Fabre Montmayou Gran Reserva Malbec 2011

The 2011 Gran Reserva Malbec is pure Malbec from low-yielding vines in Lujan de Cuyo and is fermented in concrete vats and aged for one year in French oak barrels, one-third new, one-third second-use and the rest third-use. It is more classical and balanced, with subtle notes of spices and ripe red and black fruit. In the palate, fruit and wood are still in the process of integrating, so I'd wait one more year before pulling the cork. Surprisingly it has the freshness and some of the minty notes more often associated with Bordeaux grapes. This very same wine is also sold in the United States under the Donaire brand. Drink 2015-2018. Score - 91. (Luis Gutierrez, erobertparker.com, April 2014)