2018 La Final Malbec Mendoza 750 ml

Malbec and fútbol: Argentina’s on top of the world at both. 

The 2018 La Final Malbec celebrates both of these national pastimes. Crafted by one of the most respected wineries in the country in an absolutely stunning vintage, labeled to celebrate Argentina's 1986 World Cup win, it’s drinking absolutely beautifully right now. 

Finca La Anita, sitting at 1,100 meters above sea level in Luján de Cuyo, at the foot of the Andes, has been making wine for over 40 years. The estate over 150 acres of vines are nourished by the fresh snowmelt coming off the mountains, and their gentle 1% slope means the land is both well-irrigated and -drained. The rocky soils—formed by the extreme temperatures and scarce rainfall of the dramatic terroir—push the vines to produce grapes of extraordinary concentration.

The vines, which average 30 years of age, are planted on their original rootstock, and they benefit from extraordinary climatic circumstances: clear skies—the area has fewer cloudy days than just about any other spot on the globe—and daily temperature swings of up to 40 degrees. These conditions bring about intense fruit aromas, deep, saturated color, and bright natural acidity that provides freshness and structure.

The 2018 has now been in the cellar for about seven years, and it shows a gorgeous softening. It’s got a deep garnet color, with rich aromas of blackberry compote, dark cherry, and violet, backed by subtle cedar, cocoa nib, and espresso. The wine is medium-bodied and velvety on the palate, with ripe plums and blackcurrants touched with oak, all carried on a lively spine of cool‑climate acidity structure.

We were thrilled when our buddy Ted materialized at a late-season Napa barbecue bearing this bottle, which was perfect with NY strips and ribs off the grill. With its richness and well-earned softness on the palate, we’ll be drinking it all through the winter, with hearty stews and on its own by the fire and a little Dave Brubeck on the hi-fi. Life is good with a wine like this!