Today I am tasting the 2007 Cruz Alta Reserve Malbec from Bodega La Rural in Mendoza, Argentina. Malbec is one of the 6 grape varietals blended in red Bordeaux wine. This 100% Malbec varietal wine is aged for 8 months in oak and I found it for under $13.
Color
This wine has a deep purple color. It seems a bit thinner than I expected.
Aroma
The aromatic aspect is definitely dark fruit driven. There is plum and blueberry along with some subtle oak on the nose.
Flavor
The attack is full of dark fruit. Black currant, blackberries, and black cherries are evident. The mid-palate has sour cherries and the finish is very long with a combination of spices and charred oak. This is a very smooth wine, but not quite velvety smooth. I think it is very fruit heavy in the New World style. I like it and would pair it with some gamey meats.
Rating
I like this wine. It is a very smooth wine and makes a nice introduction to the malbec grape varietal. I score it at 88 points.
