Graffigna Centenario Elevation Red Blend Reserve

Graffigna Centenario Elevation

Red Blend Reserve

Vintage: 2012

San Juan, Argentina

It's no secret I'm a huge fan of wines from Argentina.  Probably a good third of the wines I've reviewed here on Bob's Brew and Liquor Reviews have been from Argentina.  Something about that place is magical... at least for wine making!

So for now, we're looking at reviewing a new wine from Graffigna, their 2012 Centenario Elevation Red Blend Reserve.

Layer Cake Malbec 2011

Layer Cake Malbec.

2011.

Pure Love Wines

Mendoza, Argentina

And here we have it, the 2011 Layer Cake Malbec.

If you read through some of my amazing wine reviews, particularly the Malbec reviews, it won't take long before you see me mention the Layer Cake Malbec.  

Redwood Creek Malbec

Redwood Creek Malbec

2009

Frei Brothers Vineyard

Mendoza, Argentina

So, here we have another Malbec up for review.  And again, it's a Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina.  

Imagine that.

This is the 2009 Vintage Redwood Creek Malbec from the Frei Brothers Vineyard.

Little Chica Malbec

Little Chica Malbec

2010

Mendoza, Argentina

I'm still on a Malbec kick.  I don't know why.  But hey, there's worse things I could be doing.

This is my review of the 2010 Little Chica Malbec.

Trapiche Broquel Malbec

Trapiche Broquel Malbec

2008

Mendoza, Argentina

I'm kind of on a Malbec runner here lately.  I think this is the fifth Malbec I've reviewed in a little over a week.

Cupcake Malbec

Cupcake Vineyards Malbec

2010

Mendoza, Argentina

So, here's another Cupcake wine.  I've already reviewed their Red Velvet and Cabernet Sauvignon wines.  I actually found their Red Velvet to be better than their Cab, which surprised me. It was only a matter of time before I reviewed their Malbec...

Septima Malbec

Septima Malbec

Bodega

2009

Mendoza, Argentina

I know, I know, here's another Malbec.  I've been reviewing quite a few Malbecs.  And I'm good with that.

This is the 2009 Bodega Septima Malbec.  Like most Malbecs, it's also out of the Mendoza Region of Argentina.  

Durigutti Malbec

Durigutti Malbec

2009

Mendoza, Argentina

Well, here's another Malbec.

This is the 2009 Durigutti Malbec from the Mendoza Region of Argentina, like so many other Malbecs.  

Tinto Negro Malbec

Tinto Negro Malbec

2011

Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina

Ohhhhhhh yes, another Malbec from Argentina.  

This bottle is the 2011 Tinto Negro Malbec produced by Bodega Cruz de Piedra out of Mendoza, Argentina (like a TON of other Malbecs).  

Colores Del Sol Malbec

 

Colores Del Sol

Malbec

Vintage: 2010

Origin: Mendoza, Argentina

I drink a lot of Malbec.  No question there. 

And well, here's another one.  

This is the 2010 Colores Del Sol Malbec from the Mendoza Region of Argentina, just like many Malbecs.  I'm starting to wonder how big the Mendoza Region of Argentina really is, because there are a TON of wines all produced in that same region.  Perhaps it's like California where many vineyards are packed into the same area.  I'm not sure.  Maybe I'll look it up sometime, but today I'm too lazy.  

It happens.

Let's get to the wine.

The 2010 Colores Del Sol Malbec pours an inky deep purple and has aromas of dark blackberries and black cherries.  Tasting brings a good bit of raspberry, dried cherries, a hint of something floral and a touch of leather and oak.  Tannins are mild, but the mouthfeel here is quite velvety, which I love.  

This is an interesting Malbec.  It retains the characteristic rustic nature of Malbec while at the same time being a bit more elegant and refined.  It's almost a hybrid between the Argentinian and French wine styles.  And at around $12, it's a good verging on great deal.

Drink This: if you want an affordable Malbec that is more refined than the usual at this price range.

Don't Drink This: if you are looking for a burly, rugged Malbec.

Cheers!     

