Zapapico Malbec Oak-Aged Reserva 2006 - £6.29Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.''Argentinian Malbec is the best in the world'' (The Independent) ... and dark, intense Zapapico is surely the proof! This perfect, rich expression of the grape comes from the extraordinary Famatina valley - a two-hour flight from just about anywhere! The valley was traditionally well known for its Gaucho's - cowboys who acted as soldiers and sheriffs - and Montonero's whose horseback deliveries were once the only contact between the Famatina Valley and the relative civilisation of Buenos Aires. The area is now famous for its high altitude vineyards, warm days, cool nights and incredibly low rainfall - that all help to produce fantastically concentrated wines. ''Deep, complex wine with aromas and flavours of plums, raspberries and gooseberries, plus rich vanilla, chocolate and tobacco characters thanks to the oak. Enjoy with a juicy, chargrilled steak ''