Originally published on April 14, 2008.
If you’re paying attention, you realize these aren’t really “weekly” 3-Packs. More like bi-weekly, or bi-and-a-half-weekly, but whatever….
So here it is, lifted straight out of the weekly newsletter….
A Tale of Three Malbecs
The Malbec grape and Argentina are proving to be one of the wine world’s greatest matches. But many people don’t realize the grape first found its home in the Cahor region of France. This 3-Pack features the grape in three very different incarnations – 1) highly gulpable 2) polished and refined 3) old school French
Punta Pays Malbec 2005 (Mendoza, Argentina): A highly gulpable verision of Malbec – black fruits, plums, a hint of smokiness, but nothing too serious to get in the way of easy-drinking goodness.
Terrazas Reserva Malbec 2005 (Mendoza, Argentina): This version also has classic black fruits, plums, smokiness, and some notes of violet. It’s more intense and has some additional toasty notes from time aging in oak. Polished, refined, and great with grilled beef or lamb (it is from Argentina!)
Chateau la Caminade “La Commandery” 2005 (Cahors, France): Malbec from its original home in Southwest France, where its known as Cot Noir or Auxerrios (don’t even try to pronounce it.) Inky black, with brambly dark fruits, a pleasantly salty character and a long, chewy finish. Excellent with meats, game, mushrooms, and cheeses.