Puramun Reserva Malbec 2016

In 2010, Argentina’s “most important winemaker” Pepe Galante walked away from the legendary Catena winery after 34 years at the helm. As it turned out, he was leaving to do something special: to handcraft his first personal, 100% family-owned wine, Puramun. (Only 4,000 cases a year.)

Look at its opaque color and you’ll understand why Europeans in the Middle Ages called malbec “black wine.” And yes, the flavor is just as potent as the color. But don’t be afraid; there’s subtlety here too.

You’ll find aromas of red berry and black fruit, with a touch of spice. This Puramun is proof that a bold, intense malbec can be elegant. On the palate, it’s an energetic wine, with silky, caressing tannins (unusually soft for a high elevation wine).

The wine has received rave reviews from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (92 pts) and wine competition judge Tim Atkin (95 pts), who praised its “elegant… subtle spices, well integrated oak and silky, palate-caressing tannins.”