Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina.
SRP of $13 and should be available for around $12. Current availability is primarily limited to restaurants. Sample received courtesy WineSource International for review purposes.
From the bottle:
"Chakras are said to be "force centers" of energy, and considered to be the focal points for receiving and transmitting energy, while Chacras in Spanish translates as a traditional vineyard in the Andes.
The Alonso families, founders of Bodega Cruz de Piedra, tend to their Chacras with the stunning vista of the snow-covered Andes in the vineyard's background. The natural Chakras of this wine are intense heat in the vineyards and the snow on the Andes that becomes the precious water flow to feed the vine's root systems, some as old as thirty five years.
This 2009 Malbec Reserva is a stunning representation of those energy forces from the Mendoza vineyards with the bright and intense red violet color, aromas of red fruits, vanilla and delicate hints of oak.
13.5% Alcohol"
Today's wine is a new label from Bodegas Cruz de Piedra vineyard in Mendoza. I'm always a little wary of all these new labels popping up, especially in a variety as popular as Malbec is right now, but there are no worries here. Bodegas Crus de Piedra has quite a history in Argentina and is one of the pioneers of single varietal wines in the country. In other words, this is no fly by night operation trying to capitalize on current trends. And this shows in the wine.
The 2009 Chakras Reserva Malbec begins with aromas of strawberry, raspberry, black cherry, vanilla and a little cedar. Tasting the wine shows a good silky texture and flavors of plum and sour black cherry along with some oaky tannins. The finish is long and dry and features some nice spice. Just a really good, solid Malbec. It's hard to go wrong with this one. It held up just fine on day 2 and it may have even been a little better so don't be afraid to give it some time to breathe.
See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.
Overall Rating: 7.0
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