Virginie's Wineblog

A bold and spicy big Malbec from the sub-districts of Lujan de Cuyo and Lulunta in the Mendoza region in Argentina.

Technical Data: 100% Malbec. This wine underwent both cold maceration and full malolactic fermentation. Aged 12 months in 1st and 2nd use French oak barrel followed by 10 months in bottle prior release.

Description: Intense dark garnet color with purple hues, almost inky. The nose is loaded with ripe dark fruits and some spices. Dry, full-bodied wine with a lot of texture. This wine is jammy and juicy as much as can be and expresses flavors of black currant plum and cassis entwined with tobacco, earthiness and violet. The wine is long lasting with silky smooth tannins and a dusty dark chocolate finish.

Food Pairing & Service: As a good entertainer this Malbec love the company of food…Let me tell you what was my personal choice… I picked to complement this bottle, after a hard day of work (tasting), a Steak Diane to go, from the Cheesecake Factory, from memory, the dish is made of medallions Angus beef steak covered with black peppercorns and a quite rich wine sauce and usually goes by with mashed potatoes. I had the feeling that it would go marvelously and indeed it did, Yumm. You can also most definitely pair it with cheese, as a matter of fact, Treva and Angela paired it with a Mahón cheese (cow’s milk) aged over 60 days called Queama Menorca. This cheese is coming from the outermost of the three Balearic Islands, Minorca.

Score: 9/10.

Ageing Potential: cellar up to 8 years

Price as seen on DC shelf: $19.99

An affordable fruit forward Malbec from the sub-district of Lujan de Cuyo in the Mendoza region in Argentina.

Technical Data: 100% Malbec. Stainless steel only. Underwent full malolactic fermentation.

Description: Bright garnet color. Fruit forward nose with a load of plum and liquorice. Dry, medium bodied clean wine showing off flavors of plum and black currant entwined with liquorice, a pinch of black pepper and very soft tannins. Smooth long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service: Can be sip by itself of course but Malbec usually love the company of food and this one is no exception. Treva and Angela paired it with a Mahón cheese (cow’s milk) aged over 60 days called Queama Menorca. This cheese is coming from the outermost of the three Balearic Islands, Minorca. This wine could also definitely well pair any beef and pork fare.

Score: 8/10.

Ageing Potential: This wine is intended to be drunk in its youth, drink now and for 2 more years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $16.99

An affordable and very soft style Cabernet Sauvignon from the sub-district of Lujan de Cuyo in the Mendoza region in Argentina.

Technical Data: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Stainless steel only. Underwent full malolactic fermentation.

Description: Bright ruby red color. Fruit forward nose with lots of plum first, then some cherries and raspberries as well. Refreshing and medium bodied wine expressing flavors of plum and ripe blackberries with velvety smooth tannins. This wine is almost silky on the tongue.

Food Pairing & Service: Can be sip by itself or paired with food, specially with medium intensity red meat and hearty pasta dishes. Angela and Treva paired it with the Point Reyes Original Blue from California ( www.pointreyescheese.com ) it was a delish!

Score: 7/10.

Ageing Potential: Drink now and for 2 more years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $13.99