malbec

I don't own very much new world wine, but I've been really impressed with a few 2006 malbecs. The Altos de Medrano, which I believe is currently $7.99 at Binny's, is one of the best QPR (quality to points ratio) around. It's probably the best $8 bottle of wine you can find. I also just tasted a 2006 Tikal Amorio ($27) and bought several cases because it was so good (also available at Binny's or Sam's). The tannins are not pronounced and there is enough acidity to make these very versatile. If you haven't tried a malbec, now would be a good time.

The catena malbec (especially the 05) is insanely good for 20 bucks a bottle.

I just received the April newsletter from Wine Discount Center. One of the "featured" wines this month is a 2006 Clos de Los Siete from Michel Rolland. It's a blend of 50% malbec withe the balance consisting of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. I had a bottle the other night and it was really good. It lacked a bit of complexity (maybe some age would help), but it was a tremendous bargain at $15.79. For what it's worth, it garnered a 92 point score from Robert Parker.

As long as I'm posting a thread to myself, I thought I might mention the 2006 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec. It's currently $8 a bottle at Binny's (and shouldn't be that much more elsewhere). It's something well worth trying (and you don't have much to lose even if you don't like it). This is a good bottle year in and year out, but they really succeeded in 2006. I'm kind of an old world wine guy( I have 99% old world wines in my cellar), but I'm thinking maybe it's time to reduce the percentage to 98 (or maybe even 97%).

I was at Binny's several weeks ago, and picked up, among other things, a couple Malbecs.

The Maipe was on sale for $6 or $7, which was a pretty good deal...not sure what it usually is. I drank this quite a while ago and don't have any specific memory, other than that I'd surely get it again at that price.

But the raison d'post is the Cueva de las Manos we had the other night. The guy at Binny's was all excited about this one, and I can see why. I think it's about 10 bucks--really huge velvety, fruity, jammy, smooth wine. No old world subtlety here, but really an enjoyable wine, and a great deal.