May 18, 2017

Tall Dark Stranger Malbec

I bought this for the bottle.  It’s dark, squared off like a liquor bottle, and beautiful.

The Malbec is from Argentina, and according to the label, it’s “limited edition.”  For $13 at Target (yes, Target), I figured I could give it a whirl and see how we do.

The wine itself is okay. 

It’s very light, with some blueberries and fruits.  I’d call it a “starter wine” for the fledgling wine drinker who’s just started moving into reds.  There isn’t much complexity.  Smooth to drink and not very spicy.

So I let this one sit a couple of days and then tried again.

Voila!  If you let it sit a day or two, or run it through an aerator when you serve, the oxygen does nice things.  The flavor gains some depth and smokiness. 

Okay, I change my mind.  This one is probably worth buying again – as long as I let it sit in a decanter for an hour or so before serving.  Because now I totally want to take this stranger up on his offer to hit the dance floor – and maybe some desert later tonight.

This bottle is a great example of what a difference a decanter (or aerator) can make.  Straight out of the bottle – meh.  A little time an oxygen – and wow!

Don’t get me wrong.  This is still a very light wine.  If you like big, complex cabs, then this isn’t for you.