Mmmm... Malbec

Originally from France, the Malbec grape has lived with an unfortunate reputation for being difficult to grow and mature. The varietal's true potential has finally been realized in Argentina. It has flourished in this sunny, warm country whereas it floundered in the cooler, rainy climate of Bordeaux. Primarily a blending grape in French Bordeaux, Malbec was rarely given the spotlight or even used as a single varietal wine. The wine is typically rich, plush and full of dark, juicy fruit. Argentinian expressions of the grape are less tannic than Bordeaux blends. (Chile has tried its hand at Malbec, producing a more tannic wine that approaches the French style.) The Mendoza region, as you'll read below, is the largest producer of Malbec in Argentina.

Mendoza Station Malbec 2008
Mendoza, Argentina - $6
Aromas of plum and rosemary; Lush and fruit-driven. Finely grained tannins. Stewed red fruits, smoke, plum, sour cherry, mocha or dark chocolate. Not overly sweet or syrupy. Needs time to open up, better on second day. Pair with red meat (lamb), grilled chicken or spicy Asian food. For the price, a surprisingly balanced and drinkable wine. 3/5

Bodega Norton Mendoza Malbec
Mendoza, Argentina - $8
Buy again, but too tannic initially - decant. Popular at party.

Altos Las Hormigas Malbec
Mendoza, Argentina - $9
Loved it; better than the Norton. Plum, black currant, raspberry aromas & flavors.

Phebus Malbec
Mendoza, Argentina - $9
Classic fallback. Have gotten out of habit drinking it to explore more Malbecs. Jammy raspberry and plum; clean flavors. Well-rounded, modern style. Finishes with a firm, yet juicy grip.

Kaiken Malbec 2006
Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina - $11
Great buy. Lots of flavor: brambly fruit, cocoa and plum. Enjoyed this one so much last year that I was spurred to purchase the '07 recently.


Maipe Malbec 2008
Mendoza, Argentina - $12
Smoky and earthy; brambly blackberry and raspberry. Lovely aroma. Blackberry is very strong. Flavors of spicy vanilla opens to brambly, bold berry with long balanced finish. Smooth, pleasant tannins. Mocha flavor lingers on finish. Deep purple color. An excellent value for the complexity and flavors this wine delivers. Good gift wine for nice label and flavor. 4/5


Kaiken Malbec 2007
Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina - $14
Smoky and juicy red fruit with cherry notes at the end. Balanced, smooth, and fruit forward. Vanilla and spice come out after it opens up. Dense. Enjoyed it as much as the 2006.

Achaval Ferrer Malbec 2007
Mendoza, Argentina - $15
Aromas of black pepper, tar; spicy and dark. Blackberry. Strong aroma. Flavors of blackberry, currant, slight bitter finish (pill-like). Well balanced but becomes more bitter as it opens up on second day. Bitterness ruined what started off as a strong wine. Better with food, bitterness subsides. Lots of complex flavors, good value. Not sure if I'll buy again because of the bitterness.

Paul Hobbs El Felino Malbec 2005
Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina - $20
A favorite on the higher end of casual. Juicy, rich dark fruit shows blueberry, raspberry, plum & black cherry. Layered with sweet spice & licorice. Long finish. Rated 88 points in WS.

Also check out the Luigi Bosca 2005 Malbec and Gouguenheim 2007 Malbec in previous posts.

Gourmet Raft-up 2009

Peju Rose of Syrah 2007
Napa, California
Light cherry, melon, other berries and dusty aromas. Dry style of rose, light body. Brilliant red-orange color. Light flavors that mimic the aromas. Paired with smoked salmon, pickled red onions, & goat cheese boursin. Interesting wine for summer event, surprising and refreshing. Rarity increases score. 3.5/5


Va La Silk 2007
Avondale, Pennsylvania - $28
Aromas of smoke, berry & plum open up to woodsy notes. After decanting for an hour, insane spice aromas appear - cinnamon. Spice and smoky fruit flavors with light body. Very complex flavors. Versatile red and a great local wine. Good for appetizers or as a substitute for Pinot Noir. 4.5/5


Merry Edwards Meredith Estate Pinot Noir 2006
Russian River Valley, California
Violet aromas followed by berry and vanilla with medium tannins. Needed more time to open - not as aromatic as initial tasting in CA.




Neal Zinfandel 2006
Napa Valley, California
Herbal, soft red fruits (berry) on the nose. Same jammy red fruits with medium tannins. A soft Zinfandel with powerful tannins that need time to open up, fruit is obscured. 4/5


Luchador Shiraz 2007
South Australia - $12
Stewed red fruits followed by good oak nose. Amazing flavor when paired with grilled lamb. Thick, powerful aromas; intense, spicy flavors and easy tannins. More potent nose than flavors. For the price, great flavor & intensity. 4.5/5

Luigi Bosca Malbec Reserva 2005
Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina
Aromas of smoke, earth, plum, red fruit and leather. Big hit of spice (back of throat) and smack of alcohol on initial taste. Bold. Same flavors as aromas. Peppery, port-like ripe fruit. Needs food. Tannic and powerful, nice finish. 4/5

Chateau de Segur Sauternes 2003
Barsac, France - $19
Pineapple, honey, light floral and ripe golden citrus aromas. Very sweet, syrupy weight. Honeyed pineapple. Very elegant and soft. Extended pineapple finish with caramel hint. Fantastic value for full bottle under $20 - why spend more? (That is, unless you're shooting for Chateau Y'Quem). 4.5/5

What I'm drinking right now...

Gouguenheim Malbec 2007
Mendoza, Argentina - $9
Aromas of smoky plush red fruit, sweet tobacco, & light floral. Herbal! Love the nose. Supple tannins & slight spice; light flavors of black & green pepper. Jammy and easy to drink. Blackberry & raspberry with smoky long finish. Deep garnet color. More fruit as it opens. Perennial everyday favorite. Strong 4.5/5