June 8, 2020 - Really enjoyed this despite being 6 years past it's recommended drinking window - I kept one bottle from a case of 12 purchased more than a decade ago to see what would happen...! I gave it plenty of time after decanting, The fruit has (obviously) weakened a lot, but the ferocious tannins have also mellowed, perhaps even still with some life. Definitely still a food wine, but perhaps now more barbequed steak than something spicy.
July 13, 2014 - Very attractive ripe black fruit with firm but mature tannin. A textbook example of Argentinian Malbec.
March 4, 2011 - The Wine Society Exhibition Range in Retrospect; 1/1/2002-5/4/2012: Last bottle: not as good as the previous one. Stale and old-tasting (yet only 5 months since last time); the furry tannins now unmatched by any generosity of fruit on the palate. Another acceptable but disappointing Wine Society Exhibition product - this used to be a reliable brand, but I have had too many feeble and overpriced bottles from the range in the last 9 months to make me want to try buying more in the future. Drink up. 85P(-)
December 25, 2010 - Fairly decent.
November 25, 2010 - The Wine Society Exhibition Range in Retrospect; 1/1/2002-5/4/2012: Dramatic, concentrated, ink-like purple colour. Intense ripe blackcurrant scent, mutates to blackberry on palate. Sturdy but supple teeth-staining tannins. Finish a bit short and dry. 8 months maturation since the last, rather closed, bottle has helped this turn into a lovely wine (even better on day 2). Stylistically reminiscent of Petalos de Bierzo, but more juicy. 94% malbec, 5% cabernet franc, 1% bonarda. 89P.
July 3, 2010 - Crown $19.99 - tasted like a sangria
April 24, 2010 - The Wine Society Exhibition Range in Retrospect; 1/1/2002-5/4/2012: Purple colour, like slightly diluted beetroot juice. Not very expressive or deep; all the following attributes are immediate, shallow and matter of fact: blackberry scent and fruit, persistent hefty dry tannins are not really integrated (even drunk with lamb stew!) Short hot alcoholic finish. 86P