2020 Lagarde 'Primeras Viñas' Gualtallary Malbec Mendoza

I love the nuanced nose of the 2020 Primeras Viñas Malbec Gualtallary—it's varietal, elegant and complex, with tons of flowers, herbs and aromatic plants. It has a fine texture and chalky, elegant tannins. This has 13.6% alcohol and very good freshness, acidity and terrific balance. Superb, a triumph over the adverse conditions of the year (in all senses). 6,000 bottles were filled in December 2021. ~95 Wine Advocate

For Primeras Viñas, Lagarde uses grapes from vineyards planted in 2005 at an altitude of approximately 1,380 meters in the Gualtallary area, north of the Uco Valley. This wine has a strong sense of place, with the exuberance of fruity flavors and aromas combined with herbal notes that are characteristic of Gualtallary in particular, but also of mountain wines in the Uco Valley in general. Floral notes, more evident on the palate, make this Malbec a fresh expression of the variety, with soft tannins and juicy acidity. Perfect for lamb curry. ~94 Descorchados

Gorgeous aromas of blackberries, limestone and crushed stones follow through to a medium body with firm, compact tannins and a blackberry, black-licorice and stone aftertaste. Flavorful and intense. Drink or hold. ~93 James Suckling