2011 Malbec Finca Ambrosia

The 2011 Terroir Series Malbec Finca Ambrosia is pure Malbec from the Gualtallary vineyards belonging to Finca Ambrosía (whose wines I also tasted this time). As is the norm in the Terroir Series, the grapes fermented in small concrete vats with indigenous yeasts and the wine matured in new French oak barrels for 18 months. The bottle I tasted from was a little reduced, so energetic decanting might be a good idea. It took time to reveal subtle floral aromas and wild berries, with perfectly integrated oak and a sense of harmony and elegance that surpasses the other wine from the Terroir Series. The palate is austere, serious with the chalky minerality, very fine tannins and great balance. One benchmark Malbec form Gualtallary that is seductive, elegant and mineral. Amazing that a top-scorer is still very good value for the quality it delivers. 20,000 bottles were produced.

Saturated bright red. Musky soil-driven aromas of blackberry, cassis and minerals. Ripe, plush and broad but still youthfully inexpressive, even a bit inky. Firm, harmonious acidity gives shape and cut to this classically dry, deep Malbec but the strong tannins call for at least a few years of aging. A pronounced mineral element lifts the finish. This beauty may ultimately merit an even higher rating.