Tapiz Malbec 2018, Mendoza

Description

93 points James Suckling:  Blackberry, spice and bark aromas turn to violets. Medium-to full-bodied with fine yet firm tannins and a flavorful finish that shows focus and brightness. Direct and polished. Drink or hold.

92 points Wine & Spirits:  Jean-Claude Berrouet, former cellarmaster of Château Pétrus in Bordeaux, joined the Tapiz team in 2013, and worked with Fabian Valenzuela on this wine. It’s a selection from the estate’s San Pablo vineyard, which sits at 4,430 feet in elevation. Fermented in stainless steel and aged for a year in an array of barrels (new and old, French and American oak), the wine feels cool and sleek. Herbal notes trace the path of the acidity, brightening the red fruit; earthy notes underline the espresso-roast richness of the tannins, firm and velvety. The only quibble is the alcohol, a peppery note on the back of the throat, but that could be turned to an advantage with a rich beef stew.