No doubt about it, Malbec is Argentina's calling card when it comes to wine. Many terrific wines are 
coming from there, but Malbec is the grape they have mastered more than any other region. It's amazing how much excellent Malbec can generally be found for a bargain price. Sometimes they are made in a young, exuberant style, meant to be drunk early. At other times they are made in a fashion suitable for aging. Today I'm looking at a 2005 Malbec from Luigia Bosca.
The 2005 Reserva Malbec is 100% varietal. The grapes were harvested from a single vineyard in Mendoza whose vines are 70 years old. The wine was aged for 12 months in French oak and 1 year in bottle before being released. The suggested retail price for this Malbec is $18.
This Malbec's deep, dark, intensely colored hue is immediately apparent upon pouring. The nose is filled with date, plum and vanilla notes that increase in intensity as it has a chance to breathe. From the first sip onwards, juicy dark berry fruit comes out in droves. The mid-palate is soft, lush and full leading to black pepper, mineral notes, a touch of earth and a hint of tartness on the finish. This wine is soft and pleasing enough to enjoy on its own but structured enough to stand up to grilled flank steak or similar cuisine.
This malbec has lots of big, pleasing fruit flavors, but the structure, complexity and numerous layers win out making this an impressive multi-dimensional wine. Oak is apparent but well integrated and a positive influnce on this wine. While this Malbec is nice now, it'll improve with some more bottle age and drink well for at least a decade, perhaps a bit longer. With a suggested retail of $18 and it's ability to age, this is an excellent wine to tuck away a case of.
Imported by: Testa Wines of The World Ltd.
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