by Andrew Chalk
Malbec has become the de facto global Malbec producer over the last 20 years, producing luscious, fruit-driven wines in all price categories. Our wine-of-the-week this week is an example of the best aspects of Argentinean wine at a price that won’t break the bank.
The 2012 Saurus Select Malbec comes from Patagonia, in the southern part of Argentina. The southerly latitude contributes cooler temperatures to the grape maturation. Maybe this explains why this is a decidedly medium-bodied wine, in contrast to the full-bodied, ripe examples of Malbec that are common from Mendoza. That said, it is more complex than one would expect in this price range with smoky and herbal notes of thyme in the mouth and a long pleasant finish of dark fruit.
Little wonder that, at a recent tasting of four Argentine Malbecs at Wineposte.com (at which I was an invited guest), this wine was the overall winner based on quality and value. At that tasting the wines were paired with barbecue supplied by Pecan Lodge, and the barbecue-Malbec combination really works. Order from WinePoste.com (shipping is a flat $5 per order – see conditions), either on their web site, by phone, or at their Design District store.
