Bright ruby. Pure, dark aromas of blackberry, cassis, bitter chocolate and minerals lifted by a lavender note. Pliant and seamless, offering a restrained sweetness to its dark berry, cherry and chocolate flavors. Mouthfilling without coming across as weighty, this Malbec finishes supple and broad, with refined tannins. These vines are now 17 years old and getting into their prime. (Incidentally, this wine was aged in 40% new French oak, vs. 10% for the Paulucci and no new oak for La Posta's other reds.)

Reduced, grapey berry and black-plum aromas are oaky and a bit heavy. A sappy, sticky palate is packed, while this popular-style Malbec tastes of chocolaty oak and black fruits. A fat, full finish is ripe on the surface but slightly green in the center.