During the same tasting this after-noon, I compared 2 x DeAngeles Malbecs: 2010 Malbec & 2011 Gran Malbec. Both from Lujan de Cuyo from an up & coming producer using very old vines (1924) and advised by Michel Rolland...

The 2010 somewhat tighter and greener in aromatic character compared to the 2011. Its tannins also show a slightly grippier edge drying the palate faster on both the mid-palate and finish. The length however is long and perfumed which is somewhat puzzling. As it does not have an especially dense fruit concentration, it begs the question as to whether it is worth ageing further. Supporting a short maturation is the somewhat disjointed acidity and slightly imbalanced alcohol and a rather "rigid" texture.

The 2011 by contrast is everything we can expect from a new world Malbec: forward and opulent with a plush fruit concentration. Supporting, it has a soft acidity and especially velvety tannins. Full bodied with 15.5% alcohol, jammy black plummy (prune & cassis) fruits and a touch of violet, it is unmistakable. The quality is high with good complexity and the finish shows clear, but harmonious and well integrated notes of toast and roasted spice (most likely from a higher proportion of new oak in its maturation versus the 2010). Interestingly, the color is somewhat hazier versus the 2010, perhaps showing a different treatment before bottling? For sure, its acidity and alcohol are well balanced and with rich velvety tannins and fruit density, this wine will certainly develop nicely over the next 5-8 years. However, it can surely drink very well right now so seductively it caresses the mid-palate...

The 2011 was worth paying 3 times more versus the 2010, however, I am not sure I agree with Tim Atkins MW who gave it a 96 points on his "Argentina 2014 Report". I feel that less ripeness and more tension would have benefited it nicely and supported the score better.