Plaza de Grillos, Icon Gran Reserva 2016

Plaza de Grillos was founded by award-winning winemaker, Cristian Caccamo, who wanted to shine a spotlight on boutique winemaking in his native Mendoza. Focusing only on Malbec, Cristian is all about quality over quantity and that mentality certainly comes through in his wine. And in his true quirky nature, he named his winery (and commissioned the label artwork) for the crickets which inhabit the foothills of the Andes where his vineyards sit. Icon Gran Reserva 2016 is a stunning 100% Malbec taken from some of the best high altitude (1100m) sites in the Vista Flores, Uco Valley, in what was one of the best recent vintages for the region. The grapes were hand-harvested, fermented and aged for 18 months in French oak barrels prior to release. Deep, saturated garnet in the glass. The nose opens with rich confit black fruit, blackberry, plum, and striking mineral undercurrents. Oak influence emerges through vanilla, tobacco leaf and subtle mocha. On the palate it’s full‑bodied, with dense layers of dark fruit, rose‑water lift, and strong tannins providing grip. Finish is long and intense; smoky, plush, with lingering spice and a defined structure.