Caro 2021 (Mendoza; 79% Malbec; 21% Cabernet Sauvignon; 14.5% alcohol; aged, of course, in barrels from the Domaines Barons de Rothschild’s tonnelerie in Pauillac). Another very welcome first release on la place this year. A joint venture between Nicolas Catena and Domaines Barons de Rothschild. Lush and spicy with effusive violet aromatics. Very pure. Refined. Glossy. Compact and concentrated. Impressive. Very much a Malbec wine, even with 21% Cabernet Sauvignon in the final blend – though that brings the cassis and added concentration to the mid-palate. A little Cobos-like in style. Pure. Fresh. Laser-like on the finish. The purity also makes this feel just maybe a little monotone, but that’s being rather unkind to this – as, quite honestly, it’s excellent. Long, voluptuous and quite ethereal on the finish. 95+.
- The Drinks Business (08/2023)
