Urraca - 2007 Familia Langley Reserva

It was just about a year ago that I first tasted the offerings from Argentine producer Urraca Wines. Since then I’ve gone back to them several times and been impressed each time with their overall portfolio. Their wines hit a different segment of the Argentine wine imports than most. Within the vast number of wines from Argentina, the majority on US shelves are value based. Some of those values are outstanding and provide quality and some are generic. What Urraca does from the get go is to aim higher. They start at a premium level and then also make super-premium offerings. So while the least expensive wine you’re going to find from them is in the mid to high teens, there is value to be had. Today I’m going to look at the current release of their flagship wine. This wine is certainly within the super-premium category. The question is does it still deliver value, or even a bargain, in its price point.

The Urraca 2007 Familia Langley Reserva is made using fruit from the Mendoza region of Argentina. The proprietary blend is composed of Cabernet Sauvignon (40%), Malbec (30%), and Merlot (30%). Barrel aging was accomplished over 18 months in a combination of French and American oak. The suggested retail price for this wine is approximately $70.

A potpourri of dark berry aromas lead the exuberant nose of this 2007 blend. Blackberry and cherry (both red and black) intermingle along with lots of white pepper and hints of nutmeg throughout the palate of this selection. This wine has serious length. The impressive finish is marked my minerals, earth, black pepper and a hints of charcoal. This wine has firm tannins that soften in the glass. Excellent acidity provides the framework and keeps everything in check.

There are three things which I find equally impressive about this wine. First and quite importantly is its consistency. I was blown away by the 2005 version of this wine and was quite curious to see how the 2007 edition would stack up. Nothing to worry about there, the 2007 is every bit as impressive. The second thing that struck me is the tremendous level of even-keeled intensity that this wine displays from the first sip through the long finish. There are a lot of wines that hit you up front with big fruit and then the flavor drops as if it fell from a cliff. While this wine has little peaks and valleys, it manages to maintain a notable level of complex, layered and concentrated flavors throughout. The third thing that impresses me is the finish on the Familia Langley, which is noteworthy in length.

If you’re going to drink this wine in the short term, decanting for an hour or two is strongly recommended. However if you’re patient and can lay it down for a few years, you will be rewarded by a wine that will show plenty of positive evolution. Yes this wine is $70, and yes for that money it’s still, very much, an excellent value. It compares favorably to many blends from a number of regions of the world that hit the triple digit price point.

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Valentin Bianchi - 2008 Elsa Chardonnay / 2008 Elsa Malbec / 2008 Elsa Cabernet Sauvignon

It’s good to have some go to things in life. When it comes to wine there are some producers that I look to for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it’s simply quality. Other times it’s value and availability. Valentin Bianchi from Argentina scores for me on all three counts and then some. They have several tiers of wine, all of which are interesting and fairly priced for what they provide. And their wines are available across the country in a wide variety of retailers. Today I’m going to look at three wines I enjoyed in their lowest priced tier. The Elsa wines are named after the wife of their founder, who is also the Grandmother of the current owners. The vineyards surround the house she lived in. First up is the Valentin Bianchi 2008 Elsa Chardonnay. This selection is produced using estate fruit from San Rafael Mendoza vineyards. In addition to Chardonnay (90%), Semillon (10%) is also blended in. During fermentation in stainless steel, French oak staves were used to add complexity. 2,000 cases of this wine were imported and the suggested retail price is $8.99.

Pineapple, Meyer lemon and white peach aromas burst forth from the evocative nose of this Chardonnay. Mango, guava and lots of golden delicious apple notes are all part of the fresh and appealing palate. Apple pie crust, lemon custard, vanilla and speckles of white pepper make up the medium length finish of this Chardonnay. Good acidity balances things out.

What I like about this Chardonnay is that it puts its best fruit forward. This is a fresh, lively wine meant to enjoy in its youth. While the small amount of oak used added some complexity it doesn’t detract from what is a very fruit driven offering.

The second wine is the Valentin Bianchi 2008 Elsa Malbec. Fruit for this offering was sourced at the same Estate vineyard in Mendoza as the Chardonnay. This selection is 100% Malbec. This wine saw minimal oak aging. 15,000 cases of this wine were imported and the suggested retail price is $8.99.

