(Wine Spetator) - A dry sunny year leaves winemakers feeling very good about their young wines' potential 

Argentina's vintners are breathing a sigh of relief, thanks to a 2018 growing season that delivered high quality and a good-sized crop following several problematic years plagued by cool and abnormally wet weather. Some in the Mendoza region were downright exultant, comparing 2018 to the 2013 vintage, which produced some of the best wines of recent memory.

"Overall, and going by what I tasted in barrel, I'd say that 2013 is the benchmark against which to value the 2018s," said Santiago Achával of Matervini. "I will know in a few months if they will shape up to what I think was the best year ever in my experience. Right now, I only can say that '18s could be as good as '13s if they keep on track in barrel."

Susana Balbo, whose Dominio del Plata is in Mendoza, agreed. "The 2018 vintage delivered normal quantities and was a real relief after three short vintages. The only challenge was a very early frost during harvesttime."