Insider Old Vine Malbec Tip From An Old Friend
It's good to have friends, especially wine friends. Argentine wines are immensely popular in the US. How popular? As recent fine wine imports to America slide, Argentina's offerings to the US soared into the 40% range, largely fueled by Malbec, the hottest grape on the planet. Why? The wine is a big, rich red, opulent and full-bodied and when you find the right maker, is definitely one of the best reds under twenty dollars.However, where once were a handful of high-quality values, now every importer has a Malbec to offer and quality has trended down. But friend Pieter Weinert whose Dad pioneered great Malbec in Argentina in the late '70's with Bodega y Cavas de Weinert knows seriously made wine. I recently uncorked a 1985 and 1989 made by his Dad and they are gorgeous; holding their fruit with superb suppleness reminiscent of Malbec's heritage as a Bordeaux grape. When Peter told me his wife Graciela Reta, famous in her own right for Tittarelli Tempranillo, was now making wine from a tiny 35 year old Malbec vineyard in Lujan de Cuyo, the heartland of outstanding Mendoza Malbec, I couldn't wait to taste it. 2007 Don Cano Malbec Reserva is a deep purple masterpiece. Traditional winemaking blended seamlessly with modernity. Intense and complex red berry aromas predominate led by plum, cherry and raisin notes. It is ultra-delicious as befits 2007, one of Argentina's strongest vintages ever, with an elegant, round, ripe plum and candied blackberry flavoured palate accented by mesquite, spice and mineral held in the palm of a licorice-tinged glove. We were blown away by the samples and now that the first shipment is here we can't wait for you to be as well. We've brought the trade winds to gale force by taking regular retail of $24.99 down by 26% to our price of $18.99. NOW SAVE ANOTHER 10% PRICE DOWN TO $16.99 After all, what are friends for?

Tasting Notes: Deep purple, captivating with bluish highlights. Intense and complex red berry aromas with a predominance of plums, cherries and raisins. Elegant and round wine with ripe tannins. Ripe plum and candied blackberry notes are accented by mesquite, spice and mineral with a grippy licorice tinged finish. The wine is delicious, ready to drink and over the next five years.