Plum, blueberry, vanilla and floral notes are all part of the slightly jam influenced nose of this Malbec. The palate also shows some jam fruit characteristics with red and black berry fruit intertwining. Black raspberry, blackberry and strawberry are of particular note. A layer of vanilla underpins these along with touches of orange peel. Kalamata olive, touches of smoke, and white pepper highlight the medium length finish. This Malbec has sufficient acidity.

Giving this wine 30 minutes of air really helps it open up and allows its flavors to pop. I like the consistency this wine has shown from vintage to vintage. This is a great starter Malbec and an affordable one for everyday drinking.

The last wine today is the Valentin Bianchi 2008 Elsa Cabernet Sauvignon. Fruit for this wine was also sourced at the Family’s original home vineyards. This selection is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine had minimal oak aging. 10,000 cases of this 2008 vintage were imported and the suggested retail price is $8.99.

Black fruit such as raspberry, blackberry and blueberry lead the nose of this wine along with hints of vanilla and cedar. Dark, juicy berry fruit tells the story of this wines mid-palate. Black pepper and additional vanilla emerges on the finish. This wine has nice structure and good acidity.

This 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon drinks well off the bat. That said, an hour of air really exposes all of its charms. This is a fruity, fresh Cabernet meant to be drunk in it’s youth. It’ll pair well with a burger and drinks nicely on its own too.

All three of these Elsa wines represent good values. While the suggested retail price is $8.99 you can certainly find them for less if you shop around. Each of these is a solid contender for everyday drinking. They’re also good bets to pick up a case of so you always have something affordable and dependable on hand.

Urraca - 2008 Malbec / 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon

A few months back I took a look at several wines in the Urraca portfolio. A Chardonnay and two blends were the current releases at the time. All three were impressive expressions of what can be achieved in Argentina at a super-premium level. Now Urraca has also released a couple of varietal wines that come in at a lower price point. I’ll look at their current Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon today. First up is the Urraca 2008 Malbec. The fruit for this offering, 100% Malbec, was sourced at the Urraca vineyard in Agrelo. Barrel aging was accomplished over 12 months in a combination of new French and American oak. The suggested retail price for this wine is $24.50.

Plum, black cherry and hints of vanilla bean express themselves prominently in the nose of this Malbec. Throughout the persistent palate there is a lot of intense, dark and brooding fruit. In addition to being dark though the flavors are also fresh, young, brash and deep. Blackberry and raspberry are among the standout notes. Around mid-palate sweet dark chocolate notes kick in and continue through the lovely finish where they’re joined by black pepper, espresso, smoked meat and a hint of tar. The length of the finish is above average.

For me this Malbec compares favorably to well made and jammy Zinfandels from California. The commonalities include bold and expressive fruit and a wide range of flavors. In many ways I think these varietals have a lot in common as the entry point for both can be very reasonable in price with excellent quality for the money. And that is one of the many reasons I feel Malbec is making such an impact in the US. And to continue the comparison, both Malbec and Zinfandel can achieve greater and more complex things when the fruit, and the way it’s treated come together. This Malbec is one example of that.  For a bit over $20 this wine offers a very nice value and just as importantly an excellent expression of Argentina’s signature red varietal.

The second selection today is the Urraca 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon. As with the Malbec, fruit was also sourced at the Estate vineyard in Agrelo. This selection is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and it spent 12 months in a combination of new French and American oak. The suggested retail price for this wine is $24.50.

Bing Cherry aromas are prominent in the nose of this Cabernet Sauvignon along with some vanilla and an ever so subtle hint of tar. The palate is loaded with a solid core of fruit. Plum, blueberry and continued cherry are the stars of the show. Red fruit flavors lead, but darker fruit echoes it to provide a nice contrast on the tongue. Earth and black pepper emerge in the finish which has good length and remarkable smoothness. The tannins on this wine are fine and soft and it has very solid acidity. This is an excellent food wine and found myself craving a dish of pasta with red sauce.

