Happy New Year to all the wine lovers out there! It can be assumed with great confidence that you have all enjoyed a few of your favourite tipples over the festive season. Now it is time to look forward to 2013, which would certainly get off to a fantastic start if you had chance to sample some of Argentina’s finest red wines.
 

Argentine wine makers, along with their South American neighbours in Chile, have certainly raised their game in recent years. The country is now the world’s fifth largest producer of fine wines- many of which are luxury brands rivalling even Europe’s finest vintages. This wine loving nation boasts some of the best vines in the world and its wine makers are keen to show the world just how skilled they are. 
 

On top of the list for must try Argentine wines this year is Cheval Des Andes 2007. This wonderful red, which comes from a joint venture between French and Argentine producers, is a unique blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Malbec, 4% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot. Aged for 18 months in oak, this spectacular wine is well balanced and fleshy with a delicate taste of vanilla, strawberry, raspberry and cedar.
 

If you are looking for a classy Argentine Malbec to celebrate the New Year with in style, try the Trapiche Gran Medalla 2003. This dry selection is certainly intense but at the time offers a distinguishable bitter character. There are notes of leather and dried fruit to this dark violet sensation which should be an essential selection when it comes to Argentine wines in 2013.
 

Lastly, but definitely not least, we have the remarkable vintage Achával-Ferrer Quimera Mendoza 2001. This stunning vino is a perfect choice for dinner parties or intimate occasions. It is streamlined wine with a focused violet, raspberry, cassis and mineral flavouring. It has a particularly long finish and exemplifies the Argentine tradition of dense, ripe fruitiness.