La Posta, Malbec, 2009, Angel Paulucci Vineyard, Mendoza, Argentina

This lovely Argentinian Malbec has a classic deep dark purple opaque color.  It's got a lively and diverse nose with cherry liquor, jalapeno jelly, and a bit of bright sugary hubba-bubba.  For me, Malbec is at it's best when it falls right in between a tannic rough-edged Cabernet and a round plush Merlot.  The La Posta hits the middle quite well.  It's full-bodied, mouth-watering/mouth-coating, and syrupy somehow without being too sweet.  I got cooler climate flavors of currants, molasses, and dark fruit cake.  There is a nice bit of bubbly acidity that rides down the middle of this gusher and the wine finishes with sweet sweet tobacco.  Maybe the heat hits kinda hard for coming in at 13.5% but its nothing I can't handle.  La Posta is doing a great job of distributing far and wine these single vineyard Malbecs at a reasonable price while highlighting the story of the growers that put their love into these vineyards.    It reminds me of when I first started working at Stumptown back in the day, the respect Duane Sorenson gave to his coffee farmers, and the revolution in coffee consumption the company helped bring about in the states.  Raise your glasses with me and give a hearty "L'chaim!" to all the great growers in the world!