When I first started drinking wines from Argentina about 15 years ago Cabernet Sauvignon is what drew me in. I was amazed by the number of remarkably solid Cabs coming out of Argentina at prices other parts of the world couldn’t touch. Today there are even more wines in that category on US shelves which serve as a good introduction to Argentine wines. However there is a growing segment of wines coming from Argentina that steps things up in quality and complexity. This Cabernet Sauvignon is simply better, with more going on than many others on the shelf. Yes it’s a bit more than the selections that are pure value products. They say you get what you pay for; in this case you get more. If you normally spend around $20 on Cabernet, from California for instance, you’ll be impressed with what this one delivers for the price. My recommendation would be to drink this 2008 Cabernet from Urraca over the next few years when its young fruit flavors can best shine.

While I’m a big fan of blends and always curious to see how the diverse varietals converge to create a unique wine, straight varietal offerings are equally fascinating to me. When they represent a particular spot in a specific year as these do they tell the story of a vineyard at a moment in time. Both of these wines from Urraca do that quite well. Considered alongside their super-premium offerings the Urraca portfolio has grown in breadth and impressiveness. I’m awed by the Urraca wines as a whole and equally excited by what they represent for Argentine wine in the US.

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Hess Collection - 2006 19 Block Cuvée

I’ve been fond of wines form Mount Veeder for many years now. But over the last year I’ve made a more concerted effort to try more of them. While I think a wide array of varietals shine up on Mt. Veeder the classic Bordeaux grapes are amongst those I feel stand out most often. Today I’m going to take a look at a selection from Hess Collection. They’re the largest winery on Mt Veeder by case production. Within their size though they do a wide variety of things; both small and large production wines are part of their portfolio. Their estate boasts 310 acres of vineyards which are sustainably farmed. Today I’ll look at one of their blends. The Hess Collection 2006 19 Block Cuvée is produced from estate fruit. The vineyard site the fruit was sourced from ranges in altitude from 1,300 to 2,000 feet. Fruit was selected from 19 blocks within the vineyard, thus the name of the wine. This selection is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (69%), Malbec (11%), Syrah (10%), Merlot (5%), Petit Verdot (3%) and Cabernet Franc (2%). Oak aging was accomplished over 18 months in French oak; 50% of the barrels were new. Just over 14,000 cases of this selection were produced and the suggested retail price is $35.

Leather and cherry notes are prominent on the nose of this Mt. Veeder blend. A host of berry fruit, (particularly blackberry) along with spice, and cigar box are part of the palate. Somewhere around mind-palate, dark, rich unsweetened chocolate notes kick in. The finish is nice and lengthy with black pepper, mineral notes and cherry that keeps echoing. This wine has a firm tannic structure that softens with some air, as well as firm acidity.

This is a very well rounded wine. While this selction is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, the other varietals shine through and create a very cohesive blend that makes this offering a clear case of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. Though this wine also includes Syrah, stylistically it drinks like a Napa Valley Bordeaux or Meritage style blend. For a suggested retail price of $35 this wine over delivers in spades. With over 14,000 cases made it should be easy to locate too.

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Urraca - 2005 Familia Langley Reserva

Many well known wine regions make blends inspired by the well known examples that come out of Bordeaux. These can fall flat when the winery in question is simply trying to imitate a style. However when a producer aspires to make the best blend possible with the fruit available to them, all the while showing off their terroir, they have a much better chance of hitting the mark. Today I'll look at the third wine from Urraca, which is a Bordeaux style blend. The 2005 Urraca Familia Langley Reserva is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (36%), Malbec (36%), Cabernet Franc (17%) and Merlot (11%). Oak aging was accomplished in a combination of French and American barrels over a period of 18 months. The suggested retail price for this offering is $72.

Leather, vanilla, dark brooding berry and hints of espresso bean are all present in the nose. Lots of plum, blueberry, and a host of dark, ripe, heady berry fruit are prominent throughout the full bodied palate along with plum pudding spice. Sweet dark chocolate notes, black tea, mineral, white pepper, cigar-box and ever emerging earth characteristics come together to form an impressively lengthy finish. This blend has chewy tannins, good acidity and excellent overall structure. Pair it with big, bold foods that can match it's combination of power and elegance. The blend may be made of Old World components, but this is very much a New World wine.

