This, from the impressive 2016 vintage, is gorgeous. It is a blend of Furmint and Hárslevelű , the two greatest grape varieties of Tokaji. There’s tropical fruit, apricots, honeysuckle, and so much spice. And the sweetness is wonderfully balanced with bright acidity, and a minerality that comes from the volcanic soils of the Tokaji region.

A beautiful expression of Tannat, with rich, concentrated black fruit and a firm structure. The tannins are bold but balanced by fresh acidity and masses of complex flavours of vanilla, coffee, chocolate and fig.

This is an impressive malbec from Belasco de Boquedano. On the nose notes of violets, pure berry fruit, and a hint of crushed herbs. There’s lovely freshness on the palate, here, with a lick of oak spice, and silky, enveloping tannins. Beautifully balanced, and absolutely delicious.

The 2019 Seña is a vibrant, ripe, yet incredibly refined red from this iconic estate. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec, 15% Carmenère, and 4% Petit Verdot, it shows refinement of tannins, poise, and a long and stony finish. There’s tons of energy here, and a slightly smoky finish. This is quintessentially Chilean, but with real poise.

A truly beautiful Malbec made from vines that are over 100 years old. The elevation of their vineyard gives incredible almost-minty, floral freshness to the wine, alongside dense blackberry, damson and blueberry fruit. There is subtle spiciness from a year in French oak and a wilder savoury, herbal character too.

"Incredible aromas of spice, cedar, walnut and dark berry. Floral too. Spectacular nose. Full body, ultra-fine tannins and a racy and refined finish. Fresh and succulent. Made from old vines of mablec in Compuertas and cabernet sauvignon from Altamira. Such finesse. Half the normal production. The best wine ever from the Domaine Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) and Nicolas Catena winery." 98 points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com

The Petite Arvine is intense and savoury. There’s peaches here, and plenty of savoury spice, with notes of fresh ginger and a long and textured finish. Very saline on the finish: makes you reach for another glass.

This is beautiful, with loads of complexity and high-toned notes of wild flowers and loads of pure plum fruit. It maintains its much-loved and followed style with aplomb. It will age brilliantly, but is already delicious.

The 2016 Caro has notes of wild violets, fresh herbs, and crunchy blackcurrents, alondside a remarkable sense of poise and energy. The finish is long and mineral. It's no surprise that this wine is so highly prized every year.

“The 2009 Malbec Argentino is a blend of the vineyards of Adrianna and Nicasia and is 20% whole cluster and 80% whole berry fruit. The former is co-fermented with Viognier and the latter co-fermented with Cabernet Franc. It is aged in French oak barrels, of which 60% are new. It has a more opulent bouquet than the individual blends, with dark cherries, iodine, minerals and blueberry that are all beautifully defined. The palate has a dense, weighty entry with layers of ripe blackberry and boysenberry fruit laced with crushed stone and a touch of graphite. The finish is supremely well-defined and focused, with immense length on the finish.” 95 points, Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate

The untouchable heights of the Adrianna vineyard – Mendoza’s highest at an astonishing 5,000ft – is a marvel in Malbec production. Dense cherries and plums, the fruit purity is stunning and will last an age. Mineral concentration on the palate, dense but plenty of lift and expressive notes; lots of spice, pepper, the cool acidity is impressive. Sourced from 180 different rows of vines according to fruit quality, this is Malbec par excellence.
96 points, The Wine Advocate

“The 2012 Malbec Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard feels fresher and more harmonious than the 2011, when in reality the vintage character is the opposite. It is sourced from the vineyard that names the wine and that is located in Altamira. The Malbec grapes fermented in open barrels and cement vats with 15% whole-cluster Cabernet Franc. There is one extra level of precision and harmony here. It has an elegant nose and the palate almost reflects the tension in the skin of the grapes with its a velvety texture and great acidity. This is really tasty and long, it could be the best Nicasia ever produced. 8,000 bottles produced.”
95 points, Luiz Guttierez, The Wine Advocate

“Bright, deep ruby. Classic Malbec aromas and flavors of blackberry, bitter chocolate, licorice and violet display an almost liqueur-like sweetness. Wonderfully rich and fine-grained; at once thick and bright, showing a sexy sweetness that verges on exotic. Finishes sappy, glossy and powerful, with noble tannins melting into the wine's chocolatey fruit.”
94+ points, Stephen Tanzer, VinousMedia.com

The 2019 Apla is really fragrant and peppery, with amazing purity to the palate and a lovely touch of grip. It’s a blend of Xinomavro, Limniona and Mavroudi, and comes from vineyards across the very north of Greece. Made with elegance in mind, it’s a brilliant summer red, with added depth: akin to a very good Cru Beaujolais. Utterly delicious.

“Good deep ruby. Brilliantly pure aromas of black raspberry, licorice and flowers, with sexy oak tones. Plush, seamless and sweet, offering terrific floral lift to its berry and dark chocolate flavors; shows an uncanny combination of richness and verve. This Malbec has the glossy texture and velvety tannins of a great Pomerol. The slowly rising, extremely long finish saturates the palate with lush fruit.”
96 points, Stephen Tanzer, VinousMedia.com

The 2009 Musar is a blend of approximately one third each of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, and Carignan. A spicy, complex nose with wild berries and dark chocolate leads onto a palate with lovely weight and texture. The finish is long and perfumed, with a hint of smokiness. Musar release their wines when they consider them ready, and this is undoubtedly delicious. But you needn’t be in a rush: this will certainly last well.

"Wonderful aromas of black olives, meat and currants. Hints of fresh mint. Full to medium body, with sublime tannin texture that feels like the finest silk. A finish that lasts for minutes. Palate has amazing energy of richness and freshness. A great wine. So layered and balanced." 98 points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com

Catena and the Rothschilds continue to show what can be achieved in Mendoza. The 2015 Caro is superb: blackberries and plums, with notes of fresh herbs and smoke. It’s beautifully balanced, with ripe tannins and a freshness that gives a touch of salinity. Already impressive, and there’s clearly a long life ahead of this.

This is a stunningly savoury wine, with enticing aromas of dark forest fruits and an earthy nose. A lovely purity of fruit and precise freshness, with spicy edge. Beautifully structured and smooth, with silky tannins in support. Delicious, with a long, savoury finish.

Anyone who can make wine whilst shells are exploding around them deserves recognition for their efforts. Serge Hochar and his team have been rewarded with a wine that is justifiably internationally recognised as one of the world's greats. This wine can age but you will have a hard job resisting its immediate charms. Grilled meat such as lamb is required here. High quality ingredients simply cooked will let both food and wine give maximum pleasure.