05/2007 VINAS DE CUYUM MAPU MALBEC 2003
This was not a good bottle. The wine reeked of green pepper, which may be a sign that the grapes were harvested too early. Oh well, $8 down the drain.... (Rating **)

Labels: Argentina, Malbec, Vinas de Cuyum

 

12/2006 RUTINI TRUMPETER MALBEC 2005
We found this red wine in a Whole Foods store in Washington, DC. This wine comes from Argentina and is imported into the U.S. by Billington Imports, Inc. of Springsfield, Virginia. It retailed for about $9. This wine has a pretty color but let us shrugging. It's not especially expressive. Is it bad? No. WOuld we drink a glass of it if it was handed to us? Yes. However, our feeling is that there are plenty of Malbecs at this price point that offer a bit more. (Rating **3/4)

Labels: Argentina, Malbec, Rutini

 

4/2006 GRAFFIGNA G MALBEC 2003 (PEDERNAL VALLEY)
Well, well, isn't this an approachable Malbec. Not hard like so many other wines made from this grape. Fruity, intense, with a dollop of cream on the close. quite enjoyable. (Rating ****).

GRAFFIGNA seems to be a good label. Previously, we wrote of its Shiraz:

12/2005 GRAFFIGNA G SHIRAZ 2003 (PEDERNAL VALLEY)
We quite enjoyed this robust, fruity red wine with earthy undertones and the price was right for the quality- $16-$18 retail. A winner from Argentina. (Rating ****1/4)

To see if our retailer carries GRAFFIGNA wines, click SHOP FOR WINES and type "GRAFFIGNA" in the search engine and click the magnifying glass. Otherwise, contact ALLIED DOMECQ at http://www.adwnz.com/Pages/wines/agencies/graffigna.html/.

Labels: Argentina, Graffigna, Malbec, Shiraz