As was the case with the 2005 Primera this wine should be decanted for maximum enjoyment if you're going to drink it in the next couple of years. My advice however is to tuck this away in your cellar and forget about if for the next 5 years or so. Then dig it out and drink it sometime over the next 8-10 years. The Urraca wines I have had are all excellent, well made, "high end" offerings. There are a ton of well priced, well made wines coming from South America in general and Argentina specifically. many of these offer value, and sufficient complexity for everyday drinking. The wines from Urraca aim for a different goal, they shoot for greatness. These delicious, complex wines meet their goal. In my opinion these offerings stand with a handful of other Argentine producers as examples of the best wines they offer.

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Urraca - 2005 Primera

Malbec is more closely identified with Argentina than any other single grape variety. There's good reason for that; while it’s made elsewhere Malbec absolutely flourishes and reaches its apex there. The wide array of styles in which Malbec is made reminds me of how diverse Zinfandel can be in California. Some choose to make it brash and exuberant while others go for more of a refined and elegant style. Each has its benefits. Not surprisingly Urraca Wines has more acres of Malbec under vine than any other varietal. Cabernet Sauvignon is a close second however. Today I’ll look at one of their Malbec based blends.

The 2005 Urraca Primera is a blend of Malbec (70%) and Merlot (30%). Oak treatment was accomplished with 18 months in a combination of French and American barrels. The suggested retail price for this offering is $37.

I highly recommend decanting this selection if you’re going to be drinking it over the next couple of years. An hour is very helpful, and closer to two hours would be even better. Once it’s had that chance to breathe this wine starts really expressing itself. The intoxicating nose features blueberry, plum and violets along with touches of cedar. There is a terrific purity of fruit through the palate that can not help itself but impress as it is intense, layered and just downright delicious. Black cherries are the most prominent along with additional berry fruits as well as fruitcake spice. Chocolate, hints of pencil lead and plenty of earth emerge on the long, persistent finish. Black and white pepper note linger so long them seem like they’ll never stop coming. This offering has firm tannins and excellent acidity. Roasted meats or game will be a natural match for this blend.

There are several things that impress me about this wine. The intense and pure fruit I mentioned above is one. The other is the fact that this blend is a perfect combination of characteristics. The Malbec shows its hedonistic, brash nature, and the Merlot provides backbone and structure. This is a tremendous wine that deserves and demands attention. Not an offering you want to rush to drink, rather one to contemplate over a nice meal with friends who will be lucky that you shared this Argentine powerhouse with them.

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High Note- 2008 Elevated Malbec

Over the last several years the prominence of Malbec has grown in the United States. South American wines in general get more shelf space than they used to; Malbec is one of the leading growth categories within that. I for one am pretty happy about it. South America has long been a place to look towards for value. The increase in selection also means we're getting more wines in every price range and that makes for more interesting choices. Today I'll look at a value priced Malbec. The 2008 High Note Elevated Malbec was produced by Vista del Sur Winery. Fruit was sourced in Argentina's Uco Valley, which is part of Mendoza. Grapes for this selection were picked from five vineyards; they ranged in elevation fron 3,200 to 5,000 feet above sea level. In addition to Malbec (85%), Cabernet Sauvignon (7%), Cabernet Franc (4%), Viognier (2%) and Petit Verdot (2%) are blended in. This wine was aged in French (65%) and American (35%) oak; 24% of the barrels were new. This selection sell for around $12 but proficient shoppers will note that it can often be found for less than $10.

While there is only a small amount of Viognier blended in to this wine, it does wonders for the nose, adding a lovely floral quality. Blackberry, blueberry and vanilla bean are also part of the aromatics. The palate is rich, and tightly wound, with an array of deep, dark berry fruit flavors. The finish has continued vanilla, along with chicory notes and a dollop of lingering minerals. This Malbec has firm but approachable tannins and sufficient acidity. This offering, while tasty on it's own will perform best when matched with rich, full flavored foods.

For a relatively low price point this Malbec offers good flavors and a particularly expressive nose. It's a nice example of the varietal and indicative of the values coming out of Argentina. With BBQ season in full swing, here's one to keep in mind

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Bodega Septima - 2007 Malbec

A few years ago Malbec was little known to casual wine drinkers in the US. Thankfully, due to larger and larger quantities of Argentine Wines on US shelves this has changed. The 2007 Bodega Septima Malbec is a 40,000 case production. This wine normally sells for right around $10, often a little less.

