El Enemigo As Bravas Malbec 2018

A contemporary classic by which to measure Argentine Malbec, the 2018 As Bravas Malbec is a spectacular wine in every regard. It derives from a 1.7-hectare parcel of ungrafted vines planted in Cordón El Cepillo’s colluvial limestone soils and contains 5% co-planted Sémillon. It was fermented in concrete pools with 30% whole clusters and underwent a 23-day maceration before maturing for fully 64 months in a 100-year-old Italian foudre. From the first pour, there is a quietly commanding quality to the nose, which ceaselessly evolves around a dark-fruited core and myriad savory aromas of dried spices, charcoal, ash, licorice, fresh herbs and violets. The palate is seemingly endlessly layered, combining a dense, staining texture with sophisticated understatement and supreme elegance. It culminates with an incredibly long, impactful, concentrated and captivatingly weightless finish, further elongated by a sturdy graphite-laden core and ultra-refined tannins that continuously swell. This is a timeless wine of symphonic balance that should effor tlessly deliver over two decades of drinking pleasure. Drink date: 2026-2043. (Matthew Luczy,robertparker.com,May 1, 2025)