El Esteco, Malbec, Cafayate Valley, Salta, Argentina, 2019

From sandy vineyards planted at 1,700m in the desert climate of Cafayate, this spends 12 months in French oak. Dark fruit nose, layered with hints of cocoa nibs, coffee, violets and spice. Smooth, deep black fruit on the accomplished palate: fine tannins, a fresh mineral seam, subtly interwoven with dark chocolate, strawberry, brown spices. Harmonious, lingering finsh. Very good: plenty of bang for your buck.