Sunday, January 12, 2014

Malbec, Perfected in South America



Malbec, one of the six grape varietals found in Bordeaux red wines, however it is most often associated with a plethora of great to poor red wines from Argentina and to a lesser extent Chile, notwithstanding California's, South Africa's, and Australia's (not a complete list) blending of the grape with other red varietals, and even some straight Malbec production.
When I think of Malbec, I think of the flavor-kinship to Syrah and Zinfandel. I also think of Malbec wines (not reviewed) I tasted early in my wine tasting experience that I just didn't like, and which steered me away from them, but with my son's new enjoyment of Malbec I was bound to taste more of them, and thankfully so.
In New Hampshire you'll find plenty of Malbec wines to choose from ($6-$60), but about 95% will be from Argentina with a half dozen or so from Chile.


My list of Malbec wines:

90+ Old Vines 2012 Malbec, $9.99, 85 points (not reviewed)
Achaval Ferrer Mendoza 2010 Malbec, (Argentina) $19.54-$22.99, 91 points
Achaval Ferrer Mendoza 2012 Malbec, $16.14-$22.99, 90 points
Achaval Ferrer Mendoza 2014 Malbec, $16.14-$22.99, 90 points




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Luca Mendoza Argentina 2008 Malbec






Luca Mendoza Argentina 2008 Malbec,
$28.04-$32.99, 90 points, appeared black to inky purple with a broad transparent rim.
The earthy aroma had hints of violets and plum, but otherwise was nearly "dumb".
Near full bodied with moderate acidity and tannin, robust plum flavors with licorice, a hint of tobacco, and finished quite long on spice, tart pomegranate, with a hint of the 14% alcohol.

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Saturday, January 11, 2014

Seghesio Sonoma County 2012 Zinfandel







Seghesio Sonoma County 2012 Zinfandel, $19.99-$25.99, 90 points, began in the glass deep ruby trending purple/red with just the hint of pink, and a clear rim.
Aromatic spring water with cinnamon, clove, and sweet floral cherry were quite good on the nose.
The medium-plus body carried good acidity and moderate tannin with flavors that mirrored the aroma, but added plum and blackberry notes.
Finished fair with some tart pomegranate, spice, and the warmth of the 14.8% alcohol.

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Friday, January 10, 2014

Pinnacoli Terra de Trulli 2008 Primitivo





Pinnacoli Terra de Trulli 2008 Primitivo Di Manduria, $16.14-$18.99, 89 points, appeared a bit murky deep burgundy red with a transparent circumferential rim.
Red cherry, toast, with marzipan and earth on the nose were interesting.
The medium-plus body carried good acidity and mild tannin with flavors of plum, savory, and red cherry.
Finished on a trailing palate with restrained spice and a touch of the 14% alcohol.






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Thursday, January 9, 2014

Cigar Box Reserve 2012 Malbec





Cigar Box Reserve 2012 Malbec, $11.99-$13.99, 87 points, appeared opaque ruby trending black currant purple/red with a broad clear rim.
A profuse aroma issued flowers, toasty plum, earth, and heavy black grape smells.
The near full body was smooth, juicy, and carried fair acidity, mild-plus tannin, interesting flavors of black olive, tobacco, blackberry, and black grape notes.
Finished fair with susficient spice, a touch of the 14.1% alcohol, and eucalyptus.
I can see why my nephew Rob likes and recommends this Malbec as his go-to red wine.

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Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Château Suduiraut Lions de Suduiraut 2010 Sauternes



Château Suduiraut Lions de Suduiraut 2010 Sauternes, $16.14-$18.99, 91 points, had a dense and lush gold color.
The bouquet of honey, almonds, incense, and toasty apricot was amazing.
Medium-plus body was viscous, rich, acidic, and carried the aromas faithfully onto the palate.
Finished long on the trailing palate with ginger, black pepper, and a touch of the 14% alcohol.







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Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Примитиво (Итальянский Зинфандел и Калифорнии Zinfinfanel находятся в меню!




Россия и Соединенные Штаты имеют нечто общее (ну, более одного): Это холодно! Так что я думаю, мне придется по вкусу некоторые горячие и откровенные красные вина, чтобы держать меня (нас) в тепле. Примитиво (Итальянский Зинфандел и Калифорнии Zinfinfanel находятся в меню!

Well, I have every intention of tasting and reviewing these red wines with family and friends over the next two days, and by doing so I hope to keep warmer than those teetotalers wagging their fingers in my face while they come down with hypothermia and frost-bite!
Cheers to my family and friends, and I've just made a  spinach peta to go with it. So Ben from Sweden, get your___over here, and Ethan (Chef), you too! Bring Kelsey! 


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