TRAPICHE BROQUEL BONARDA - 2009

Broquel means "sheild" and is part of Trapiche's premium Mendoza, Argentina wine brand.  The wine is made from 100% Bonarda grapes from the Santa Rosa Vineyard which lies at about 3000 feet in elevation in the foothills of the Andes. Thought to originate in Piedmont, Italy, the Bonarda grape thrives in Argentina.

TASTING NOTES:

Dark purple-red color with aromas and flavors of grape jam, blackberry, blueberry and cherry.  Rich and full-bodied this wine has some serious tannin structure. Sharp acidity and good length with oak, plum and earthy terrior underneath.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

86 PTS

A robust red but one that doesn't completely come together. Retails for $15 a bottle.  Tough varietal sell in marketplace where I think there's better QPR in low to mid-level Malbecs.