Dark plum, blueberry and vanilla notes are the most prominent characteristics of this Malbec's nose. The palate is loaded with juicy black fruit that's got a nice jam quality to it. Pepper and vanilla spice notes are also quite lively. This offering has a solid finish that features, espresso bean earth, and continued pepper. This wine has approachable tannins, good structure and firm acidity.

What I like best about this wine is that its a solid example of Malbec. It displays many of the characteristics that have helped make Malbec a very appealing varietal whose popularity has grown in the US over the last few years. One of those characteristics is approachability. This release is tasty and appealing from the word go. That said 45 minutes in the decanter helps it really blossom and smooths out a couple of little rough edges it has at the start. This is also a very versatile release. It'll pair equally well with a burger or a chicken cesar wrap. It also drinks quite well on its own. All around this is a solid value and a good bet as an every day house wine.

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Cameron Hughes - 2006 Lot 52 Malbec

Most Négociants focus on sourcing wine from one region or country. Cameron Hughes takes a different approach. They source wine for their label from the entire world. This achieves a number of things. First of all it makes their potential portfolio at any given moment quite vast and diverse in terms of wine types, secondly it also allows a broad spectrum of price points. Today I'll look at their current release of Malbec. The Cameron Hughes 2006 Lot 52 Malbec is sourced in Mendoza Argentina. This wine is 100% Malbec. 1,800 cases of this wine were produced and the suggested retail price is $13.

There are some things that go together so naturally that you can't think of one without the other coming to mind. Argentina and Malbec are two such things for me. Certainly there are many other fine varietals coming out of Argentina, but Malbec is their calling card, it's the wine that shines most prominently, and often in their country.

The Lot 52 from Cameron Hughes has a nose that exudes plum, blueberry, and most prominently, smoky characteristics. Throughout the palate there is a rich and mouth-filling core of solid dark berry fruit notes. Black Raspberry and Blackberry are the most extroverted of these. The finish has all the earthy charm that's wonderfully typical of Malbec from the Mendoza region. These characteristics are joined by a fair sized wallop of bacon fat. This wine has firm tannins that yield with some air, and a solid backbone of acidity that keeps everything in check. Grilled meats are the classic accompaniment for this wine.

The two things I like best about this Malbec are that it's a traditional, well made example of the varietal with all the charm that comes with it. This Malbec from Cameron Hughes also happens to over deliver for its $13 price point. 

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Robert Mondavi - 2006 Private Selection Meritage

There are few names as synonymous with California wine as that of Robert Mondavi. Over the years, in addition to his namesake Napa Valley Winery, numerous subsidiaries became part of the Mondavi empire. The Private Selection wines are one of those off shoots. These wines tend to have a suggested retail just above $10 and can provide a gateway for people at the beginning of their wine exploration, as well as everyday value for more seasoned wine drinkers. Today I'll look at their current release Meritage and see what it offers. The 2006 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Meritage is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (72%), Merlot (10%), Petit Verdot (10%), and Malbec (8%). The majority of the fruit was sourced in Monterey County (66%), with the balance coming from Santa Barbara (25%), and San Benito (9%). This wine was aged in oak for 15 months, with 30% of it being new. The suggested retail price for this offering is $11.

The nose of this Meritage is comprised of dark berry fruit notes. Black cherry and plum dominate. Throughout the palate, those dark fruit tones continue, along with vanilla, black pepper, and some hints of cedar. This wine has firm, chewy tannins and good acidity. Some earth emerges on the finish along with more dark fruit and spice notes. This wine will be an excellent match for grilled chops, a burger, or strong cheeses.

The question when I taste a wine of this nature, what am I expecting for $11? I hope for a wine that is well made, true to it's varietal compostion and hopefully somewhat interesting. This low priced Meritage from Robert Mondavi Private Selection, fits the bill. It has sufficient structure to drink well for a couple of years, tastes true to being mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, and has enough length and interesting elements to make it worth it's price-tag. Truth be told it's often available for under $1o. For that amount of money, you won't mind opening it any night of the week.

