2016 PerSe Volare del Camino Mendoza

96P+: The 2016 Volare del Camino could very well be a different wine, as the source for the grapes has changed to a vineyard inside the Gualtallary Monastery, more specifically, from the higher altitude and steepest part of a plot planted in 2010. This was produced by selecting the less vigorous plants, which resulted in fewer grapes (and fewer bottles) than in previous years (oh, dear!). It fermented in a similar fashion as in the past, in plastic bins with indigenous yeasts, and it matured in used barrels for 16 months. This is the wine where I see more differences between the 2015 and 2016 vintages, perhaps because they are sourced from different places. The main difference here is the quality of the tannins. This is beautifully textured and fine, getting closer to the Iubileus. Only 600 bottles were filled unfiltered in October 2017. 2018-2026.

The third vintage of this 100% Malbec sourced from a shallow limestone and granite vineyard at 1,450m in Monasterio, a tiny, prestigious sub-region of Gualtallary in Uco Valley. Focused and taut, with a nose of tight black fruit. Elegant and harmonious palate of dark berry fruit, with notes of plum and spicy cherry, underpinned by minerality and freshness with fine-grained tannins. Fresh and lingering finish. Only 1,200 bottles produced.