Bodegas y Vinedos Huarpe Lancatay Malbec 2004

Now that we’ve learned a bit about Malbec, we’ll do a few days of reviews.

First up is a Malbec made in a soft, easy drinking style, from Bodegas Huarpe, a winery sourcing grapes from high altitude vineyards in Mendoza. Their “Lancatay” is a fairly enjoyable wine, with open, forward, almost jammy aromas and flavors. The nose has black pepper, grape jam, and ripe fruit. On the palate you get more grape jam, blackcurrant, ripe blueberry, black raspberry and hints of black pepper and vanilla spice. Acidity is low, tannins are medium. By itself, it is fine as a quaffer, and will match well with the simplest of cheeses and run-of-the-mill appetizers. Otherwise, not appropriate for typical “red wine” foods, as it is too flabby and the jammy-ness wavers toward a sweetness that clashes with most dishes. For its $7 price tag, a good value for cocktail drinking and barbecues. (Note: I tasted the 2004, and wondering if it may be a bit tired; a fresher vintage may have a firmer structure.)

a-8 t-7 b-6 fc-6 v-8 ~ 85 Points

Importer: Michael Skurnik

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