1 Reta, Quebrada Seca, Limarí Valley, Chile 2020 96
Reta shows why Limarí is a world-class Chardonnay terroir with this complex, mouthwatering and refined wine. Distinctively maritime with a saline edge and flinty, smoky minerality, it is focused and chiselled with breathtaking length. This should cellar like a dream. Drink 2023-2035 Alcohol 13%
2 Michelini i Mufatto, Certezas Semillon, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina 2020 94
This impressive Semillon from 120-year-old vines is a millefeuille of mineral, pastry, floral and orchard fruit aromas, its fine, honey-like richness underpinned by racy acidity. Made in large foudres and about 50% with skin contact, it is one of the excellent trio of white wines from the family’s Uco Valley project. Drink 2023-2035 Alc 12.8%
3 Buscado Vivo o Muerto, El Límite Las Pareditas, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina 2020 93
A fascinating unoaked co-ferment of Chardonnay with Semillon, Chenin Blanc, Riesling and Sauvignon Vert created by Alejandro Sejanovich. From a cool southern Uco sub-region, it shows pithy brightness with notes of apple and lime leaf, a waxy richness, and savoury layers of wet stone and camomile. Drink 2023-2030 Alc 14%
4 Vinos de Mar, Ter Admirabilis Albariño, Maldonado, Uruguay 2021 93
The impressive debut from the Michelini 1 2 3 and Mufatto family in Uruguay, from a vineyard just 400m from the sea. Albariño is Uruguay’s rising star, and there is perhaps none as saline and maritime in character as this. Complex, lingering and powerful, it has thrilling drive, tangy minerality and thirst-quenching acidity. Drink 2023-2032 Alc 12.8% ▶
5 Catena Zapata, Fortuna Terrae Malbec, Tupungato, Gualtallary, Mendoza, Argentina 2020 96
A 'Burgundian' wine that pulsates with tension and yet has finesse, lifted perfume and effortless elegance. The epitome of Catena Zapata’s quest to unlock the true potential of high-altitude Malbec, this is made with predominantly whole bunches. Enticing layers of chalk, roses, exotic spice and wild raspberries. Drink 2023 2040 Alc 14%
Michelini i Mufatto, La Cautiva, Tupungato, Gualtallary, Mendoza, Argentina 2020 96
From vines growing on the chalky soils of Monasterio in Gualtallary – one of the coolest climates for Malbec. A wine that sizzles with tension and freshness, with a floral lift and vibrant purity that speaks of this remarkable new ‘grand cru’ of Argentina. A truly elegant wine with powdery fine tannins and filigree flavours. Drink 2023-2040 Alc 13.5%
6 Huichaira Vineyard, Cielo Arriba, Jujuy, Argentina 2020 95
Reining in the intensity of Jujuy’s breathtaking high-altitude climate, yet showing its beautifully untamed nature, this is a juicy co-ferment of Malbec, Syrah and Cabernet Franc. Wild flowers, thyme, bramble an
