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

From the famous Catena Winery. This wine is one of their flagship.

Technical Data: 100% Malbec . 9 months in 50% French and 50% American Oak, 25% new.

Description: Deep purple color with violet hues. The nose shows plum, oak and pepper aromas with herbal notes and a touch of toast. Full bodied wine expressing generous characters, with ripe flavors of plum, black berry and black currant interwoven with a touch of cedar, some chocolate and soft toasty flavors from light oak aging. The finish is long lasting with velvety smooth tannins. A very nice example of what Malbec grape can do in Argentina!

Food Pairing & Service: A charming wine which will pair well with a nice assortment of food and especially with Herbs and Spices BBQ Steak or a nice juicy rack of lamb.

Score: 8/10. Great find, this is usually the wine I bring to parties when meeting with friends, easy to drink, full of character, great conversation starter, try it you’ll love it!

Ageing Potential: Up to 4 years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: $13.99

A delicious medium-bodied Malbec from Argentina.

Technical Data:100% Malbec. 20% of the wine was aged 9 months in French oak barrels.

Description:Bright Dark color. Rich and elegant medium-bodied wine. Fragrant nose focused on ripe red fruits , spice and herbal notes. The palate exudes plum and berries enticed with earthy characters and a nice touch of spice and oak. Long lasting velvety finish with smooth tannins.

Food Pairing & Service:This wine is an ideal accompaniment to pasta and roasted meats.

Score:8/10 Great Value!

Suggested Retail Price:$9.99

A Cabernet Sauvignon showing the typical flavors of its varietal from Argentina.

Technical Data:100% Cabernet Sauvignon . 20% of the wine was aged 9 months in French oak barrels.

Description:Deep dark garnet color. Currant and berry aromas on the nose enticed with smoke. Medium-bodied palate showing a rich texture focused on dark fruits flavors such as currant and plum, and a nice earthiness. On the finish, well integrated smooth tannins and a toastiness.

Food Pairing & Service:Will accompany well a wide range of dishes and most particularly beef and spicy dishes.

Score:7/10

Suggested Retail Price:$9.99