Michelini I Mufatto La Cautiva 2017 750ml

The nose shows notes of blackberry, boysenberry syrup, blueberry, fresh baked bread, bergamot, cedar, with a hint of peppercorn. The palate is exploding with rich dark fruit, cedar, sage, and leather. This dense and bold wine has supple tannins and great acid.

The nose of the 2017 La Cautiva, a pure Gualtallary, has violets, flowers, herbs and spices and opens up as the wine sits in the glass, quite complex and layered. There are some more tannins than in 2016, possibly amplified by the chalky texture provided by the limestone-rich soils, incredibly juicy, with a big structure. Someone mentioned Cornas when we were tasting this wine... I later visited the zone and was amazed by the chalky soils where they are planning to build their winery and house. I think they have discovered a very special place here where they have planted more vines, next to the plot from where these grapes were sourced. I retasted the wine after seeing the soils, and my view was completely different.

Top of the mark, top of the heap is where this Malbec from Gualtallary in Tupungato ranks. Pure blackberry, cassis and plum aromas are impeccably clean and welcoming, while this feels squeaky fresh on the palate. Blackberry and dark chocolate flavors set up a minerally finish that plays out with fruity subtleties and stony infusions. Drink through 2026.