The Show Malbec

The Show

Malbec

Three Thieves/Rebel Wine

Origin: Mendoza, Argentina

Vintage: 2010

I've mentioned The Show Malbec wine before, but haven't officially reviewed it

... until now.

(Queue dramatic music)

Okay, so let's not be that dramatic.  It's just a simple wine review, afterall...

Anyway, if you've read through some of my Malbec reviews (check them out here) you may have noticed I tend to compare Malbecs to a few of my favorites, Layer Cake's being one and The Show being another.  They're not the most expensive Malbecs, but they both are certainly good bang-for-your-buck wines.  

The Show Malbec is produced by Three Thieves which I take it is owned by Rebel Wines which is out of California.  Despite this, The Show Malbec is made in Mendoza, Argentina home of many great Malbecs.  85% of this wine is from Lujan de Cuyo and the other 15% is from Uco Valley.  If that sounds familiar, it is.  I recently reviewed Diseño Old Vine Malbec which is made in the exact same two regions of Argentina.  I'm wondering if there may be some overlap in the vineyards where these two wines are sourced (they're both good wines and similar, so I could believe it).  Regardless, the wine is then aged for 9 months in 25% new French oak.  

The Show Malbec pours a deep purple and has aromas of blackberries, vanilla, anise, and a bit of florals.  Tastings brings out more blackberries, blueberries, raisins, bits of clove, coffee, and cocoa, followed by an earthy and rustic finish.

I consider this to be, like I said earlier, a great Malbec wine for the money.  It has good, strong dark fruit flavors and depth followed by the classic Argentinian Malbec finish of earthy rustic soul-pleasing goodness.  I know a few people who don't like the earth notes in good Malbecs, but I, for one, love them.

Drink This: if you want a big, yummy, earthy Argentinian Malbec.  It only costs around $12 a bottle, but tastes like other Malbecs that are $20+.

Don't Drink This: if you don't like a dark red wine with a rustic, dusty, farmyard feel.  

This wine isn't for everyone, but that just leaves more for me... 

Cheers!  

 

    

Diseño Old Vine Malbec

Diseño

Old Vine Malbec

Origin: Mendoza, Argentina

Vintage: 2010

Malbec. Malbec. Malbec.

Big, earthy, rustic Malbec.

 

Malbec is one of those polarizing wines.  People either love 'em or hate 'em.  And yet, for the money, they can't be beat.  There are MANY great Malbecs under $20 a bottle.

 

This is the 2010 Diseño Old Vine Malbec and like a good deal of Malbecs, it's from the Mendoza region of Argentina, of course.  Specifically, this is made from grapes grown in Lujan de Cuyo and the Uco Valleys, if you were wondering.  The grapes are grown from "old vines," which lead to a better tasting, more flavorful and complex end product.

 

Okay, enough backstory, on to the wine!

 

Diseño Old Vine Malbec pours a deep, dark violet verging on black.  It has aromas of raspberries, vanilla, and leather.  Tasting gives you dry blackberries, stone, black licorice, and a long earthy, bitter finish with moderate tannins.

 

This is a full-bodied, earthy and dry Malbec.  While it certainly isn't for everyone, I loved it.  There are a lot of different and interesting things going on here.  I believe this costs between $10-14 most places.

 

Drink This: if you like 'em big and dirty... okay, that sounds naughty...

Don't Drink This: if you want a sweet or restrained wine. 

 

Cheers, friends!        

 

Espuela del Gaucho Malbec Reserve

Espuela del Gaucho

Malbec Reserve

Vintage: 2010

Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Alcohol: 13.5%

Yesterday, I reviewed the regular bottling of the 2010 Espuela del Gaucho Malbec.  But this bad boy, this is the Reserve (Limited Edition) bottle of the same year.  

Now the term "Reserve" on a wine can mean many things, and is really only regulated in a few European countries that have strict aging protocols to apply the term.  But in general, "Reserve" wines are merely wines the winemaker thinks are of better quality, whether it's from better quality grapes, grapes from a certain plot of land (terroir), or a wine that has simply been aged longer prior to bottling.  I'm not sure which is the case with the Espueal del Gaucho Malbec Reserve, but I agree, it certainly is better than the standard bottle.

