2006 Punto Final Malbec Reserva

As we wrapped up our bbq at the house last night, we opened a bottle of 2006 Punto Final Malbec Reserva. At this point in the evening, we were drinking it by itself and was quite enjoyable. Then tonight, the rest of the bottle accompanied our pan-roasted breaded chicken and caesar salad, which confirmed that this full-bodied wine definitely pairs well with full-bodied meals. It is a blend of 99% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc, with ten months in French oak barriques and another six in the bottle. Very deep purple color with notes of berry and toast on the nose. More complex flavors than other entry-level Argentinian malbecs make it a great wine in the $15-20 range. Its drinking lovely now, but it might be interesting to see how it develops over the next year or two.

Simply one of the best valued wines

Last year, based upon its great reviews, I tried the 2006 Pascual Toso Malbec from Maipu Valley in Mendoza, Argentina. And it was quite enjoyable indeed! (my previous review)

Well, when I recently came across the latest 2008 vintage, there was no way I could pass it up. It is not a complex masterpiece (like a well-aged bordeaux), but it is one of the most eminently drinkable medium-bodied wines out there. The nose is full of blackberries and cherries, along with some coffee. The fruit continues to burst forth on the palate. Then there's a nice smooth finish with vanilla coming through. In all, a very tasty and well-balanced malbec. I would also be remiss to add that it went very well with my spaghetti dinner (as I imagine it would go well with most pastas and red meats as is typical for Argentinian malbecs).

One further note. While in 2006, the front label actually indicated that it was from 'Maipu Valley,' the 2008 vintage has dropped it and gone for the more well-known larger region of 'Mendoza Valley' (for marketing reasons I was told).

That said, it is near-impossible to find a better wine for everyday drinking under $10!

2006 Pascual Toso Malbec Maipu Valley

Since I've been on my washington wine kick of late, I haven't had any argentine malbecs in a while. So when I came across this malbec, of which I have heard many good things, in a wineshop in boston, I had to try it. It quickly reminded me why this varietal is one of my favorites! With a nose of blackberries and some tobacco, it was deliciously smooth and full-bodied, with nice tannins, and lots of fruit going on. Wine Enthusiast gave it a 91 and made it their #1 wine on the "Top 100 Best Buys of 2007," and I would have to agree. For just under $10, this wine rocked!