Marcelo Pelleriti Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina 75cl

Marcelo Pelleriti is one of Argentina’s most celebrated winemakers, dividing his time between the Uco Valley and the châteaux of Bordeaux. Trained in France, where he has made highly rated wines at several Pomerol estates, he brings a European eye for balance to Argentine fruit. His Signature range carries his own name and his own standards, and it shows in the polish of the wines.

This is pure Cabernet Sauvignon from the high-altitude vineyards of the Uco Valley, in Mendoza. The cool mountain climate and big day-to-night temperature swings help the grape hold its freshness and fine tannins, while Pelleriti’s Bordeaux experience guides a measured hand with oak.

2019 was a warm, dry and settled season in Mendoza, widely regarded as an excellent year for red wines. Even ripening gave deeply coloured, concentrated Cabernet with ripe rather than green tannins, and this wine carries that generosity.

Look for aromas of blackcurrant and black cherry with cedar, tobacco and a little sweet spice from oak. The palate is full-bodied and firm, its dark fruit framed by smooth, well-judged tannins and a long, savoury finish. Give it time in the glass and a year or two more in bottle will only help.

A confident, Bordeaux-informed Argentine Cabernet for lovers of structured reds. Decant it before serving, then match it with roast beef, lamb, venison or mature hard cheeses. It has the balance to sit comfortably alongside far pricier bottles.