Robert Parker, Jr.-The Wine Advocate:  Rated as An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character. "Two winners from Argentina include the 2009 Malbec Reserve, a 100% Malbec aged 12 months in a combination of French and American oak. Copious aromas of chocolate, blueberries, blackberries, tar, and spice box jump from the glass of this inky/ruby/purple-tinged wine. Ripe, succulent, and loaded with fruit with silky tannins and a long finish, it will not make old bones, but for drinking over the next 2-3 years, this is a heck-of-a bargain." Aug 2010

Winery:  "Deep red color with violet hints. The nose reveals dried plum and dark fruits, exotic spices, hints of violet and chocolate. Fruity flavors; well balanced, elegant tannins. Excellent with roasted and smoked meat, seasoned dishes."

Wired For Wine:  Cueva de Las Manos means "cave of the hands" (see amazing facts below) and believe us when we say, you are going to want to get yours on this inky, delicious nectar from Argentina...  Open your first luscious bottle and draw the crowd with a piping hot platter of mini beef empanadas with chimichurri dipping sauce on the side.  The spice in this Cueva de Las Manos Reserve Malbec will come alive with these hors d'oeuvres.  The intense dark fruit, classy tannins, hints of violet and chocolate wrapped up in the beautiful balance of this Reserva Malbec make it an ideal pairing with meats, grilled, barbecued, braised and more, as well as sausage, alone or on a cheesy pizza.  Our first choice is steak with parmesan butter, balsamic glaze and arugala.  Hello silky tannins and seductive fruit!!  Garlic-marinated lamb chops with creamy scalloped potatoes are a terrific alternative.  If you're looking to impress, roll out a smoked standing rib roast with brown-sugar glazed carrots on the side.  They will swoon, and really feel the ripe, dark fruit in this Argentine ruby red.  All that's left is to seal the deal.  Easy: open another bottle and serve it with a mesmerizing Cashel Blue cheese drizzled with lavender honey.  You will then hold them in the palm of your hand...

Cueva de Las Manos amazing facts: "Santa Cruz is the second largest province in Argentina, situated in the southern part of the country in Patagonia. There is a cave located in the valley of the Pinturas River in a very isolated spot in Patagonia that is called Cueva de las Manos (Cave of the Hands). Famous for the artistic paintings of hands in the cave, which were done by the indigenous people around 9,000 years ago. Amazing how intact the art still is - and worth a visit if you ever find yourself in Argentina."

Size:  750ml
Varietal:  100% Malbec
Alcohol:  14.0%
Ageing:   12 months in oak barrels (50% French and 50% American)
Region:  Mendoza, Argentina