Open Mike: Malbec from Argentina.

Oh, found some `04 Trapiche Malbec today so will post soon. Not too much around anymore.

Gonnna sneak one in here, a Malbec blend from Chile!! Just for comparision sake as I know some forumites have been looking at other malbec blends from Arg. Bending the rules is a specialty at Doris Ranch!

WTN: `04 MontGras Quatro, Central Valley Chile.

35% Cab Sauv, 28% Malbec, 22% Merlot, 15% Carmenere. This winery has much going for it these days and I have posted complimentary notes on the Syrah and SB.

Colour. Dark ruby-red, medium intense centre, thin purple rim verging on watery.

Nose. Brief hints of oak, blackcurrant, spice, earth, strawberry. Next day horse leather! Great stuff here.

Palate. Initial mouthfeel entry is ripe, lush, velvet, modern, low tannin, cassis. Hint of pepper on the finish, one taster found it hot (?).
There is a lot going on here....raspberry, cherry and after 24 hrs some cedar and chocolate. Malbec Hounds will find this one a lot different from what they are used to, it does however sell well on the Grill`s winelist.

Cost is around $20 Cdn, great with steak!

2006 Santa Julia Malbec (Argentina, Mendoza). Picked up at Trader Joe's for $ 6.49.

2/25/2007 rated 84 points: Simple fresh mendoza malbec. Good, but not a lot of interesting components.

Not as good as the 2006 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec (Argentina, Mendoza) purchased at local wine shop for $7.79. rated 87: Good fruit, medium finish, some minerality and complexity. Looking to find and taste this producers reserve malbec.

Bodega Catena Zapata Catena Malbec 2003 14% abv

Immediately upon opening, the scent was lovely. I'm not a Malbec fan, but the scent melted my heart: lavender, red meat, earth and vegetation and a bright red toned fruitiness. Unfortunately just a couple swirls later the nose had become an oaky mess: dill and chocolate/coffeed oak in abundance. Despite brooding over my glass for an hour, I am unable to find any trace of that typically Malebecian aromas I initially found. This has transformed into a superb example of the international style. Considering how beautiful the first minute was, this has to count as the worst vinous disappointment I've had in a long time.

The palate is thick, has mouthfilling fruit, good ripeness, but also a nice acidity. Unfortunately the 14% abv is a bit too noticable. I like the structure of this wine very much. I'm not going to buy one, but I would like to taste this in a couple years to see if the oak has been tamed.

-O-

Guess you did not like it!!

Last week, I managed to track down some Malbecs from Enrique Foster. This winery by all accounts is a Malbec specialist (newly openned winery) so last night I cracked the `03 Reserve. TN will follow but I have to say I was rather surprised by the ripeness of the fruit and a "modern" approach. Yup, trying to avoid that word (whisper) "international".

Perhaps Alej will jump in with some comments?

http://www.justmalbec.com

Bodega Catena Zapata Catena Malbec 2003 14% abv

Immediately upon opening, the scent was lovely. I'm not a Malbec fan, but the scent melted my heart: lavender, red meat, earth and vegetation and a bright red toned fruitiness. Unfortunately just a couple swirls later the nose had become an oaky mess: dill and chocolate/coffeed oak in abundance. Despite brooding over my glass for an hour, I am unable to find any trace of that typically Malebecian aromas I initially found. This has transformed into a superb example of the international style. Considering how beautiful the first minute was, this has to count as the worst vinous disappointment I've had in a long time.

The palate is thick, has mouthfilling fruit, good ripeness, but also a nice acidity. Unfortunately the 14% abv is a bit too noticable. I like the structure of this wine very much. I'm not going to buy one, but I would like to taste this in a couple years to see if the oak has been tamed.

-O-

Otto, wonder what you would thinkof this one!!!

WTN: `03 Malbec Reserve Enrique Foster--Mendoza, Arg.

14.5%, opened 2hrs and decanted. High elevation wine, new winery that only produces Malbec.

Colour. Medium purple, no red, quite an intense centre here.

Nose. Ripe blackberry very obvious. Some spice, herb, black fruits, redcurrant eventually.

Palate. Initial mouthfeel entry is "here`s another modern wine". Thick jammy silky style!! Well integrated tannins, long finish but needs more grip. Just a brief hint of tobacco, maybe will gain more structure tomorrow? Lacks the sour cherry one associates with this varietal.
After 2 hrs on in the glass, some earthyness and more grip. This will benefit from an overnight stay at Doris Ranch!!

Bob, I had a few Enrique Foster Malbecs at a tasting on the weekend. My overall impression was that they weren't bad, but hard to get interested in.

Quite modern, international and nothing to set them apart.

Say it isn`t so Mike!!!!

I was really surprised at the"international"style. Where is Alej?

Rutini Wines presents,

2005 - Trumpeter - Malbec Mendoza - 13.5%alc./vol.


Good evening Forumites,
Welcome to another addition of Malbec Hound Madness.
Today we have a tasting note for you of a lovely bargain Malbec ($8.95). But don't let the price fool you, this is a great find! Especially for one like myself who lives for the great-wine-at-a-bargain-price! I say "bargain" rather than "cheap" because the word "cheap", to me, speaks of poor quality, whereas, "bargain" says, "Great quality at a less-than-expected great (bargain) price".