The 2010 Espuela del Gaucho Malbec Reserve pours a dark, deep plum color and much like the standard bottle, smells of black raspberries, vague spiciness, and a bit of oak.  On tasting is where it distinguishes itself from the standard bottle with dry plums, black raspberry, a distinct woodiness, nutmeg, cloves, and an earthiness that tastes a bit like cocoa powder and leather, followed by a sharper, acidic finish.  The tannins are moderate, and more present than in the standard bottle.  This wine is big, bold, earthy, dry and rustic.  

Like many earthy wines, it could be quite the turnoff to some wine drinkers.  But for lovers of Malbec, this is a very good wine, verging on great...

Drink This: if you like 'em big, earthy and rustic. 

Don't Drink This: if your wine of choice is Pink Zinfandel.  This is about as far from that as you can get. 

Cheers!    

Espuela del Gaucho Malbec

Espuela del Gaucho

Malbec

Vintage: 2010

Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Alcohol: 12.5%

Ahhh yes, another Malbec to review.  This time, it's the 2010 Vintage Espuela del Gaucho Malbec, which is of course, out of the Mendoza Province of Argentina.  The Malbecs coming out of Argentina have continued surging in popularity, despite the recent trend of people shifting toward drinking sweet red and pink wines.  I think the allure of the Argentinian Malbecs are the value.  The middle shelf Malbecs are running only $8-15 a bottle, which makes many of them a great bargain.  But, I digress. 

So, what's a gaucho?  Well, it's essentially a term used for the South American equivalent of a cowboy, or cattleman, something which is a big part of the Argentinian culture.  I assume the winemakers were trying to capture some of that lifestyle and vibe into this wine.  When I got this bottle, I expected a rustic, dark berried wine... and that's exactly what I got.

The 2010 Espuela del Gaucho Malbec pours a deep plum purple.  It has aromas of black raspberries with some nondescript spice and a bit of oak.  It initially tastes of juicy plums and raspberries, with some Christmas-type spice, followed by a fairly strong bit of toasted oak and earthiness (think cumin).  This is juicy, yet spicy, yet pretty damn earthy.  All in all, it's what I enjoy in a Malbec, a fruit-forward, earthy, rustic red wine.  Granted, I could see this being a very polarizing wine for many people.  This isn't a silky smooth, refined French wine.  This is rustic and raw Argentinian Malbec.

Drink This: if you want a rustic, earthy taste of Malbec.  This isn't my favorite Malbec, or even in my top 5, but it's good and pretty characteristic of what I think a Malbec from South America should be.  I'd buy it again.

Don't Drink This: if you're looking for a refined, balanced red wine, this will just turn you off. 

        

Big House Red Wine

 

Big House Red

Red Wine Blend

Vintage: 2011

Origin: California

Alcohol: 13.5%

It's not often that I drink boxed wine and actually, this is the first boxed wine that I've formally reviewed here on this blog.  Not that boxed wines are bad, but they tend to have a sketchy reputation.  Fortunately for the wine drinkers among us, boxed wines are making a turn for the better.  This is one such wine... 

This is the 2011 Big House Red, a red wine blend that is comprised of over 15 different wine varieties!  Does that sound crazy?  Yes.  Because it is crazy.  I have a feeling somebody just tried to embody the whole Go Big or Go Home idea and thought, "Hey, why not!!!"  In a way, it's kind of like when you were a kid and would mix ten different kinds of fountain soda together and called it a "suicide."  It's kind of like that... except this stuff actually tastes good.  According to the data sheet this stuff is:

19% Grenache 

17% Syrah 

16% Tempranillo 

14% Petite Verdot 

6% Mourvedre 

4% Sagrantino 

3% Malbec 

2% Negro Amaro 

1% Teraldego

1% Petite Sirah 

1% Tannat 

and 5% Other Esoteric Reds.

The grapes were cold soaked for a couple of days, then fermented at 60-65'F for two weeks.  The wine was then malolatic fermented and a small portion of it put in oak.  To say there's a lot going on here between the wine-making process and the 15+ varietals of grapes would be an understatement.  To my palette, it tastes primarily of Syrah and Tempranillo, but you can definitely tell there's other stuff going on and some flavors that are difficulty to pinpoint.  

