Wine Review - 2008 Bodegas Norton Barrel Select Malbec: Had Chile Last Night So Off To Argentina

So there is a new documentary film about Malbec from Argentina called Boom Varietal which explores the expansion of Malbec across the globe.  In its honour we decided to enjoy a Malbec this evening.  Our selection was the Norton Barrel Select from Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza ($15).

This is a jammy version of Malbec.  It has a very berry nose on it which makes it feel like a Shiraz from Australia but it does not have the same level residual sugar, though this wine certainly is not a bone dry wine.

It is dark as we would expect from a Malbec but it is not overly spectacular in the glass.

We enjoyed the flavour but it is not as balanced as we would like. The tannins are fairly strong and give it a tartness that is a bit overpowering. Bottom line, it is a nice food wine but on its own it is a little rough around the edges.

	Tasting Notes:	Score:
Sight (0-5)	Dark Ruby coloured wine. Just an okay looking wine.	3.5
Smell (0-5)	Berries are all over this nose. Raspberry Jam is the best descriptor.	4.0
Taste (0-10)	Definitely a tannic red with dark fruit and berries, some oak but not overly so.	8.0
	Total:	15.5 / 20  (77.5)

At $15 it is a pretty good everyday drinker but it is not as refined as other examples in the same price range. The jamminess pushes it away from Argentina and more towards Australia (not ideal).

Keep on drinking!

Chris & Shannon