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WINE OF THE WEEK, April 28, 2013




         GASCON MALBEC 2011 MENDOZZA, ARGENTINA $14.99


A drinker of wine comes to a wine with certain minimum expectations. From a Cabernet Sauvignon, I expect a medium- to full-body, I expect flavors of blackberry, dark currant, mocha/chocolate would be nice, and, definitely, a hint of cedar, but I don't want to feel that I need a saw to get through the taste of wood, just a hint of cedar. The Malbec grape is one (1) of six (6) grapes allowed in the blend of red Bordeaux wines. Argentina took the grape from France, planted it extensively, and now produces 100% Malbec wines, identified uniquely with the Mendozza region. Maybe it's only me, but I feel that Malbec has undergone a couple of transformations over the last twelve or so years. Twelve years ago Malbec became very popular, and rightly so. Then, for whatever reasons (mass production or rushing the aging process or flood irrigation - the result is a plumper grape but a diluted taste - or who knows what), Malbec became lacking in flavor, flabby, and weak. If this GASCON MALBEC is any indication, Malbec is back. It is mediium- to full-bodied, with soft, round tannins, with flavors of blackberry, plum, blueberry, dark cherry, spice, and a hint of mocha. Delicious!