2003 Fincas Don Martino Old Vine Malbec Single Vineyard "Viña Violeta" Lujan de Cuyo (Elsewhere $30)

Here is a chance to see how a really well-made version of malbec ages. Produced from fruit sourced from a single 80 year old vineyard, Viña Violeta, and made by one of the most talented and experienced Argentine winemakers in Hector Durigutti, this is the real thing. Wine made from low yielding, well situated (at an elevation of 3,800 ft in the Agrelo sub-zone of Lujan de Cuyo) old vine fruit, harvested with care, fermented with its native yeasts and aged in oak for a year followed by extended bottle ageing. 91 points Wine Enthusiast: "Very nice and controlled, as a maturing high-end Malbec from a good vintage should be. Its full of ripe and classy fruit, leather and hints of finely aged gouda cheese. The palate is chewy but not thick, with balancing acidity and tannins. The fruit quality is up there, and thus the flavors of blackberry and cassis mixed with coffee and cream work wonders. Drink now and over the next year or two." (2/1/2009) 91 points from Wine & Spirts: "Fincas Don Martino 2003 Mendoza Martino Reserve Old Vine Vina Violeta de Agrelo Malbec Along with aromas of figs and sweet spices that speak of a warm year in Mendoza, this malbec has a flavorful and refreshing depth of ripe strawberry flavors. The texture is fat and silky. For pasta Bolognese." (2/09)