El Esteco (Argentina) 2023 Estate Malbec

92 points - James Suckling

There are few places on earth where magic really happens and the Calchaqui Valley, home of El Esteco Winery, is certainly one of them. El Esteco today has nearly 1,000 acres of vineyards producing unique, yet world recognised, stunning wines.

Fruit from vineyards throughout the Estate goes into this, the Estate wine. French oak barrels for 12 months. The wine is bottled unfiltered and unfined. Then is kept at the winery for a further 6 months before release. 

Aromas of super ripe berries, Raisins, Coffee and a herbaceous edge. Mature and vibrant tannins and a palate packed full of dark fruits, Long-lasting and elegant finish.

This wine just oozes quality....ageing potential up to 10years from vintage.

Mills Reef (Hawkes Bay) 2022 Reserve Merlot Malbec

Winery note

"Immediately warm and appetising, this deliciously harmonious blend of two classical Bordeaux varieties showcases boysenberry and plum fruits, complemented with spicy leather, hints of blueberry, violets and embodied with silky smooth tannins.

The 2020/21 growing season in the Hawke's Bay enjoyed a climate of consistently warm clear sunny days and uniform temperatures, allowing grapes to develop perfectly and be harvested unhurried at optimal ripeness. Crafted from grapes grown in the highly acclaimed Gimblett Gravels, harvest occurred on the 12th and 26th March, 2021 at optimum ripeness, balance and flavour. The grapes were gently crushed, cold-soaked for three days before undergoing fermentation in stainless steel tanks, with gentle daily cap management to extract colour, flavour and fine tannin structure. A post-ferment maceration followed over ten days. The skins were then pressed off and the wine aged for eleven months in quality oak barrels (25% French new wood)"

Don David (Argentina) 2023 Reserve Malbec

91 Points - James Suckling (October 2023)

This Don David Reserve Malbec is a real crowd-pleaser. It's full-bodied and bursting with flavors of ripe plum, blackberry, and spice. With its smooth tannins and long, satisfying finish, it's the perfect wine to enjoy with a hearty meal.