100 point

This is the best vintage yet of La Craie, earning a second perfect score for Edy Del Popolo and David Bonomi’s world-class project, following on from the 100 points awarded to the 2019 Uní del Bonnesant. Made as a co-fermentation of Malbec and 25% Cabernet Franc from what are still only ten-year-old vines, it hails from a cooler, south-facing site in the unofficial Grand Cru of the Monasterio. Focused, vibrant and mouth-wateringly, it has violet and graphite aromas, sculpted tannins, blackberry and red berry fruit and a graceful, ethereal finish. One of the world’s greatest red blends.

98 point

The 2021 La Craie derives from a south-facing parcel on Monte Alabanza of co-planted, stake-trained Malbec (~70%) and Cabernet Franc (~30%) vines planted on a sandy calcareous hilltop with shallow topsoils. The two varieties were co-fermented in 500-liter concrete tanks and matured for 16 months in 225-liter well-used barrique. It opens with the most expressive, lifted and multidimensional bouquet of the Per Se roster, combining savory, floral, herbal and stony aromas with ever-increasing complexity and volume. The palate is a delicious and compelling combination of density, tenacity and elegance, seamlessly releasing into a long, juicy and layered finish that slowly morphs into a crystalline expression of mineral-driven power and ultra-refined tannins. This is drinking fantastically already, but I do not doubt that additional patience will reap further rewards.

97 point

The 2021 La Craie is a co-fermentation of Malbec and 25% Cabernet Franc from a tiny calcareous plot on the south-facing slope of the Monasterio Hill in the Gualtallary district of Uco Valley. A rich purple with a garnet sheen. The primary, nuanced nose has a distinctive, alluring profile: sage, mint and ash combine with blood orange, violets and hints of damp earth. On the palate, it has a chalky core that pumps energy into the lean tannic structure. This tea-like, flirtatious red will undoubtedly develop further in the bottle.