Viu Manent "Estate Collection" Malbec 2008

Presentation: ***
Nose: **
Complexity: ***
Value: ****

Overall: ***

This 2008 Malbec was reccomended to me by a wine department manager in Portland, OR. The nose lacked the more distinct aroma common to a nice bottle of Malbec. The color was rich. The Viu Manent had hints of blackberry, boysenberry, and rasberry with a taste of chocolate and mocha on the finish. The taste in the mouth was nice but not enduring. Perhaps a couple of years cellared would enhance this wine. I found it adequate for an everyday bottle of Malbec but not one to highly reccomend to a friend.

-Greg

Volver 2005 Tempranillo

Presentation: *****

Nose: ***

Complexity: *****

Value: ***

Overall: ****

This is the first of February's month of "World Wines You'll Love" I was stunned by this La Mancha wine--it's 100% tempranillo, and I bought it as an impulse buy when really in the mood for something from Spain a few months back. It's not a cheap bottle, retailing in the ballpark of $20 a bottle. However, this is a case where you indeed get what you pay for. Its dry, complex taste kept unfolding with wonderful earthy flavors. Some mineral flavors, but also tobacco and gentle spice. Anyone who likes California Cabs should try this and see if Spain can't pack a punch in a bottle of red. Would pair wonderfully with steak, lamb, pork, or even a chef salad.

February = World Wines You'll Love!

All this month on Decant This! we'll be exploring wines you'll love from around the world. When winter is upon us here in the midwest, it's a great time to enjoy a special bottle from Spain, Chile, Argentina, Portugal, or even Australia or South Africa. So dig into your cellar or swing by the wine shop and find one of these beauties: they won't dissapoint!

Estancia "Keyes Canyon Ranches" Merlot 2006

Estancia "Keyes Canyon Ranches" Merlot 2006

Presentation: ***

Nose: **

Complexity: *

Value: **

Overall: **

A few months back, October perhaps, I had a bottle

of this and thought "Wow--now THAT'S a good

Merlot!" What a fool I was! When drinking the

same vintage, same wine a few nights ago I

noticed a real lack of originality in it. It's

stable, sure. But it's also not much

to write home about. You can taste

the oak, and it's smooth. But that's

about all I can say for it.

Needs improvement.

Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet (Columbia Crest) 2007

Presentation: ***

Nose: **

Complexity: ****

Value: ***

Overall: ***

This week's wine is a Cabernet that has gotten some rave reviews in wine publications--Columbia Crest's "Horse Heaven Hills" Cabernet. My knowledge of terroir isn't the greatest, but this wine has a great deal of minerality and some black pepper flavors. The nose refused to open up to me, but it's complex flavor and seemingly condensed bouquet made it an excellent, stand alone Cabernet. If you like Cab, this one is a lot of fun to drink.