When I first started tasting Malbec, maybe around 2007, the wines were absolutely flooding the American market. New labels were popping up constantly, but the wines were pretty much undeniably boring. Pleasant, yes, but they had very little character or refinement. There was a lot of "same-ness" between wines.
Things have really improved, and this Ayni from way up in the Paraje Altamira sub-region is world-class. Even if you wouldn't normally gravitate to Malbec, I would definitely recommend giving this a try.
I tasted a number of $100+ Malbecs from another winery last week and they couldn't hold a candle to the Ayni. From vines located at 3,300 feet above sea level. This is a very stylish Argentinian Malbec.
100% Malbec. Serve cool.
"The 2020 Malbec Ayni comes from Paraje Altamira, Uco Valley and was aged for 12 months in foudres. Unfiltered, this is an austere red of nuance and depth. The nose is very much that of the region with fresh plum, violets and thyme. The potency is tempered by the aging process in favor of subtlety and the addition of whiffs of smoke, tobacco and cedar. Juicy in the mouth with a striking chalky feel, compact flow and mild character, it is a linear wine but maintains Malbec’s smooth, voluminous nature. An elegant interpretation of a region with character." 94 points vinous.com