It pours a transluscent ruby red and has aromas of cherry, raspberry, and a hint of pepper.  On the palette, it's very fruit-heavy with sweet red cherries, red raspberries, a bit of plum and cranberry, and a mild touch of earth and oak in the finish.  The tannins are moderate, smooth and well-balanced.  

Big House Red is fruity, jammy, and sweet without being cloying, and the moderate tannins really help balance out all the fruit.  There's quite a bit going on here through all the red fruit flavors, with a lot of mild background notes.  This actually surprised me and I kept taking another sip just trying to pinpoint all its nuances.  

I'd say this 15+ wine varietal blend is a success, especially at $22 for a 3 liter box.  But yeah, it also comes in regular 750 mL bottles if you just don't want to buy a boxed wine.  Granted, though, the box version will keep for 6 weeks after opening... totally worth it. 

If you're curious about the Big House wines, back in the Fall I reviewed their Cabernet Sauvignon and their "Naked" Chardonnay.  Check it out...

Drink This: if you want a fruity red wine with lots going on and good balance.  I say opt for the box version, if you're going to buy it.

Don't Drink This: if you want a dry, dark, and brooding red.  This is a much more light-hearted, fun wine, but complex nonetheless.  

Cheers!              

Bodega Elena de Mendoza Red Blend

Bodega Elena de Mendoza

Red Blend

Vintage: 2010

Origin: Mendoza, Argentina

Alcohol: 13.8%

Every time I see a wine blend not only do I wonder what varieties are in the wine, but why are they blending the wine to begin with?  Are they trying to simply create a new expression or merely blending some sub-par grapes with something else to make a better wine?  Unfortunately, most blended wines tend to be either full of funky, off-flavors or rather bland.

Here we have the 2010 vintage Red Blend from Bodega Elena de Mendoza, obviously out of Argentina.  And what do you expect from Argentina?  That's right, a Malbec.  Previously I've professed my love for Malbecs, but this one is not just Malbec, but a blend with Malbec being the primary varietal at 62%,  with the remainder being 21% Syrah and 17% Bonarda.  Bonarda is an old-school Argentinian grape that was their primary variety prior to the Malbec explosion. 

This wine pours a deep red, almost purple with aromas of plums and raspberry.  The fruit continues onto the palette with more raspberry, black cherries, and a touch of mild herbal notes.  The acidity is pretty mild, as are the tannins.  

This wine is fruity and sweet, without much complexity or anything you'd look for in a more expensive wine.  It's a decent everyday type of wine, maybe enjoyed while watching a movie and eating pizza, but like I said earlier, blends tend to fall into two categories, funky or bland.  This one is clearly the second type.

Drink This: if you want a simple, everyday fruity red wine.

Don't Drink This: if you're hoping it's as good as Bodega Elena de Mendoza's Malbec, because it's not.  Their Malbec is far superior, in my honest opinion.        

Layer Cake Malbec

Layer Cake Malbec

Pure Love Wines

Vintage: 2010

Origin: Mendoza, Argentina

Alcohol: 14.6%

It's no surprise to anyone who reads my wine reviews that I love red wines... especially a good Malbec, Pinot Noir, or Shiraz.  Or Cabernet Sauvignon... or Merlot, or maybe Zinfandel or Chianti... and so on.  Okay, I just really love red wine.  

End of story.    

So, here I am reviewing another red and yes, you guessed right, it's a Malbec.  But, this isn't just any ordinary Malbec, this is the Malbec from Layer Cake, which is produced by Pure Love Wines.  Now if you talk around, people seem to love Layer Cake wines.  Don't confuse them with Cupcake Vineyards, although I can see where the confusion could lie (and yes, they both make good wines).  Cupcakes and layer cakes?  What's with all the cake named wineries?  What's next, Devil's Food Cake Winery?  Pancake Vineyards?  Hmmm... pancakes.  Delicious.  Okay, I'm sidetracked now.  

Anyway, this is my first tasting of a Layer Cake wine.  This is the 2010 Vintage Layer Cake Malbec.  It pours a ridiculously dark purple with hints of ruby around the edges.  The aromas are of blackberry, plum, and vanilla.  On the palette, it bursts with strong, dark berries, raspberry, blackberry, raisins, black cherry, with a touch of rustic coffee/earthiness in the finish.  

