2009 Nico by Luca Malbec Laura Catena

This is fascinating on the nose with olive oil, blackberry, flowers. Full body, with super fine tannins and a Burgundian texture and finesse. Savory and delicious. Tiny production malbec from the area of La Consulta. Drink now or hold.

It is always awkward when a wine is named after somebody's son or daughter - what if the wine is awful? Fortunately, Luca's flagship wine named after Laura Catena's daughter is sublime. The 2009 Nico by Luca is a pure Malbec from Altamira and La Consulta in the Uco Valley, from 51- year-old vines. The fruit is aged in French barriques of which 70% are new. It has a very elegant bouquet of wild strawberry, red currant, orange zest and crushed stone that is beautifully defined. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannins. It is a complex wine with blackberry, bell pepper, red peppercorns, cumin and a touch of fennel towards the finish, which is harmonious and very elegant. This is an outstanding Malbec that will age with style. Just 200 three- packs made. Drink 2013-2025.