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Graffigna - A Couple of Malbecs

Continuing the South American trend that I've been on the last week, I'm going to look at four more Argentine wines. These are from Graffigna, located in the San Juan Valley of Argentina. San Juan is an area, a bit less known than Mendoza, but also producing some fine wines. Graffigna has been around as a producer from more than 100 years. I'll look at two Malbecs today, and two Cabernet Sauvignons later in the week. First up is the 2006 Graffigna Centenario Malbec. This wine is 100% Malbec. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks. Aging was done in a 50/50 split of French and American oak for 12 months, followed by 6 months of bottle aging. The suggested retail price for this offering is $13.

Plum and violet aromas are prominent on the nose of this wine. Ripe berry, along with an undercurrent of espresso are present throughout the palate, along with black pepper. The finish features lots of earth, black tea, bramble and a hint of pencil lead.

This Malbec is medium bodied, with soft, approachable tannins and an easy drinking style. It'll match well with a wide array of foods. For a suggested retail price of $13, this wine offers bang for buck in its category.

The second Malbec from Graffigna is the 2005 Grand Reserve. This selection is also 100% varietal. Fermentation and oak aging are identical to the Centenario. The suggested retail price for this wine is $20.

The Grand Reserve has a huge nose, filled with wild blueberry aromas, and a touch of jasmine. The palate is big, rich, and expansive, featuring cedar notes that intermingle nicely with a solid core of fruit. The lengthy finish brings on sour berry notes, vanilla and a hint of black tea. This wine has a firm, but yielding tannic structure, and nice acidity.

This offering will stand up to hearty, full flavored foods, such as roast leg of lamb, or Pernil. While the suggested retail price is $20, checking wine-searcher reveals it's often available for closer to $17. As with the Centenario, it's a good value in its price category.

Both of these wines from Graffigna are fine examples of Malbec. The Centenario is often available for around $10, and represents an everyday value. The Grand Reserve is smoother, and more complex, with a longer finish. It's certainly a step up and priced accordingly.

Up Next: Two Cabernet Sauvignons from Graffigna

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Kaiken - 2006 Ultra Malbec

Like many wine lovers I suppose, the wins of Argentina hit my radar after those of Chile. Most likely, that has a lot to do with them penetrating the US market a bit later. That said, these days I drink and enjoy the wines of Argentina as much as I do those of Chile. There is a sense of place in the better made Argentine wines that really hits my sweet spot. While other varietals certainly flourish there as well, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec are the first two that come to mind for me. As I mentioned yesterday Kaiken is Montes Wines Chilean operation. I'll look at their Ultra Malbec today and their Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon tomorrow. The 2006 Kaiken Ultra Malbec is 100% varietal. All of the fruit is from Mendoza.  80% of the wine was aged in French oak for twelve months. 32,000 cases of this wine were produced and the suggested retail price is $25.00.

Black raspberries, plum and light vanilla fills the nose of this wine. The palate is loaded with sweet, rich, dark berry fruit and an undercurrent of spice notes. The finish has some dusty cocoa notes, a hint of chicory and a touch of tingly white pepper that hits the back of the throat on the way out. This wine is balanced by good acidity. It will be an excellent match for full flavored foods such as marinated, grilled meats.

What I like best about this wine is that it's a classic example of Malbec. It's intense, and full of bold fruit, but never over the top. This wine should improve over the short term (3-5 years) and drink well for several after that. While there are many Malbecs on the shelf well under this price point, the quality of the Ultra by Kaiken, along with its ability to age for several years,  easily justifies the extra dollars.

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Don Valentin Bianchi Lacrado 2005

Over the last year I've revisited the wines of Valentin Bianchi on several occasions. There are a couple of reasons for that. For one, Argentine wines are of particular interest to me.  Additionally I have found the Valentin Bianchi wines to be well made and good values across different tiers and price levels. Today I'll look at one of their blends. The 2005 Don Valentin Bianchi Lacrado is a composed of Cabernet Sauvignon (34%), Malbec (33%), and Merlot (33%). This offering sees no wood and is aged completely in stainless steel, then filtered and bottled. The suggested retail price for this wine is $11.99.