This is a dark fruit bomb without being overly sweet that maintains a great balance. I love the contrast between the jammy notes and the rustic, earthy finish here.  The only disappointing thing to me is how mild the tannins are.  If the tannins were kicked up a notch or two, giving it a decent chewiness, then perhaps it would be my perfect Malbec.  As it stands, however, it's still one of the tastier wines I've had in awhile.  

I need to pick up some bottles of Layer Cake's other varietals since this one surprised me. 

Drink This: if you want an excellent Malbec for the price (around $12-15).  It's hard to find any Malbec near that price point that has this much depth and balance (although, Rebel Wine's The Show Malbec comes close). 

Don't Drink This: if you don't like good red wine... 

Cheers!             

2009 Graffigna Centenario Reserve Malbec

2009 Graffigna Centenario

 Reserve Malbec

Origin: San Juan, Argentina

Alcohol: 13.5%

In years past, Malbec was typically only used in wine blends, particularly in France, Chile, and Argentina.  But now, 100% Malbec wines from Argentina have had a huge surge in popularity.  I think this is great, since personally I love Malbecs.  They're like drinking a rustic bit of Argentinian culture.

The 2009 Vintage Graffigna Centenario Reserve Malbec is from San Juan, Argentina.  It is a combination of 50% oak aged wine combined with 50% unaged wine, lending to its complexity.  Graffigna is pronounced "grah FEE nyah" if you were curious and don't want to sound like a total Gringo.    

This wine pours a deep, dark ruby that verges on violet.  It has aromas of strong dark fruit, tobacco, and a touch of spice.  This actually tastes fairly restrained considering the aroma.  It has notes of earthy blueberries, plums, and a dry, smoky bit of oak.  There are moderately-strong drying tannins combined with a heavy mouthfeel that manages to stay feeling a bit velvety throughout.

This has little resemblance to the Lucky Duck Malbec that I have reviewed previously, in that it actually tastes like Malbec.

The bottle suggests pairing this with Lamb Ossobucco and hot spicy pumpkin risotto in Malbec reduction.  Sounds great to me!  Now if I could just find somebody to cook that for me...   

Drink This: if you want a red wine that is earthy and rustic, yet elegantly delicious.  This is my kind of wine.
Don't Drink This: if you aren't a fan of heavy, red wines.  If you normally drink White Zinfandel and other fruity, sweet wines, this probably isn't for you...

Lucky Duck Malbec

 Lucky Duck Malbec

Origin: Argentina

Walmart

Alcohol: 13%

Malbec Grapes

Lucky Duck wine is made by Walmart.  Okay, well, technically I believe it's just imported and bottled by Walmart.  Nobody knows who actually makes this stuff.  But, Walmart wine? Seriously? Anyway, the Lucky Duck line of wines have several varieties that are supposed to be representative of the major wine categories.  In the world of cheap wines, Lucky Duck has a couple things going for it.  Firstly, it has simple, attention-grabbing bottles, with each having a slightly different design with a drunken duck (I'm assuming he's drunk, look at him, he's smashed).  Secondly, it only costs $3.99 a bottle.  That's right, it's cheap, cheap, cheap.  

Lucky Duck's Malbec pours a dark, clear ruby, almost purple.  It smells like mild blackberries, but it pretty muted otherwise.  You taste it and get some moderately tart raspberry notes with very weak tannins, and an abrupt finish.  Is it bad? No, especially in the realm of cheap wines.  Is it a good representation of Malbec? Not at all.  It lacks the depth, tannin, and wonderful earthiness that make Malbecs awesome.  It is pretty much a one-note wine that tastes more like a weak Cabernet Sauvignon.  But, it's Walmart... what do you expect?  It would still pair well enough with tomato-based pasta and pizza dishes if you aren't looking for something more complex and rich. 

Lucky Duck's Malbec is good enough if you want an extremely cheap, red wine.  Personally, I would rather pay a couple more dollars and get some Malbec that tastes like Malbec.  But, I've had worse cheap wine, that's for sure.