Juicy blueberry, fresh menthol, blackberry reduction. Whipped black raspberry, blooming violet, crème de cassis. A nicely concentrated yet exceptionally energetic attack highlighted by dark plum, black currant, and dark cherry cordial advances with simultaneous richness and freshness while notes of mocha, spearmint, and shaved chocolate provide glimpses of beautifully restrained and well-integrated decadence. Intriguing suggestions of crushed roses and potpourri gradually emerge within waves of weighty floral perfume that are playfully offset by pretty natural tones of roasted tobacco and sweet garden herbs. Impressions of dusty earth, copper penny, and loamy topsoil reveal mild earthy undercurrents that do not detract from the parade of dense yet delightfully well balanced fruit. Wonderfully youthful and fruit-forward on the palate while retaining plenty of tartness and tension; exhibiting a full-flavored yet nicely finessed presentation that showcases great typicity and reflection of place. Medium plus in body with bold chewy tannin supported by elevated acidity. This 2018 Uco Valley Malbec by Bodega Tinto Negro is a terrifically approachable and interesting red from Argentina.

Although Malbec is now widely known as one of the world's most popular red wine grapes, this classic Bordeaux variety was largely cast aside and forgotten until its surprising resurgence in the vineyards of the Mendoza region of Argentina. This bottling, crafted by Bodega Tinto Negro using Malbec sourced from high elevation vineyards in Mendoza's Uco Valley, wonderfully showcases the juicy and fruit-driven style that has made Argentine Malbec a worldwide success. This wine playfully emits generous and pleasantly dense black and blue fruits enhanced by a textbook chocolaty note, rich floral tones, and underlying minty freshness. It is straightforward and enjoyable while retaining nice complexity and concentration, and is an undoubtedly exceptional value. Very nice.