Luigi Bosca, 2007, Malbec

White or Red: Red

Grape(s): Malbec

Origin: Mendoza, Argentina

Vintage: 2007

Price: around $15

We're back.  I blame it on the hurricane, those hazy summer days and a lumpy economy.  

Overall:

We did the Luigi Bosca Cab Sav awhile back and friends mentioned that the Malbec version was one I needed to taste.  So I did and here's what I think.

Freakin' awesome.  You ever take a swim in a fresh-water river or lake and get a little water in your mouth?  You know how soft and silky that water is?  Well, that is the first thing you need to know about this wine.  Never have I been so attuned to a wine's texture- it's remarkable how soft and subtle it is.  

Further, some of the other Malbecs we've done  have been on the heavier side.  This one runs with more of a Pinot Noir consistency- light but grounded. 

The nose has hints of vanilla, strawberry jam, cola and big cherry fruit but it's in the context of a mature, well-balanced winner.

I would put this with a manchego cheese, tapas or even to the other extreme, heavy red meat.  More importantly I'd drink it without any food at all.

The bounty comes after being uncorked for an hour or more.  You gotta be patient when you get to better bottles - this wine opened up better than Gun's & Roses when they upstaged headliners, the Cult, night after night in '87.  Plan ahead, get a $5 wine aerator and drink another bottle while this one breathes.  Do that and this feels like a $50 bottle.