Ascencion Malbec 2018

Direct from Argentina’s oldest estate (which was named the New York International Wine Competition’s 2013 Winery of the Year), Ascencion has quite the award pedigree. And thanks to the country's excellent 2018 vintage, the latest release is tasting better than ever. No wonder it won 90 points at the Decanter World Wine Awards.

Winemaker Jorge Noguera hand harvests his premium Malbec grapes at staggering heights. (Fun fact: Salta, Argentina boasts some of the highest vineyards in the world.) Way up here, sunlight is more intense and the nights get even cooler, producing grapes with thicker skins. This translates to deeper colors and richer flavors in the glass. Light aging in French oak barrels imparts subtle notes of spices and vanilla – this is really lovely stuff.

It’s also a wine tailor-made for hearty meats, confirmed by top UK critics The Wine Gang, who once raved that this was “a full-on Malbec to get the BBQ party started … this wine handles itself with juicy fruit, smoke, and spice aplomb. Rich and tight on the palate. It’s your sure-fire match with steak.”

Prompt orders recommended – limited cases imported.