Bright, dark ruby. Very pure aromas of cassis, blackberry, licorice and dark chocolate are lifted by a building violet topnote. Dry but flavorful black fruit and dark chocolate flavors are still youthfully tight but already display a very sophisticated texture. There's a coolness and clarity here from the 2016 vintage but also very good fruit ripeness and chalky minerality. Finishes with strong but refined tannins and a note of salty minerality. This juicy, penetrating, very long blend is youthfully primary now and needs more time in bottle to expand. It may well eventually merit an even higher rating. (6.22 g/l acidity; aged in 50% new and 50% once-used French oak barrels; made from several low-yielding blocks around Luján de Cuyo)

Concentrated dark fruit and chocolate mousse flavors are framed by firm tannins and acidity in this inky, muscular style. Sanguine notes fill the finish, complemented by plenty of dried beef and savory accents. Needs a good steak. Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2023. 15,000 cases made, 8,000 cases imported.-K.M.