Tasting: Malbec from Argentina purchased from Costco
Origin: Southwestern France (Cahors), but shines in Argentina, especially in Mendoza 🇦🇷.
Typical Flavors: Dark fruit (blackberry, plum, black cherry), cocoa, leather, vanilla, violet 🌸
Aroma Profile: Smoky, earthy, berry-rich, often with chocolate or floral undertones 🍫🌹
Mouthfeel: Medium to full-bodied, smooth tannins, moderate acidity, juicy yet structured.
Finish: Can vary from short and soft to long and complex depending on oak aging.
Argentina’s Malbec Expression:
Argentine Malbecs, especially from Mendoza, are riper, juicier, and more fruit-forward 🍇 compared to French Cahors Malbecs, which tend to be more rustic and tannic. Mendoza’s high-altitude vineyards produce expressive wines with bold fruit and elegance due to cooler nights 🌄.
🥂 Tasting Summary
🅰️ Wine A – Mendoza Vineyards Gran Reserva Malbec 2021
📍 Mendoza, Argentina
🛒 Costco | 💲 $15.99
🍷 100% Malbec
🌟 James Suckling: 92 pts
👩🦱 Lynn: 16 | 👨🦳 Scott: 15 | 🧮 Combined: 31
✅ Would Buy Again:
Lynn: Yes – would bring to a party 🎉
Scott: Yes – would bring to a party 🎉
Tasting Notes:
🌸 Velvety and smooth, with floral rose notes and chocolate aromas 🍫
🍇 Blueberry and berry flavors, a hint of acidity, and a pleasant mouthfeel.
⏳ Finish: Balanced, clean, dry tannins, no metallic taste – very enjoyable.
🅱️ Wine B – Clos de los Siete Red Blend 2021
📍 Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina
🛒 Costco | 💲 $12.99
🍷 59% Malbec + Merlot, Syrah, Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, Petit Verdot
🌟 James Suckling (2020): 94 pts
👩🦱 Lynn: 16 | 👨🦳 Scott: 13 | 🧮 Combined: 29
✅ Would Buy Again:
Lynn: Yes – would bring to a wine-knowledgeable party 🍷
Scott: Yes – same condition 🎈
Tasting Notes:
🍫 Rich chocolate and vanilla on the nose, with hints of licorice and cotton candy 🍭
🍷 Smoky, balanced acidity, complex aromas and flavors, pleasant finish.
🎭 Most complex wine in aroma with noticeable blending influence.
🅲 Wine C – Norton Reserva Malbec 2022
📍 Mendoza, Argentina
🛒 Costco | 💲 $10.89
🍷 100% Malbec
🌟 James Suckling (2021): 92 pts
👩🦱 Lynn: 14 | 👨🦳 Scott: 11 | 🧮 Combined: 25
✅ Would Buy Again:
Lynn: Yes – would drink at home 🏡
Scott: Yes – would drink at home 🛋️
Tasting Notes:
🍷 Deep ruby color, chocolatey aroma, floral hints.
🍇 Blueberry and berry acidity, some metallic edge, short finish but pleasant.
🎯 Simple and smooth, not overly complex.
🅳 Wine D – Catena Malbec High Mountain Vines 2022
📍 Mendoza, Argentina
🛒 Costco | 💲 $15.89
🍷 100% Malbec
🌟 James Suckling (2021): 91 pts
👩🦱 Lynn: 12 | 👨🦳 Scott: 11 | 🧮 Combined: 23
✅ Would Buy Again:
Lynn: Yes – for home sipping 🏡
Scott: Yes – for home sipping 🏡
Tasting Notes:
🌷 Smooth and velvety with cotton candy and soft floral notes.
😐 Less complex in flavor, described as “grape juice-like” and “unremarkable” by Scott.
🍓 Slight berry notes, but not distinct or layered.
🏆 Winner: Mendoza Vineyards Gran Reserva Malbec 2021
🥇 Total Score: 31 (Lynn: 16 | Scott: 15)
🎉 Why It Won:
Best balance of flavor, aroma, mouthfeel, and finish.
Strong berry notes and floral aromas stood out 🌸
Velvety texture, pleasant acidity, and smooth tannins.
The most refined and complete expression of Malbec in the lineup.
Both tasters agreed it was “party-worthy” — a true crowd-pleaser 🎈
