2017 Amancaya

Approximately half of the volume of the 2017 Amancaya matured in oak barrels, and the other half was kept in concrete vats for one year. This comes from vineyards in Altamira, and the barrels used for the élevage are mostly in barriques produced by Lafite that have a very light toast, with the idea to preserve the aromatics of the wine and let it breath and provide structure in the élevage without interfering with the aromas. The oak is very nicely integrated and folded into the fruit, and the wine comes through as quite pure and fruit driven, with moderate ripeness and a harmonious palate. This was born as the classical second wine in a Bordeaux sense. This wine is sold in Argentina as Petit Caro.

At once ripe with plenty of cassis, blackberry and blueberry, but also delicate herbal notes, this has a rather complex and delicate nose. Quite a sleek, elegant wine for Mendoza with fine tannins and nice freshness, carrying the long, focused finish. A blend of 83 per cent cabernet sauvignon and 17 per cent malbec. Drink or hold.