Atamisque Assemblage 14.5% 75cl

The top wine from Atamisque, a winery that has thus far resisted the temptation to make a so-called ‘icon wine’. No doubt they will at some stage but it will have to be helluva good to top this stylish blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. 14 months in very posh new French oak, a keeper for 15 years certainly, yet the wine is amazingly open and inviting when released. A seriously impressive wine, and one of many from Argentina that supports the view that the country’s best reds are rarely made from 100% Malbec.

91 / 100, Tim Atkin MW

92 / 100, James Suckling (2015 vintage)

92 / 100, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (2015 vintage)

“Some of the Malbec fruit that goes into this blend with 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot comes from vines that are over 100 years old. It’s another very stylish, nuanced wine with sculpted tannins, chalky acidity and notes of umami, black fruits and dried herbs.”

94 / 100 Tim Atkin ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report (2011 vintage)

“A beautiful and concentrated red with blackberry, chocolate and nutmeg character. Full body plus round and velvety tannins and a long, intense finish.”

94 / 100 JamesSuckling.com (2010 vintage)

92 / 100 The Wine Advocate (2010 vintage)