This is a buyer’s wine from a portfolio of wines bought from different wineries and bottled under a proprietary label. The owner lost her sight but not her olfactory sense. This is unoaked, with blackberry on the nose but with slight vegetal asparagus aromas. As is sometimes encountered with some Malbecs, the fruit seems unyielding, like it is trying to open up but will only go so far and no farther. Bitter astringent finish. To be fair, a little better the second day, but not so far as I can commend it. This wine has its fans, but I’m not one of them, I’m afraid. Not recommended. GT
WHO: Alex Elman
WHAT: Malbec
WHERE: Mendoza, Argentina
WHEN: 2009
HOW MUCH: $13 (Media sample)