PnP to glass. COLOR- purple, dark clearing towards the edges; with a nice, thin, low-alcohol consistency. NOSE- laundromat detergent florals (lavender) spinning about with red maraschino cherry juice (vanilla extract), roadkill (tar and blood), and the retched funk of a fresh pigsty on a very rainy day. PALATE- first impression: lite and short of flavor concentration, hollow mid-palate with a watery, weak finish. Could this improve with a little time in the decanter? Suffice it to say, this is a low to medium bodied wine showing ephemeral flavorings of tart cherry, blueberry, and boiled beef. You really have to gulp a large mouthful of this (and it's easy to do as there's absolutely no hint of alcohol, making this go down like a glass of water) to get any measurable impression of flavor. The finish is so short and fleeting (this really does drink like water). I'm surprised to see so many large grape particles floating around in the obviously unfiltered liquid and yet find it so bereft of intensity. Acid balance is correct. Tannins are present but weak and without any supporting structure. I suppose this is fairly refreshing, and it certainly is easy to drink... would probably do well with a citrus salad. I'm admittedly not the largest fan of Malbec (have never had anything impressive), so this just might not be my thing. I will give it that that what flavor it has does fall in a very nice profile -- nothing cloying or off for me in that regard. 2nd glass from the decanter came more impressive with more concentration, though same water, weak finish. As wimpy as this is, I'm sure I'll easily drink it all. Score: 80-87 -- yes, that's really the range I experience over the past hour and two glasses.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This bottle was drinking very well, even better than the last. Aromas and flavors of cherries, currants, iron shavings, earth, and meat. Surprisingly generous, and rustic. Definitely need to grab a few more bottles. At such a nominal cost, Santa's elves are smiling.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
P&P. Color dark ruby with some magenta hues, medium body. Initially from the bottle this had a funky nose of roasted cherries, sweat, earth, tire, and iron. However after a few minutes of swirling it settles into a more typical bouquet of mild cherries intermixed with lots of fresh earth that is mirrored on the palate. Medium acid, low level of soft tannins, short finish with predominant earth. Overall this was delicious, and a notch or two better than last vintage to my memory. The earth on the nose and palate increased with air, so decanting is not recommended. A very good value at 7.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Light purple color with a nose that has some light tobacco leaf, dark cherries and other various red fruit. I find this to be a pretty simple effort with nice dark fruit and silky tannis on the end. While this won't blow anyone away, it's a nice value at $8.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Typical ink color you expect from this varietal. Tons of dark fruit on the nose with a bit of clean dirt. Tart raspberry/cherry with possible violets. Nice mouth feel and med body. Tannins are soft and under control along with med acid. Although straightforward, it was quite enjoyable along with a grilled pork loin and arugula salad with shaved parm, especially at this price point.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
6/26/2010 - greenwalter wrote: 86 Points
Nice color and mouthfeel. But no guts on the midpalate.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/25/2010 - z_willus_d wrote: 85 Points
PnP to glass. COLOR- purple, dark clearing towards the edges; with a nice, thin, low-alcohol consistency. NOSE- laundromat detergent florals (lavender) spinning about with red maraschino cherry juice (vanilla extract), roadkill (tar and blood), and the retched funk of a fresh pigsty on a very rainy day. PALATE- first impression: lite and short of flavor concentration, hollow mid-palate with a watery, weak finish. Could this improve with a little time in the decanter? Suffice it to say, this is a low to medium bodied wine showing ephemeral flavorings of tart cherry, blueberry, and boiled beef. You really have to gulp a large mouthful of this (and it's easy to do as there's absolutely no hint of alcohol, making this go down like a glass of water) to get any measurable impression of flavor. The finish is so short and fleeting (this really does drink like water). I'm surprised to see so many large grape particles floating around in the obviously unfiltered liquid and yet find it so bereft of intensity. Acid balance is correct. Tannins are present but weak and without any supporting structure. I suppose this is fairly refreshing, and it certainly is easy to drink... would probably do well with a citrus salad. I'm admittedly not the largest fan of Malbec (have never had anything impressive), so this just might not be my thing. I will give it that that what flavor it has does fall in a very nice profile -- nothing cloying or off for me in that regard. 2nd glass from the decanter came more impressive with more concentration, though same water, weak finish. As wimpy as this is, I'm sure I'll easily drink it all. Score: 80-87 -- yes, that's really the range I experience over the past hour and two glasses.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/20/2009 - Vinacull wrote: 88 Points
This bottle was drinking very well, even better than the last. Aromas and flavors of cherries, currants, iron shavings, earth, and meat. Surprisingly generous, and rustic. Definitely need to grab a few more bottles. At such a nominal cost, Santa's elves are smiling.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/20/2009 - Vinacull wrote: 87 Points
P&P. Color dark ruby with some magenta hues, medium body. Initially from the bottle this had a funky nose of roasted cherries, sweat, earth, tire, and iron. However after a few minutes of swirling it settles into a more typical bouquet of mild cherries intermixed with lots of fresh earth that is mirrored on the palate. Medium acid, low level of soft tannins, short finish with predominant earth. Overall this was delicious, and a notch or two better than last vintage to my memory. The earth on the nose and palate increased with air, so decanting is not recommended. A very good value at 7.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/21/2009 - tooch wrote: 85 Points
Light purple color with a nose that has some light tobacco leaf, dark cherries and other various red fruit. I find this to be a pretty simple effort with nice dark fruit and silky tannis on the end. While this won't blow anyone away, it's a nice value at $8.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/9/2009 - jhemming wrote: 88 Points
Typical ink color you expect from this varietal. Tons of dark fruit on the nose with a bit of clean dirt. Tart raspberry/cherry with possible violets. Nice mouth feel and med body. Tannins are soft and under control along with med acid. Although straightforward, it was quite enjoyable along with a grilled pork loin and arugula salad with shaved parm, especially at this price point.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment