Finca Flichman Malbec Dedicado Microterrior Gravel & Stone Mendoza 2020

“The battle for the Argentinian Malbec crown within our Top 50 Best In Show selection is always a fierce one – and of course we’d be open to featuring more than one Argentinian Malbec should suitable candidates present themselves (as they did last year). This year’s laureate comes from Tupungato, a large northern zone of the Uco Valley (and one that includes Gualtallery within it). It’s midnight-black in colour, with a dense, almost port-like weft of primary fruit, flower and plant aromas despite the fact that it has had a period in oak and is now four years old. That same exuberance and exciting drench of character is apparent on the palate, complete with stunningly perfumed tannins and fruit-saturated acidity. But here’s the thing: there’s no heat, no exaggeration, no excessiveness, no exhaustion for the drinker. The wine is rather deft, supple, sumptuous and supremely drinkable: magnificent winemaking getting to work on outstanding fruit.”