Wine Review - 2010 Graffigna Grand Reserve Malbec: Better Than The 2008

We are having a rich roasted lamb dinner tonight and thought that a big bold wine was in order.  When we grabbed the bottle it looked familiar and upon checking we had the 2008 last year around this time (review here).  Like the 2008, the 2010 was a purchase from the NSLC Wine Festival in September.  Don't judge us but we are gonna recycle a bit of that review for time's sake because it still applies.

From Graffigna Wines, this Malbec is a nice version of Argentina's signature grape.  As expected, this is a dark wine with deep purple colours and a thick skim in the glass.

Once again the nose is very oaky and we get a lot of dark fruit and stone fruit, maybe black currents and plums.  Last time there was a cocoa undercurrent as well as a little smoke. All this still applies to the 2010.

Just like in 2008, the 2010 has lots of violets and blackberries in the glass.  That said, this time around it is a very elegant balance of tannins, fruit, and oak.  Super mouthfeel and a really extended finish.  Last time we found it a bit tart on the mid-palate this time the roundness is awesome.  Better in all tasting aspects.

	Tasting Notes:	Score:
Sight (0-5)	Deep purple wine with slow legs and slight thickness.	4.0
Smell (0-5)	Oaky with lots of black currents and plums.  Cocoa notes and smoke finish the smell.	4.5
Taste (0-10)	Violets and blackberries dominate with an elegant balance and great round mouthfeel.	8.5
	Total:	17.0 / 20 (85%)

At $20 this is a very strong wine and though you can find cheaper Malbec this one is a stand-out. Sorry for plagiarizing ourselves....but it all still applies but the 2010 is a superior vintage. 

Keep on tasting!

Chris & Shannon