Costieres de Nimes, France
Bierzo, Spain
$24 A +5 ****
You might want to put your helmet and seatbelt on for this structured gem. 40-90 year old Mencia (Spanish varietal with characteristics somewhat similar to Cabernet Franc) walks in with 2 hip holsters, 2 bulging ankle backups, and a 12-gauge looking for a primal scream and good time. Blueberry, black cherry, dark raspberry, and white pepper make you reconsider the Leadbelly cover band through the smoke rings. A little tannic and dark-fruity, but the intense depth, spicy structure, and balance pull off seduction . Not a one night stand.
Importer : Rare Wine Co.
Texas Distributor : Pioneer Wine Company
Mendoza, Argentina
$14 A- +3 **
A distinguished choice. This is not your typical dopey-fat, candied-sweet, bulk-bore. Ruby color. Raspberry, blackberry, black cherry, plum sauce, earth, tar, anise, and graphite. M to M+ body. M+ tannins. Solid structure. The grapes are destemmed, softly pressed, and vinified in stainless vats. During the 15 day fermentation-maceration, the must is pumped and punched down for optimal extraction. 50% of the wine stays in first use American oak and 10% in second use French. Sold after three months of bottle age. 14.4% alc..
Malbec is the category that seems to keep giving. Although, it's difficult to find one that isn't drinkable, it does appear to be more and more difficult to find one that tastes like Malbec (for better or worse). This great value is worth the find! Altos Las Hormigas was founded in 1995 by a group of Italian wine professionals and you can taste the Italian inspiration. Sidenote: Buy the Altos Las Hormigas Bonarda, if you can find it!
Importer: Vin Divino
Texas Distributor: Glazer's
