Bodega Norton, Malbec Reserve, Finca Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina 2021

Norton's Agrelo vineyard in Luján de Cuyo is known for its old ungrafted vines, used her to produce a darkly fruited and dense Malbec, inky in the glass with a hint of purple. There's a spectrum of flavours here – you'll find smoky, damson, plum and brambly blackberry fruit, but also a savoury, meaty edge. The tannins are present, as you'd expect in a Malbec, but are soft and silky. The oak ageing lends cedary, slightly sweet vanilla notes. It's a well-balanced, elegant expression that will find many fans for its drinkability and ability to pair beautifully with robust meat dishes.