Argentina has really been getting a lot of press lately (and it is also worth noting that Chile has been getting very little)……Malbec really is a quintessential ugly duckling — and I am not even sure if it qualifies as an ugly duckling — but it certainly is not given the respect it deserves — though it seems that might finally be starting to change.
The 2004 from Luigi Bosca and it is a fine example of Argentine Malbec. A little old world in style with some new world shoes — it’s not over top and certainly not a fruit bomb, but there is a good amount of fruit, with hints of dark cherry and blackberry with darker undertones of chocolate, cedar, toasted oak and mineral — it is also dry — not too jammy or syrupy — which I do appreciate more and more these days. Nicely balanced, good structure and nice tannins.
A great wine from Argentina probably pairs well with beef and this would be a great contender — though I would also try and pass it off with an Italian meal to see if anyone would be fooled.
This is a really nice bottle of wine — industry scores from 87 to 92 — I would probably split the difference — and I would not hesitate serving this with a nice dinner and good company (keeping in mind, I do have some wines for the not so good company….this is not one of them).
You can find this wine as for $18-$20 a bottle. It isn’t cheap — but it’s comparable to a lot of wine out of California that sells for $35-$40 a bottle — still lots of value (and quality) coming out of Argentina.