I found the nose of this wine to be exceedingly fragrant. Plum, anise and subtle lavender notes amomgst the most prominent characteristics. While this wine is slightly tight out of the bottle, it opens up quickly. 30 minutes in the decanter really does the trick.  The palate of this blend mixes in an impressive smoothness for it's price range with some rustic charm that brings to mind old world field blends. Berry characteristics abound along with some light coffee notes on the finish as well as  earth and pepper spice. It's a rich, mouth-filling wine, offering plenty of drinking pleasure. This will match nicely with grilled meats. Chorizo comes to mind as a perfect accompaniment. Aged, better, Parmesan cheese would work nicely as well.

This is a wine made to drink in it's youth. It's priced to be affordable everyday. Another solid value from Valentin Bianchi.

Imported by Quintessential Wines

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Luigi Bosca - 2005 Reserva Malbec

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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Xumek - 2005 Malbec

A lot of terrific wine made from various varietals is coming out of Argentina. Malbec, however, is the varietal that Argentina is best known for. In addition to it being a large part of their production, they simply make more great Malbec than any other country. The second wine I'm looking at from Xumek is a Malbec. The 2005 Xumek Malbec is 100% varietal and all Estate Fruit. 2,500 cases were produced. It's finished with a natural cork closure. While the suggested retail price is in the upper teens this wine can be purchased for closer to $12.

The Xumek Malbec has a beautiful deep purple hue. The nose of this Malbec leads with plum, berry, vanilla and toasty oak notes. Mocha notes come out on the entry point, giving way to berry and white pepper spice in the mid-palate. The finish has dark chocolate and blackberry fruit notes along with pepper that tingles the back of the throat a good long while. This wine is well balanced with good acidity and will be versatile at the table.

This offering is more austere and dry than textbook Malbecs. The Xumek appears built to last longer and age more gracefully than many it's it's price category. This is smoother than the average Malbec and a step up in elegance and subtle layering. Well worth it's modest price tag.

Imported by H & S Specialty Imports.

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Mil Piedras - 2006 Malbec

Those familiar with Argentina know that there are a number of terrific wines being produced there. Anyone who has tasted enough Argentine offerings knows that they can certainly hold their own with a wide array of varietals. However to a lot of people the first thing they think of when it comes to Argentina is Malbec. This is understandable. While they're showing they can make Cabernet Sauvignon to compete with the worlds best for example, no other country has shown they can make Malbec to compete with the best offerings coming out of Argentina. So it stands to reason that most Argentine wineries not only make Malbec but they often make more than one. Under the Mil Piedras label Benvenuto de la Serna there is one stand alone varietal Malbec. Additionally their lone blend features a heavy percentage of Malbec as well. The 2006 Mil Piedras Malbec was produced from 7 year old Estate vines. 4,000 cases of this wine were produced and it sells for approximately $10.

This Malbec is a deeply colored wine with an expressive nose of plum, vanilla and blackberry. A rich, round mouth feel defines the palate in the form of blackberry jam, sour cherry and spice notes. Dark berry fruit lingers on the finish along with very gentle spices. This wine sips well on it's own, but will also be a good complement to a burger or other grilled foods.

For a Malbec in the $10 price range the Mil Piedras is more subtly layered and complex then many in that category. Often Malbecs in this range tend to be of the brawnier variety. This one is a change of pace from that and another nice value from Mil Piedras.

This is the last wine from Mil Piedras I'm looking at this week. In a couple of weeks however I'll be looking at their Rosé.

Imported by: H & S Specialty Imports Inc.

Up Next: The Wines of Kiamie Wine Cellars.

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Spier - 2005 Malbec/Cabernet Franc/Petit Verdot

The last wine I'm looking at this week from Spier is a blend of Malbec (57%), Cabernet Franc (32%) & Petit Verdot (11%). The lots for this wine were aged separately in a combination of American and French oak before blending and bottling. As with the Shiraz I looked at yesterday this wine is part of Spier's Vintage Selection series. It's suggested retail is $20 but i can be located for closer to $15. The Cabernet Franc in this blend is the first varietal that makes it's presence known due to the big nose it provides. The Bouquet is one of leather and tobacco with subtler berry notes underneath. The first couple of sips find this wine to be tight and tart out of the bottle. Decanting is a necessity with this wine right now to get the most out of it. An hour at minimum is recommended. Once it has a chance to open though you'll be rewarded with a huge burst of bright cherry fruit. The finish is long and spicy featuring white pepper and hints of nutmeg.