Upon uncorking, the cork looks a bit odd to me. I looks like some kind of synthetic cork or something similar. Upon further examination, it appears to actually be a real cork but with some kind of coating on the outside. I’ve never seen anything like this before. My theory about how it was made is-- the producers used cheap (poor quality) cork that was porous enough on the outer surface of the cork that they had to “paint” it with some kind of polymer (or something similar) to fill the “moon surface” holes in order to create a suitable seal-worthy cork. (So is this less expensive than buying good corks to begin with?) Maybe some of our Forumite friends have encountered just such a cork and have some factual info about it. Whatever the issue regarding the cork, it certainly didn’t harm (heck, maybe it helped) the luscious contents.

On the pour, deep inky Malbec color, although dark, has great clarity!

Tremendous bouquet! A noseful of “malbec-ness”! A great mid-summer-nights walk-in-the-park bloomfest of florals! I’m not talking dandelions or marigolds. I’m talking petunias, roses, daisies, carnations, with a bit of russian-olive blossom thrown in. Oh, yes, don’t forget the fruit on that nose– dark fruits– plum, black cherry, boysenberry, even maybe a little tiny smidgen of slightly under dried raisin(not a bad nuance, by the way. Not the commonly used “raisiny” that would indicate oxidation).

The palate is a smorgasbord of flavors that include– raspberry pie, currant jelly, blackberry, blueberry, and a little bit of fig. Tannins are reminiscent of munching on some roasted mixed nuts (pecan, almond, walnut) but not over powering. Very pleasurably balanced. I also detect a bit of what I think Bob P. would refer to as “cedar box”. There are earth notes here as well, (although they don’t speak to me as forwardly as the previously mentioned snippits of tantalizing sensory flash-cards)– mushroom, truffle, with a little rawhide and mineral water. I really embrace the level of acid here! It must be the rustic Italian roots of Don Felipe Rutini coming out in the wine making! It’s great, (although I’ve never really been a chianti fan) it’s like the emulsification of a tedious task brought together to mingle with the satisfaction of a job well done. Finishes very well with no oddities or weirdness, very nice.

Is this what one would describe as– “international” style? I dunno. I like it. And, ultimately, that’s really all that matters to me.
I think it’s a great style whatever it’s CALLED!
What do I call it, you may ask?
I call it– Malbec Mendoza style!

Enjoy!

Aaron, does not sound too "international", what with rawhide, nuts, truffle etc. Cork sounds bizarre eh. Nice note from a true Malbec Hound!!!

Oh, found some `04 Trapiche Malbec today so will post soon. Not too much around anymore.

Well, last night (Mon March 12), I opened my Trapiche expecting the ultimate Malbec experience. Read on forumites!!!

WTN: `04 Trapiche Malbec Oak Cask (Arg Mendoza).

13.5% alc, opend one hour, decanted. Nice looking enscripted cork. Fancy!!

Colour. Dark garnet with thick purple rim.

Nose. Oak, spice, smoke, cherry, blackberry, earthy. Not much evolution in the glass over time.

Palate. Initial thought was oak, short finish, chewing on a bamboo skewer. Not much for tannins, slight acidic finish. Fair wine not great!! Not the best fruit balance out here, mainly plum and blackberry. Will be interesting to see what happens overnight.

Cost was $16 Cdn.
Food, NY steak, pan fries.

Bob, I had a few Enrique Foster Malbecs at a tasting on the weekend. My overall impression was that they weren't bad, but hard to get interested in.

Quite modern, international and nothing to set them apart.

Hi Mike B, thanks for this view. I have to say I think I have found something nice here in town, the `04 Kaiken which I have just opened. Good price too. Where is that malbec hound Aaron when you need him??

btw, my food-wine matchup for the Kaiken was chicken souvlaki with penne pasta with roasted red peppers. Brilliant matchup!

Bob, I had a few Enrique Foster Malbecs at a tasting on the weekend. My overall impression was that they weren't bad, but hard to get interested in.

Quite modern, international and nothing to set them apart.

Hi Mike B, thanks for this view. I have to say I think I have found something nice here in town, the `04 Kaiken which I have just opened. Good price too. Where is that malbec hound Aaron when you need him??

btw, my food-wine matchup for the Kaiken was chicken souvlaki with penne pasta with roasted red peppers. Brilliant matchup!

I'm right here, Bob. What can I help you with, feller?
Kaiken? Is it from Arg.? The food sounds like excellent Malbec-fodder!

I am out here in Oregon and the Malbecs that have been mentioned I would certainly agree, especially the Terra Rosa and Catena. Last week I got to go to a supplier dinner that featured some wines from Argentina.
They showed wines from Benegas, Gouguenheim, and NQN. These were all very impressive wines. The real standout for me was Benegas Lynch Meritage 2002. It had this great density and layers of flavors. I would put it up against any blend from California Like Phelps Insignia and St. Jean Cinq Cepages. The down side is that the price is still about $45. For more info go to Pinnacleargentina.com. I only see them listed for the US.

