A round-up of noteworthy wines recently tasted. All were sent by vendors or their representatives.
2012 Septima Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina ($10)
This is a textbook case of why Argentinean Malbec is so popular. Lots of intense forward dark fruit (blueberries, blackberries). Chewy but not aggressive tannins. Not awfully complex but the right price. If you want to discover Malbec, this is a good choice. If you already know it but want a wine to go with red meat, pizza, barbecue or to just quaff, this is a reliable budget entry.
2012 Klingon Bloodwine, Paso Robles, CA ($20)
Not sure if its the the drought or reminiscences of Star Treks past but this ‘affinity branded’ blend of 37% Malbec, 37% Syrah Syrah and 26% Petit Verdot will allow you to cloak yourself and therefore avoid talking to boorish people at parties. Not sure if a Klingon wine can be ‘hand picked’ or how Klingon winemakers interpret ‘body’ so put this one down as for the hard core trekkies/trekkers. Drink with barbecue and a side dilithium crystals.
2008 Beronia Reserva, Rioja, Spain ($18)
Aged in oak for 18 months plus 24 months in bottle, this impressive and age worthy wine has a ruby red core yielding to a translucent meniscus, the lively nose has raspberry, blackberry and hints of rosemary and ripe sugar (not quite molasses). In the mouth this is a complex wine with lots of fleshy fruit as in the nose and chewy tannins. Medium intensity harmonious finish. Recommended as both a good wine in its own right and as an example
2012 Trapiche Broquel Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Argentina ($18)
This wine is sourced from estate vineyards grown at 2,800 feet above sea-level at the foot of the Andes. It is fermented in small concrete vats and aged for 15 months in a combination of new French and American oak barrels. Classic New World fruit-driven profile. Nose of blackberry, black cherry, plums. On the palate this is a medium-high acid wine with chewy tannins. Effusive fruit fills the mouth and leads to a medium finish. Pair with red meat, Italian red-sauce pasta dishes and barbecue. This is a ‘food wine’ in the best interpretation of the term.
Disclosure and procedures: Some wines sent by vendor(s) at no cost to reviewer. If a local reseller is named after a price quote is the one who, on wine-searcher.com, had the lowest price. Wines sent by vendors may not be reviewed and will not be returned.
