Alpasion Private Selection Malbec Syrah Petit Verdot 2013 Los Chacayes, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina 75cl

Alpasion is a boutique Uco Valley project born of friendship, its name combining the Spanish words for soul and passion. The estate lies in Los Chacayes, a cool, high district of Mendoza prized for structured, expressive reds. Alpasion works its vineyards with respect for the land and the community around it.

The Private Selection is a blend led by Malbec, filled out with Syrah and a little Petit Verdot. Malbec brings dark, plush fruit, Syrah adds pepper and savoury depth, and Petit Verdot lends colour and firm structure. Grown at altitude, the wine was made to reward time in bottle.

From the 2013 harvest, this is now a mature wine. More than a decade on, its primary fruit has evolved towards tertiary character, and it drinks in a softer, more savoury register than a young vintage would. It is a chance to see how a high-altitude Uco blend ages.

Expect aromas of dried dark fruit, leather and earth, with a smooth, resolved palate and gentle, integrated tannins. This is a red to open and enjoy now rather than to cellar further. Serve with slow-cooked lamb, a beef stew or a plate of mature hard cheese.

This suits the drinker who enjoys aged reds and the extra complexity bottle time brings. If you like older Bordeaux blends or mature Malbec, its evolved, earthy style will feel familiar and rewarding over a leisurely meal. There is no rush with a wine like this; give it time in the glass and it keeps slowly unfolding. It is a bottle to linger over rather than to hurry.