"Blackberry, crushed-stone, lavender and iodine aromas follow through to a medium to full body with very refined, polished tannins that provide balance and refinement. Such purity and beauty. Beautiful old-vine malbec. Subtle is the word to describe this." - James Suckling
"The 2018 Malbec Viejos Viñedos En Pie Franco is made with grapes from Las Compuertas and Vistalba, Luján de Cuyo and aged for 16 months in French barrels. A terroir-focused red, the expression is precisely judged, offering ripe plum with hints of white pepper and cherry over a bed of violets and oak. In the mouth, it offers muscle without pressing too hard, a broad, voluminous flow and well-judged freshness that ensures a long finish in which the fruit takes charge. Will improve in the bottle." - Vinous
This is very good value for money. A Piedmont red under $30! It has good dark fruit, some nice tannins and acid to balance although it would benefit from some more age to smooth it a bit but I liked its feistiness now.
I was happily surprised by the quality of the labels in the "mystery" case of rose wines - great value for the money I must say. Excellent drinking experience from the unfamiliar labels and happy to enjoy again the familiar ones.