Argentina — wine

Luján de Cuyo DOC

Argentina's first DOC (2006) and home to the country's most prestigious Malbec; the historic heartland of Mendoza's wine industry at 950-1100m altitude with alluvial soils, abundant sunshine and dramatic diurnal temperature variation. Luján's Malbec from old vines (pre-1940s) produces the richest, most structured expression of the variety. Districts Perdriel and Vistalba produce Mendoza's most sought-after wines.

Year Rating Notes
2023 Record scores for multiple Luján de Cuyo estates; Argentina's wine profile at global high.
2022 Ideal conditions; violet, plum and mineral character; wines of great elegance for Luján
2021 Exceptional vintage; perfect diurnal variation; old vine Luján Malbec at its most complex and elegant
2020 Good growing season; concentration in old vine Malbec; structured wines with aging potential
2019 Excellent vintage; cool nights preserved freshness; Malbec shows violet and dark cherry intensity
2018 Classic year; old vine Malbec shows deep colour and plush dark fruit; tannins well-resolved
2017 Frost events in September challenged early bud-break; good wines from late harvesters.
2016 Classic vintage; Achaval Ferrer earned Wine Spectator Wine of the Year nomination.
2015 Exceptional year in Luján de Cuyo; Malbec achieved extraordinary depth and concentration.