Domingo Molina ‘Palo Domingo’ Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon Tannat 2017 Yacochuya, Salta, Argentina 75cl

Domingo Molina is a family winery set high in Salta’s Calchaqui Valley, around Yacochuya, some of the highest vineyard country anywhere in the world. Palo Domingo is one of its blended reds, drawing together the estate’s key varieties into a single, generous whole.

The blend joins Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tannat, a combination that plays to the strengths of high-altitude Salta. Malbec brings dark, fleshy fruit, Cabernet adds structure and cassis, and Tannat contributes grip and depth. Grown at extreme elevation, the fruit ripens fully under intense sun while cold nights keep colour and freshness intact.

The 2017 vintage gave ripe, concentrated reds in the region, and this blend carries plenty of weight while staying balanced.

Expect a dark, intense ruby colour and a nose of red and black fruit with smooth, toasted notes of tobacco and chocolate. It is big and complex on the palate, the tannins firm but ripe and the finish long and warming, with a generous 15.5% giving it real presence, so serve it with food rather than on its own.

This is a red for hearty plates: grilled and barbecued meats, rich stews and strong cheese. If you like bold, structured blends from high-altitude vineyards, Palo Domingo is a full-flavoured choice, and a good showcase of what Salta adds to Argentina’s classic red varieties. Serve it at a cool room temperature and decant it ahead of time, as a wine of this weight and warmth opens up considerably with air. It is a red for a long, unhurried meal rather than a quick glass.