David Lawrason’s Weekly Wine Pick: a nice, refined Malbec
Mapema 2009 Malbec
$21.95 | Mendoza, Argentina | 90 points Tuesday was World Malbec Day (no, really), and there’s plenty of Argentina’s signature grape on the shelves right now thanks to the Vintages Argentine release from the 14th. While many are still looking for post-Fuzion bargains under $12, some of the best values are actually between $18 and $25, where better vineyards come into play.
The taste: This is a stylish, well-honed example of the grape, with a lifted, nicely integrated nose of blackberry, cedar, leather and dried herbs. It’s medium-full-bodied, but has a sense of balance and freshness. The finish shows some dusty tannin. The length is very good to excellent.
How to drink it: Chill just a little and decant for about 30 minutes. Can be served with a wide array of grilled red meats or poultry. It will also keep nicely over the next five years in proper, cool storage conditions.
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