With this wine Spier presents an intriguing blend. From the Cabernet Franc's strong aromatic nose, the Malbec's meaty and chewy mid-palate to the solid backbone supplied by the Petit Verdot this is a diverse wine. It probably needs another 8-12 months in the bottle to fully resolves itself and come together as one. It's enjoyable right now, especially after decanting a long while. But If you have the patience to hold on to it for a year or two you'll be happy when you pop the cork. After that it should drink well until about 2013.

In general I found the Spier Wines I tasted to be well balanced and food friendly.

Up Next: Lunch with Pieter Malan of Simonsig Family Winery

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Valentin Bianchi - 2005 Famiglia Malbec

Valentin Bianchi has several families or tiers of wines. A step up from the Elsa line whose Malbec I last looked at is the Famiglia Bianchi wines. I'll be looking at two wines in this category. First up is the Famiglia Bianchi Malbec. 8,000 cases of this wine were made. Valentin Bianchi Famiglia Bianchi Malbec spent 10 months in new oak, with 80% of it French and the balance American. The suggested retail price is $18.

Strong plum aromas fill the nose of the Famiglia Bianchi Malbec. The first sip reveals mocha notes and dark berry fruit that carry on through a round, mouth-filling mid-palate that coat the back of the throat. A ton of black pepper emerges in the mid-palate and carries through the finish, which is fairly long and luxurious. A ton of spice notes present themselves throughout. This Malbec is wine that wants food. Grilled meats such as steak or a burger would be excellent accompaniments, as would strong cheeses.

The Famiglia Bianchi Malbec from Valentin Bianchi is a step up in refinement, silkiness and elegance from the Elsa. It has significantly more structure and complexity. I found it to really open up and be it's best after 90 minutes in the decanter. . It has enough structure to suggest that it will evolve nicely for a few years and drink well for a few after that.

There are a lot of well-made wines coming out of Argentina made from a wide array of varietals. However for me Malbec remains their benchmark grape. Other regions make it, but when you want a great Malbec Argentina is the place to look. This release from Valentin Bianchi is a good place to start.

Imported by Quintessential Wines.

Coming Tomorrow: Valentin Bianchi Famiglia Bianchi Cabernet Sauvignon

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Valentin Bianchi - 2007 Elsa Malbec

Over the next couple of days I'll be looking at three wines from Argentine producer Valentin Bianchi. And while they have an Eighty-year history in Argentina they also have roots that connect them to both Italy and California. The Italian heritage is Valentin Bianchi himself who founded the winery after immigrating to Argentina in 1920. The California connection came a bit later, in 1996, when the grandsons of the founder recruited well-regarded Napa based winemaker Robert Pepi as a consultant.

Valentin Bianchi makes several tiers of wines. Within those tiers they have a number of Malbecs. This isn't surprising as Malbec is essentially the benchmark grape of Argentina. Malbecs can often provide some of the greatest values in Argentine wine as well as some of the most interesting releases. The 2007 Elsa Malbec saw a minimal amount of oak aging. 15,000 cases of it were imported into the US and it's suggested retail price is about $9.

This wine is a deep purple in color with jammy berry fruit in the nose. The first sip reveals some light sour cherry notes that give way to darker berry and plum fruit in the mid-palate. The finish features some earthiness along with light vanilla and white pepper notes. This is a fruity approachable wine that will go nicely with a wide variety of foods. Strong cheeses and meat dishes would be a great match. A sausage and mushroom pizza would compliment it well also. With alcohol at a modest 13.5% this is an easy one to drink on it's own as well.

For $9 the Elsa Malbec from Valentin Bianchi shows good varietal character in its category. Approximately 45 minutes in the decanter is recommended to get this wine to perform at it's best. Once it opens up the Elsa Malbec proves itself to be a good value. It's approachability; easy drinking style and sufficient complexity make it a wine to consider as an everyday red.

Imported by Quintessential Wines.

Up Next: Valentin Bianchi Famiglia Malbec.

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