Amalaya 2009 Malbec: Review

Bodega Amalaya

Valle Calchaqul, Salta, Argentina

14% abv

Blend: Malbec blend

Malbec, Cab. Sauv., syrah, tannat

Amalaya means ‘hope for a Miracle’

On the bottle: “Cherry and boysenberry with nuances of flowers and white pepper, while the palate is full and long with hints of vanilla…”

Appearance: dense purple with a purple rim

Flavors: sweet black cherry with a sweet vanilla cream swirling through; some light dark berries – like boysenberry or mulberry and they are juicy,

This does not make me think of a Malbec.   It’s nice and interesting. 

Mouthfeel: kind of creamy, smooth, tannins are under control and the acidity is nice. 

The next two days the mouthfeel developed a leathery feel and it was not as sweet. 

To the Point: Looking for an interesting wine this is decent for the price.  Looking for a good Malbec there are better ones out there.  Open the bottle and let it stand for a couple of hours and then cork it and serve it the next day. 

A Wine Review: Luigi Bosca Reserva Malbec 2008

14.3% abv
Luigi Bosca


Mendoza, Argentina
My Strength Rating: 4.5


This wine has a nice ruby appearance and a dark berry with some red berries on the nose with a whiff of white pepper. The taste has a tart red berry with some plum and sweet cherry that makes me think of sweet tart candies. There is a hint of pink peppercorn and some alcohol spice. The aftertaste has a touch of oak on the back of the palate with some lingering berry notes on the tongue.

Next Month is Zinfandel Month - that is Red Zinfandel

A Wine Review: Catena Malbec 2008

13.9% abv
Bodega Catena Zapata Estate
Mendoza, Argentina
My Strength Rating: 8 on the first glass; second glass a 7.

This family has been growing grape vines since 1902.

This Malbec is a blend of ‘becs’ from four of the family’s vineyards. Maipu 20%, Lujande Cuyo 10%, Tupungato 40%, and San Carlos 30%.

First glass without decanting: My first sip is a luscious black fruit explosion and the blackberries seem to be leading the way. There seems to be a dark chocolate bite swirling around on the palate that has a slight creamy feel on the palate.

Between the blackberry bite and a high % dark chocolate bitter style the mouthfeel/texture sure is intense during this first glass.

This is no lightweight Malbec. This is heavyweight stuff. If you like mild-medium bodied Malbecs you better sit on the sidelines or this linebacker will knock you down.

The aftertaste starts with an alcohol warmth on the back of the palate and then I feel a jammy feel that coats the whole mouth.

The second glass is a little more relaxed once the wine had some time to breathe. There are more black fruits to choose from on the taste: Blackberry, black cherry, mulberry, and/or boysenberry. Take your pick on the berry profile but, it sure is tasty. The earthy notes are more noticeable. Earthy notes: mineral soil and tobacco. The mocha flavor is pleasing and there seems to an undertone of vanilla. The bitter dark chocolate and sharp blackberry bite is not as noticeable as it was on the first glass. The finish is smoother than the first glass.

I don’t know if I like the first glass or the second glass. I do know that I sure liked the intensity of the first glass.

Overall, this is one tasty Malbec. The complexity is there. The dark fruits are plentiful. The aftertaste is pleasing.

Must buy.

Read the cigar pairing on Feb. 12

Linking you up!
Here are the Malbecs that I reviewed this month:
Terraza Malbec 06
Cigar Box Malbec 09
Peirano Malbec 06
Luigi Bosca 08
Layer Cake Malbec 07

A Wine Review: Peirano Estate Malbec 2006 Lodi

The Heritage Collection

13.8% abv
$16.00
Peirano Estate Vineyards - (per-an-o)
Graton, California,USA
My Strength Rating: 4

This Malbec pours a nice amethyst color with ruby highlights.

Light nose with dark berry, plum, green spice.

The taste is pleasing. The plum seems to lead the way to a touch of mixed berries, mossy earth, hint of anise, green spice. I keep thinking I get a slight hint of mocha now and then.

The mouthfeel is on the light side of medium. Red berry and moss like aftertaste. Fairly, clean on the palate, soft and smooth in its delivery.

If you are looking for a mild-medium red wine this is tasty.

Linking you up!
Here are the Malbecs that I reviewed this month:
Terraza Malbec 06
Cigar Box Malbec 09
Peirano Malbec 06
Catena Malbec 08
Luigi Bosca 08
Layer Cake Malbec 07

A Wine Review: Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Malbec 2006

terrazasdelosandes.com
$15.00 a bottle
13.5% abv
Bodega Terrazas De Los Andes
Argentina

I love it when there are tasting notes written on the bottle. As a consumer that is important to me when I have not tasted the wine before. The notes give me an idea of what some of the flavors may be when I drink the wine. Yes, there have been times when I feel the description is dead on and there are times when I experience some of what they describe. I think with wine descriptions that they are pretty good to go by. One thing I think they are usually off on is the body description. They will say, “This full-bodied …,” and then I taste the wine and it is medium body at best.

Here is the description from the bottle:

Color: Deep, dark purple.

Aroma: Concentrated cherries, raisins and licorice together with toasted notes and vanilla. Hints of violets stand out, typical of Malbec.

Palate: Great intensity of fruit. Despite its concentration, it is soft with round tannins. It has great potential for ageing.


Let’s take a look

Color: this is a good looking deep purple color.

Aroma: Yes, it is a big cherry profile on the nose. A touch of spice and I could agree with a slight toasted note.

As for the raisins, licorice, and vanilla: raisins – no; I have to assume they are talking black licorice – ah, no; I have some really good black licorice and I checked it out – aaaah, it’s a stretch to me. Vanilla – a high quality vanilla extract aroma - aaah maybe , sweet vanilla no.

The aroma is very delightful though.

Palate: Bing cherry, black and red currants. They call it ‘great intensity of fruit,’ – it sure is. It is yummy.

The mouthfeel is soft and the tannins are tame. This is a very enjoyable wine to drink.

Give this Malbec a try – it will be worth it.