June Decanter has an Argentina supplement!

Great reading and tons of info. Over 40 pages, including a writeup on the Wines of Argentina awards, held last year I believe? Best Malbec was the `05 Domaine Vistalbam Fabre Montmayou. "best.....made in a more restrained style, less ripe, dare one say European style" . Best red blend was the Bodega Norton Privada (`03). Another interesting comment goes on about blending malbec with other varietals, not for this Malbec Hound!!

There is a fair amount of in-depth discussion about the top wine producers, including the Spaniard Jose M Fournier of Acrux fame.

Try to grab a copy.

Bob
I always used to bin the Decanter supplements which were seemingly a succession of glossy adverts, with a sneaky suspicion that the remainder smacked of 'product placement'. The magazine as a whole seemed to spend too much on glossy pictures and little on anything of substance. I gave up on it about 2-3 years ago.

IIRC there have been voices that Decanter has started to lift it's game again, under a new editor. What's your view?

regards

Ian

Hi Bob-- I think the suplement is a good effort on the part of Decanter. Not sure I agree with their assessment of the Fabre Malbec, but then, differences is what makes this entire thing (I mean the differences in our tastes and palates) interesting.

The publishing of this special piece was timed to match the London Wine Expo, where I understand the general interest for Argentine wines was significant.

As for blending Malbecs.... as I said on Talkshoe I think that Argentine blends in general, and in particular those that contain Malbec are perhaps the most overlooked wine category when people think of wines from this region.

As for blending Malbecs.... as I said on Talkshoe I think that Argentine blends in general, and in particular those that contain Malbec are perhaps the most overlooked wine category when people think of wines from this region.

Last year my wife and I had a red blend from Argentina at a nearby restaurant. It was 60% Bonarda and 40% Malbec, and was wonderful. Unfortunately, the next time we ate there, it was no longer on the wine list.

Since I now find myself enjoying blends more than straight varietals (Pinot Noir excluded), I would not be overlooking this wine category.

-- Clark

That blend sounds a lot like Mora Negra, made by Finca Las Moras in San Juan.

Ian.

I have not noticed much improvement in the Decanter setup at all but there is usually one item of interest (usually!). I avoid the Annual Awards Issues, the wines are not at all representative of what is out there.

Alej.

I feel sure that a N American tasting panel would have come to different conclusions!! Thanks for the Mendel update.