2018 Alma Negra M Blend Mendoza Argentina 750 ml

Alma Negra’s M Blend is intentionally shrouded in secrecy, but one thing is resoundingly clear: It’s one of the most stunning values we’ve tasted this year. It’s a mesmerizing and potent 94-point juggernaut, and stands out as a huge value, even in a region known for them.

James Suckling declared his love for this red blend in a monster review—he called it “so delicious to drink now”—but our love for it goes deeper. It turned heads at a recent blind tasting with its power and boldness, a demonstration of what’s possible if you give carte blanche to a virtuosic fourth-generation winemaker like Ernesto Catena. 

Ernesto believes that winemaking is an art form, and this Alma Negra blend is one of his masterpieces. He refuses to share details of the wine—though he’s a noted proponent of organic and biodynamic farming—preferring to let the contents of the bottle do all the talking.

This edition is a blend of Malbec, which brings power and structure; Cabernet Franc, which provides aromatics and liveliness; and Bonarda, Argentina’s secret weapon, which provides the core of power and fruit. Beyond that, Catena is notably mum—the “M” in the name stands for “Misterio”—so it only felt fair to judge it in a blind tasting.

As you’d expect from its moniker, the wine pours a deep purple that’s nearly black in the glass, with a nose that’s packed with dark fruit. Aromas of blackberries, plum cobbler, baharat spices, and barrel-aged vanilla preview a palate that’s packed with power. The texture is full and rich on the tongue, with velvety tannins and more dark fruits, along with Sachertorte and black pepper.

There, among a lineup of powerful, expensive Malbec and Cabernet, the Alma Negra stood out for its bold personality and especially silky texture—enough that there was a scramble to see who could take the rest of the bottle home to drink with a mountain of sliced tri-tip. At this price, we’re planning on keeping plenty around—so we don’t have to fight over a bottle again.