represents the estate's vibrant and approachable side, delivering exceptional quality and value while remaining unmistakably Argentine.

Fruit for La Flor Malbec is sourced from estate vineyards in Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, where vineyards sit at altitude beneath the Andes Mountains. Intense sunlight, cool nights and low rainfall create ideal conditions for Malbec, producing grapes with rich fruit flavours, natural freshness and beautifully ripe tannins. The 2023 vintage delivered excellent balance, resulting in a wine that is both generous and refined.

Deep violet red in colour, the bouquet bursts with aromas of blackberry, plum and black cherry, layered with notes of violet, mocha and sweet spice. The palate is smooth and expressive, delivering juicy dark berry fruits, blueberry and cocoa flavours supported by soft tannins and bright acidity. Hints of vanilla, licorice and dark chocolate add complexity, while the finish remains fresh, silky and satisfyingly long.

This is a natural match for chargrilled ribeye, smoky beef empanadas, lamb skewers, mushroom and black bean tacos or roasted eggplant with chimichurri. Equally enjoyable on its own, it captures the warmth, generosity and easy charm that have made Mendoza Malbec a favourite around the world.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2030.