BODEGA COLOME MALBEC - 2006

From Argentina. 85% Malbec, 8% Tannat, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon.

TASTING NOTES:

Dark red-purple color with blackberry-boysenberry on the nose. On the palate, lots of black currant, black fruit, chewy dusty tannin with sour-tart green flavors on the finish. Almost reminds me of unripened blueberries at the end.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

87+ PTS

Wine Spectator raved and gave this wine 92 points but I found this wine didn't come together like I hoped it would. I was yearning for more complexity and the finish lost me. It wasn't round and although it definitely improved on the second day, the fruit faded. It just didn't find the harmony one seeks in an outstanding effort. I love Tannat but I the rough tannic edge it brings to this wine is probably what I'm not responding to here. Retails for around $22 making it a questionable purchase in my book.

TORBRECK DESCENDANT SHIRAZ- 2005

Made from 92% Shiraz and 8% Viognier.

TASTING NOTES:

Rich inky purple color with a complex nose of blueberry, blackberry, lavender and oak. On the palate the wine is silky smooth with black currant, blackberries and spice. Hints of cocoa powder on the back end. Finishes with nice mellow oak flavors that linger in harmony with the fruit.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

95 PTS

This is delicious wine. Really a terrific balance of fruit, acidity, and character. Seductive and sexy. It grabs you right from the start. So easy to drink. Simply effortless. Not what you'd expect from Aussie Shiraz as it has more finesse than power. Retails today for around $75 - $100.

BOTROMAGNO PRIMITIVO - 2005

13% alcohol.

TASTING NOTES:

Dark red color with aromas of spice, plums, leather, prunes and cherries. When first opened the wine has almost a sweetness to it. On the second day it gets more musty, earthy, leathery and that initial sweet attack that comes from bottle age dissipates. Finishes dry with oak and sour cherries. Good acidity and fine grain tannins.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

88 PTS

A solid entry level Primitivo for $14. I don't think this wine has much time left in the bottle and would guess that it is more likely on the other end of the bell curve. A great weekday wine with Old World aromas and flavors. More depth to the fruit would have made this wine a terrific one but still a great value.