El Esteco Chanar Punco 2013

"The powerful 2013 Chañar Punco was quite impressive because of its balance and elegance within the ripe style of the northern, high-altitude vineyards. It's a blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from a place called Chañar Punco in the Valle Calchaqui but in the province of Catamarca, not in Salta, from a 16-year-old vineyard planted on stony glacial soils rich in calcium carbonate (limestone). It fermented in new oak barrels with native yeasts and a total maceration time of 25 days. It matured in those barrels for a period of 18 months. This still needs more time in bottle, as the chalky tannins are still pretty present, but has all the stuffing and balance to develop nicely. If you want a powerful, XXL red, this is for you." Robert Parker 94/100, December 2016