Vina Alicia ‘Paso De Piedra’ Malbec 2017
Demonstrating that old school restraint and elegance can indeed combine with new world opulence and power. Impressive dark fruits, with underlying savory edginess and slight hint of fresh violets on the nose. Palate is concentrated and expansive, without being overbearing and oppressive – ample weight, but not a sledgehammer, retaining good drive and focus and even lift. Gorgeous, silky smooth tannins on the finish. Perhaps a little too
easy to drink. Sexy wine!
93 Points James Suckling – An attractive red with notes of blackberries, black tea and tar. Full-bodied with a velvety texture and a plush core of fruit on the palate. Focused with outstanding balance and a long finish. Drink now.
92 pts Vinous
Harvested by hand, in 40lb plastic bins, in order to prevent damage to fruit. Harvest takes place around mid-March each year. Back at the winery, table sorting is done, following destemming. Fermentation is performed in large oak foudres, with repeated pump overs and punch downs, in order to achieve softer tannins and great color. Malolactic fermentation takes place partly in steel tanks and the rest in French oak barrels. The wine then returns to the oak barrels, where it ages for about 8 months. The Arizu’s believe in non-interventionist winemaking and for the most part, wine is left alone once it goes to barrel. Following its maturation, it is coarsely filtered through natural earth filters which optimizes clarity and removes impurities. Bottling follows, without fining.
