Malbec

It’s safe to say Argentina’s signature red grape is Malbec. In the right hands Malbec can be a commanding wines, such as Trapiche’s offering of the 2018. This is a velvety smooth wine showcasing black cherry, huckleberry, boysenberry, red currant, and tannins that are mild, but noticeable. The judicious use of oak enhances the fruit, there are back notes of cedar, cocoa powder, and plum. This offers wonderful drinkability with slightly nuanced fruit, veering away from heavier, tannic and fruit forward wines.

I will admit that upon seeing the front label "Organic Kosher" (for Passover) from Argentina, I was a bit skeptical.  However, realizing it was made by Domaine Bousquet, my hopes were higher and sure enough, this is a very nice wine.  L'Chayim (to life)!  which is also what A La Vida means in Spanish.  Purple in color, mostly clear and bright.  The nose is light but nice with plums, cherries and slight pepper.  With air it become more pronounced.  Medium tannins.  On the palate, black cherries, plums and some anise and ash on the finish.  A hint of sweetness.  Easily the best organic, koshe

This is an inexpensive Malbec that delivers way above its price point.  Grown at 3,000 feet in elevation, the concentration shows.  13.5% abv.  It was tight upon opening but with about thirty minutes of air, it showed very nicely.  Purple in color with ruby swirls.  Mostly opaque and bright.  The nose is tight at tfirst but opens to show black cherry fruit and baking spices.  Firm tannins.  On the palate, this is concentrated with black cherry fruit, baking spice and slight smoke.  A long finish.  This will benefit from a year or two in the cellar but if drinking now, open and let breathe f

This is a very nice entry level (maybe a step up) Malbec from Argentina.  Purple with ruby swirls, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose has black raspberries, plums, char and baking spices.  Medium bodied.  On the palate, black cherries and plum with underlying char.  Medium tannins.  Good acidity.  Nice concentration and some complexity.  This should improve a bit with a year or two of cellaring, but it is drinking well now.  Drink over the next three to five years.  A nice wine with a burger off the grill or maybe ribs.  

This is a Rosé made from 100% organically grown Malbec grapes.  Deep salmon pink in color, clear and bright.  The nose is steely with Watermelons and cherries.  On the palate, this is light bodied and refreshing.  Clean.  Dry.  Moderate acidity.  On the palate this is cherry essence and light raspberries.  Some watermelon and blood oranges on the finish.  This drinks easy and will work with almost any food.  drink over the next two to three years.  

This is an excellent value in a pretty straightforward Malbec from Argentina.  Purple in color, opaque  and bright.  The nose is nice with black raspberries, slight cedar, plums and a hint of char.  Medium bodied.  Nice texture.  On the palate, this has ripe red and purple fruits; black raspberries, plums and black cherries, with just a bit of char underneath.  Nice finish.  This is drinking well now and while not complex, the type of wine that most would enjoy a glass or two of.  It drinks very well on its own and will work well with a (garden) burger.  Drink over the next five to seven ye

This is a 100% Malbec from the Napa Valley.  The term Ghost Winery refers to the fact that the grapes come from an old 19th century winery that is no longer in use as a winery.  The building is now a residence but there are still vines growing.  These Malbec vines are on that property.  Purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose took about an hour to open and then showed plums, black cherries, figs, baking spice and some milk chocolate.  Full bodied.  Medium tannins.  On the palate, this took a couple of hours to really hit first gear.  Give it some air if opening now.  Flavors of plums,

Usually I think of Argentina for Malbecs, but this one is from Chile.  Purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose has plums, raspberries, char and spice.  Great silky but lush texture.  On the palate, more cherries than black raspberries, black cherries and plums with underlying car.  Slight bitter cherries (in a good way on the finish).  This is drinking great now and should last for another ten to twelve years.  Drink on its own or with food, pork chops would be a nice match. Excellent value.  

This is 100% Cabernet Franc using organic grapes.  Purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose has plums and black raspberries with some char.  Light tannins.  On the palate, this has a lovely texture.  Black raspberry fruit with slight black cherry fruit.  Plenty of depth.  Long finish.  This is really delicious.  Drinking well now, it should continue to drink well for the next ten to twelve years.  Great on its own, this would work well with a wide range of foods from pizza to pork to beef tenderloin.  Nice value.  

Made from Organic grapes. This is 85% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Syrah, and 5% Merlot.  Inky purple in color, ruby at the rim, opaque and bright.  The nose has black cherries, plums, baking spices and slight char.  Tannic.  Tart acidity.  On the palate, plums and black raspberries with some spice.  This needs a couple of years to integrate and then should drink well for eight to ten.  If opening now, give it a few hours of air.  This drinks well on its own but will go well with grilled meats.