Luca Old Vine Malbec 2023

Luca Wines is the project of Laura Catena, a leading figure in Argentine wine, named after her eldest son. This Old Vine Malbec is sourced from old plots in the Uco Valley in Mendoza, across sites such as La Consulta, Gualtallary and Altamira. Malbec thrives at altitude, and the Uco Valley's high, sun-drenched vineyards combine intense daytime light with cold Andean nights; that wide temperature swing ripens the fruit fully while preserving acidity and fixing deep colour and firm tannin. The stony, alluvial soils are poor and free-draining, and old vines give low yields and concentration. The 2023 is aged for twelve months in French oak, where slow oxygen exchange polishes the tannins and adds vanilla, spice and a fine structure. It is a deep, opaque violet, showing ripe plum, blackberry and red fruit, anise, black pepper, liquorice and a vanilla edge from the barrel. The palate is full bodied and structured, with ripe, firm tannin and a long, spicy finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, decanted ahead. It is built for grilled and roasted red meat.