WTN: `04 Kaiken Malbec (Mendoza).

From the Montes stable of wineries, grapes are sourced from both sides of the Andes. 14% alc, natural cork, opened 2 hrs and not decanted, have just noticed that the `05 is appearing on the shelf here but I am gonna get more of this!!! Apparently there is a good reserve out there too.

Colour. Dark ruby/purple, not much red here. Medium intense centre.

Nose. Plum, blackberry, some earthyness, smoke and horse leather. Some oak after 2 hrs and best Malbec nose in a long time.

Palate. Initially found blackberry, plum, currants and soft tannins. Softened up after 2 hrs, but hint of bitterness on the finish. Did improve however with some sweetness as it developed in the glass.
This is a pretty solid malbec, good fruit balance and a well-made wine. One of the best I have tasted since this OM started. Would be a crowd pleaser at a tasting.

Cost was around $20 Cdn.
Food match was brilliant. Chicken Souvlaki with penne and roasted peppers.

The May print number of Decanter, which has just landed in my letter box, contains an extensive survey of Argentinian Malbec with tasting notes derived from a 9 person pannel on approx. 60 wines.

KAIKEN, ULTRA, Mendoza 2005 (£9.99) and MONTEVIEJO, LINDAFLOR, Mendoza (£19.50) are singled out for Decanter Awards.

There are an interesting general article as well as an article on the tasting headlined -

"Most Malbec is not designed for keeping, but its fruitiness and balanced richness make it perfect to drink now. It is also great value".

Other quotes are -

"The overall quality was pretty good although few wines stood out as exciting."

"The wines aren't necessarily the most profound, but if you want something to go with your beef stroganoff tonight, yiu won't go far wrong with these."

"What stylistic traits were the wines most missing? Freshness......"

"And the worst wines? Slattered in oak......"

A cursory search on the Decanter site seems to show that this survey has not yet been posted there.

I have been wondering whether I should continue my subscription to Decanter but this article makes me reflect that I know of no other publication where I would find such comprehensive surveys of wine regions from all over the world.

I am out here in Oregon and the Malbecs that have been mentioned I would certainly agree, especially the Terra Rosa and Catena. Last week I got to go to a supplier dinner that featured some wines from Argentina.
They showed wines from Benegas, Gouguenheim, and NQN. These were all very impressive wines. The real standout for me was Benegas Lynch Meritage 2002. It had this great density and layers of flavors. I would put it up against any blend from California Like Phelps Insignia and St. Jean Cinq Cepages. The down side is that the price is still about $45. For more info go to Pinnacleargentina.com. I only see them listed for the US.

Michael, I agree with you on the Benegas Meritage... it is one of the best Bordeaux blends made in Argentina. If you like the Benegas style, I suggest you check out their Malbec and Syrah, and if you are in the mood for experimening, they also make a Sangiovese thats very interesting.

For the Foster fans out there.... the family has released a few bottles of its family reserve wine, its called Enrique Foster Firmado. Its a very old vine malbec, very very low yields... and a very high price. Not sure if its exported, but it will be available in the local market for about US$110 per bottle.

2006 - Crios de Susana Balbo - Rose of Malbec - Medoza - 13.5%alc.vol.

Sorry guys, this one let me down a bunch!
Thought I'd try a "pink" malbec and just got totally disappointed!
The nose was way disappointing--- none of that great malbec perfume that we all love with malbec.
The color and cork were fine, but I thought I'd be discovering something special- not with this'n. Any white-zin would be a Rottweiler compared to this whelp of a Chihuahua! I think I'll stick with the malbec of the full bodied ilk (perhaps Susana Balbo should too). Maybe then I can post something more------ what's the word?
MALBEC!!!

Aaron-- Im a fan of Susana's work but I agree with you that the Crios Rose is one of her least impressive efforts. Its strange since her Crios line is usually very good QPR and wines that almost always do not dissapoint. My only question is... did you have a second bottle handy to confirm your experience with this one? You may have had a bad bottle... (?).

Regardless of the cork issue, as I state above the Rose is the last one on my list of Susana wines.

Aaron-- Im a fan of Susana's work but I agree with you that the Crios Rose is one of her least impressive efforts. Its strange since her Crios line is usually very good QPR and wines that almost always do not dissapoint. My only question is... did you have a second bottle handy to confirm your experience with this one? You may have had a bad bottle... (?).

Regardless of the cork issue, as I state above the Rose is the last one on my list of Susana wines.

No, Al, I did not have a second bottle. I think you're right though, I probably ought to give it a second chance.
Besides, it wasn't expensive and if it proves to be just a one-bottle-bad experience then I'm all for a resurrection of my lowly spirits and a new found confidence in a once shattered Rose de Malbec world!

THX!

Thanks for keeping this Open Mike going, Aaron. Know what, betcha this thread is still active when winter comes around!!! I have a couple lined up already.

[James Roscoe]

Thanks for keeping this Open Mike going, Aaron. Know what, betcha this thread is still active when winter comes around!!! I have a couple lined up already.

You need to be the Malbec Hound for your tag line Bob. It would be way cooler than Wine Guru.