Although the Huarpe winery is equipped with the latest technology (small stainless steel tanks, French and American oak barrels, and the most modern pressing and fermenting equipment available) José and his brother Maximiliano firmly believe in using all of the resources at their disposal. For example, they limit their yields as much as possible and produce very, very small quantities of wine. They pay an obsessive amount of attention to detail both in the vineyard and in the winery, making the difference between a merely good wine and a great wine. In addition, the brothers try to learn as much as possible from each consecutive vintage.

The ’04 Winery Selection is a blend of 80% Malbec and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon grown in vineyard sites throughout the Mendoza at altitudes of 780 meters above sea level. The grapes are selected and picked by hand and the wine undergoes fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats at fairly cool temperatures. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation, which tempers the wine’s acidity and lends it a much greater bright fruit component, before it is aged in new French and American oak for twelve months.

This dynamic and expressive red has an intense ruby color with shimmering violet tones. Rich, ripe cherry notes dominate the nose and are backed by warm hints of spice with a suggestion of vanilla. This is a massive red on the palate with loads of juicy plum and succulent red cherry flavor that are backed by moderate acidity and supple tannins. This Malbec/Cabernet blend is ideal with grilled steak—it is from Argentina after all—and it also works very well with spicy-pasta dishes, wild boar sausage, grilled duck breast or hearty stews.

—Donald