Mendoza

The 2017 vintage was wonderful at Pulenta, as is demonstrated by the sheer class of this wine. Soft hedgerow-fruit aromas are allied to a bright, raspberry freshness. More gentle red and black berry fruit follows on the palate, but it is the gloriously smooth and silky texture that really defines this wine. This is a concentrated, pure, supremely enjoyable Malbec.
Will Heslop, Wine Buyer

Produced in Gualtallary, the sub-zone known as the “grand cru” of Mendoza, the 2014 Ambrosia Viña Unica Malbec is seriously impressive. Layers of dark blackberry and blueberry fruit wash over the palate. The wine is rich and structured yet it is the finesse and freshness of this wine, coming from the high proportion of limestone in the soil, that makes it extremely appealing. This is an excellent Malbec that really overdelivers.
Catriona Felstead MW, Wine Buyer

Ambrosia’s 2014 Viña Unica Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine to sink in to. Ripe blackcurrant fruit oozes from the glass and is perfectly supported with fine yet pertinent tannins. There is an undeniable richness to the fruit, however a fine seam of crystalline acidity keeps all in check. The long finish would suggest that while Mendoza is best known for its Malbec, this Cabernet Sauvignon is well worth the detour; it is delicious.
Catriona Felstead MW, Wine Buyer

Set up in 2014 to produce only white wines, Blanchard y Lurton is an innovative collaboration between winemaker Andrés Blanchard and Bordeaux producer François Lurton. They have championed the white variety, Tokay (also known as Sauvignon Vert or Friulano), but their blend changes year to year, often also including Viognier, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Rich and slightly honeyed on the nose, this well rounded, textural wine displays generous notes of white peach, nectarine and baking spices (from time in oak), lifted by a vibrant flair of chamomile, both on the nose and palate. A gentle minerality and refreshing acidity perfectly complement the rich, waxy texture. Drink now to 2023.

Ambrosía was established by a group of friends who saw the vast potential of Gualtallary’s vineyards. The 65-hectare estate lies at an altitude of some 1,200 metres above sea-level. Here, cool nights and sunkissed days result in grapes that are perfectly ripe, yet high in acidity – a winning combination.

Deep ruby and oozing plum, damson and black cherry notes on the nose, this luxurious wine is lifted by subtle hints of violet and elderberry. The tannins are velvet-like and melt in the mouth. The finish is long, with exceptionally well-integrated cedar and nutmeg notes lingering on the palate alongside a refreshing minerality and core of acidity. Drink now to 2028.

Graphite, damsons and mocha on the nose. There is sweet spice as well. There is a huge volume of fruit on both the nose and palate, perfectly balanced by fully ripe and integrated tannins and a mineral freshness. There is a vanillin note from the oak on the finish but it’s not overwhelming. A very impressive effort. Perfect for a couple of years in the cellar then drinking over the following decade. The best yet.
Fergus Stewart - Private Account Manager

Characteristic dark chocolate notes from the Malbec ensure you know where this is from but the 2010 also shows all the benefits of a cooler vintage in Argentina; full, powerful and ripe but there’s a freshness and finesse which one associates with fine Bordeaux. The 2010 reminds me of the fantastic 2007 Cheval des Andes, the wines of this estate are becoming more focussed and pure when the climate allows.
Martyn Rolph -  Private Account Manager

A New World Grand Cru - Cheval des Andes is a high-end wine project that’s a collaboration between Terrazas de los Andes and Pierre Lurton of Cheval Blanc. The joint venture was proposed by Pierre Lurton in 1999 when he realized the potential for top quality wines that existed in certain sites in Mendoza. 

Lurton was eager in connecting again with the grape of Saint Emilion’s past: Malbec. A grape that was decimated by phylloxera in the 1860s from its position as one of the most important varieties in Saint Emilion and Pomerol.  It has since been reincarnated at Cheval des Andes in an un grafted form in Argentina, producing some of the world’s best Malbecs in recent years. 

Today Pierre Lurton acts as Managing Director of Cheval des Andes alongside Winemaker Nicholas Audebert. Cheval des Andes wines are a blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from the high elevation, 77 year old "Las Compuertas" vineyards near Mendoza. Some of the Malbec vines are as old as the vineyard itself and ungrafted.

The 2009 is dark, dense and brooding, a gentle coaxing reveals cassis, damson, black pepper and a touch of tobacco leaf. Big bright fruit on the palate is weaved into subtle and velvety tannins. There is an impressive level of detail here, with the oak perfectly integrated to the polished fruit. 59% Malbec, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. This is a fine example of the potential that leading Chateau have seen in Mendoza. A perfect match for carne asada.
Fergus Stewart, Private Account Manager

I’ve had the pleasure of being able to taste numerous vintages of Cheval des Andes over the years and this is simply the best yet. Ripe and generous, but not overblown, with a massive abundance of sunny blackcurrant and blackberry fruit on the nose and palate and a very fine tannic structure and floral finish that seems to go on forever. Simply gorgeous now, this will reward some additional cellaring (another three to five years easily. If you broach this early, it is absolutely crying out for a generously thick slab of beef with Chimichurri sauce!
Fergus Stewart, Private Account Manager