These seductive reds capture the purity of fruit and intensity of flavour in every sip.
ACHAVAL FERRER FINCA BELLA VISTA 2018
Achaval Ferrer is one of Argentina’s premier wineries. Their single vineyard property – the sevenhectare Finca Bella Vista sits at 3200 metres above sea level, on the banks of Mendoza River, in Perdriel. Planted in 1910, the vines still stand on their own roots, untouched by phylloxera and deliver concentrated, albeit meagre amounts of malbec fruit. This classic floral malbec speaks of a cool and sunny year and shows a generous measure of red and black fruits, dried thyme, dark chocolate, and sweet spices. It’s a seductive wine – voluptuous, velvet-textured, and perfect with a hearty meal. Arriving in July, Wine and Water
AU BON CLIMAT LA BAUGE AU-DESSUS 2017
From Santa Barbara comes the iconic Au Bon Climat renowned for its Burgundy-inspired pinot noir expressions. The fruit for La Bague au-dessus 2017 is sourced from two vineyards – Bien Nacido and Le Bon Climat vineyard, both in the Santa Maria Valley. Aged for almost 24 months in 50% new French oak barrels, the wine is lightly fined with egg whites and then bottled unfiltered. On the nose, it exudes lifted aromas of red fruits and earthy, smoky saucissons and impresses with its remarkable structure: the fine unobtrusive tannins, perfect balance, and the elongated finish. $90, Wine and Water
CHATEAU CHEVAL BLANC 2011
While 2011 was not the best vintage for St Emillion, Chateau Cheval Blanc put together a top-notch wine. Could their new winery be their secret weapon? A blend of 52% cabernet franc (their secret weapon) and 48% merlot, this was one for the cellars. More than a decade on, patience has paid off. The nose expresses dried florals and herbs, and the elegant palate shows the concentration and complexity of berries, chocolate, and spice with a stunningly long finish. $798, The Vintage Wine Club