The Agrelo single-vineyard 2018 Malbec Serenade is from vines planted in 1935. It feels quite classical—ripe at 15% alcohol and generously oaked after maturing in 225- and 600-liter French barriques, 66% of them new, for one year. They are moving to larger barrels and reducing the new oak, just to support the structure. This wine (and the rest of the single-vineyard reds) is not oaky at all; this is floral and aromatic, typical Agrelo. This is very open and balanced, with a round palate and round tannins. The deep gravels need old vines to deliver this quality. This has to be the finest Serenade to date. I look forward to the 2019, which I think aged exclusively in 600-liter barrels from a cooler year. 6,386 bottles were filled in March 2020.

This is perfumed with spicy violet and truffle notes, which fold over on the palate and join juicy plum and black currant accents. Features a refined frame that turns more muscular on the finish, which boasts spiced vanilla bean. Drink now through 2030. 1,064 cases made, 142 cases imported.??–MW??Region: Argentina / Mendoza / Agrelo Select to Add