Tasting notes:

Who would have thought that oneof the best Malbecs of 2024 wouldhail from China? But that’s thebeauty of blind tasting by grapevariety – you never know where thefinest wines will come from, and with allpreconceptions removed, one mightMaster the most unlikely sources. Thisblockbuster of a Malbec from Ningxia isa fascinating mix of flavours, from sweetbalsamic to stewed blackberries, prunesand cherry jam, to leather, smoked meat,and forest floor, followed by darkchocolate and a touch of creamy vanillatoo. Warming and rich, but also showingsome of the characters of a top-end Syrahfrom the Northern Rhône, this Malbecprovides intrigue as well as delight.(Patrick Schmitt MW)