San Telmo Malbec 2005

Bodega

Range

Wine

Vintage

Origin

Price

San Telmo

n/a

Malbec

2005

Mendoza

AR$11 (US$4)

Appearance

Clear ruby-red with violet hues.

Nose

Bright, sweet red berry-fruit – suggesting cherries, raspberries and strawberries.

Palate

Light-ish body. Plenty of red fruit character but matched by a spicy zing, some tannins and good acid balance, leaving a pleasantly savoury mouth feel. Hints of tobacco and black pepper, a touch of vanilla. No real length.

Overall

Not particularly complex, and it certainly doesn't linger on the palate, but this wine stands out as a lovely savoury mouthful. Most wines in this bracket have a fruitier, underlying sweetness that is primarily balanced by higher acidity. This San Telmo, though, is full of lip-smacking savoury notes which make it an outstanding choice to quaff on its own or with a plate of Camembert and crackers. The 2006 vintage, unfortunately, is just a little slighter in all respects.

***+

(July 06)