At $40 retail this was on the higher end of Argentine Malbec.

Key word, “was”.

But after working our magic and bringing the price back down to earth, we’re serving up this 91/92 point beauty for a very sensible $16 (that’s 60% off if you’re doing the math). Now THAT reflects the insane value you can find from the region.

Maybe you know the name Lurton? André Lurton, who sadly passed away last year, ran the Bordeaux Wine Bureau from 1966 through 1986 and is most famous for the creation of the prestigious Péssac-Léognan appellation. He had seven children, and this wine tells the story of one of them, François Lurton. During a consultancy trip for the Catena family François fell in love with Argentinean wine, and purchased 500 pristine acres at 3,600 elevation, in what would be the future home of Piedra Negra.

No doubt this family has an eye for prime terroir. But unlike Château Haut-Brion, whose 2009 vintage trades in the $1,000+ per bottle realm nowadays, Argentine Malbec remains one of the world’s best values. This is a prime example.

Anyhow, what’s in the bottle?

Bright garnet color with carmine streaks and vivid crimson highlights, alluring the eyes. Tons of cassis, blackberry, black cherry, cardamom, cracked pepper, and dried shiitake hints define the nose at first. Once sipped, fine cocoa powder tannins coat the mouth, as lush plum and rum-raisin spices add complexity to this gorgeous red. One might even swear there’s some Left Bank influence as the caressing silky finale lingers long. The impeccable balance and the peak drinkability here take you right to the snow-capped Andes. With just the right bottle age, this shows great pairing potential, be it with traditional Argentinean marinated skirt steak, eggplants, peppers, or onions, make sure you drizzle it all with chimichurri.

Heartfelt regrets, in advance, for not being able to bring you an infinite pile of it, as this will go fast.

92 Points – James Suckling

“This is very balanced with blackberry, tar and dark chocolate. Full body, with attractive dark fruit character and a flavorful finish. Like the mouthfeel to this. Succulent. Drink now.”

91 Points – Wine Enthusiast

“An exotic component to the bouquet gives this Malbec something different on the nose, namely aromas of blueberry, cardamom and anise. This is full bodied, maybe a touch fat, but with fine balance and rich flavors of blackened toast, licorice, peppercorn and blackberry. A chocolaty, toasty, coffee-laden finish brings mild warmth and gravitas.”