Vinalba, Reserva Malbec 2012, Mendoza, Argentina

Tasting Note: A thick malbec – something you can chew on.

Substantial even if not overly complex – like a hunky, college soccer player with an intriguing interest in the humanities. Plummy, strawberry, inky with thick strong legs that run down the sides of your glass eventually resulting in a low to medium acid finish on your palate.

This is one of the most perfect and agreeable malbecs you’ll find at this price point (and you’ll find much more expensive malbec that doesn’t stand up to this). A subtle acid deposits itself at the back of your mouth.

Bottle Note: This rich and inviting red comes from one of Argentina’s top wineries, where winemaker Herve J. Fabre crafts his range of award-winning wines. The reserve malbec, Vinalba’s flagship wine, is rich and inviting on the nose, with ripe black fruit notes and hints of smoke. On the palate it is wonderfully complex, its rich blackcurrant and plum flavours combining with toasty vanilla oak to create an elegant but full-bodied delight. Great with any red meat but sublime with a big juicy steak. “This elegant and harmonious wine is an expression of our passion and outstanding terrior.” – Herve J. Fabre, Winemaker