2010 Kaiken Malbec

Business trips really are a great way to discover new wines.  While Jeff has been known to go prowling for wine when traveling solo (read his confessions here), I typically lean on my co-workers for recommendations.  This usually is a bigger task than it sounds, as I am frequently fighting off the wine list being tossed my way.  I thought after an unfortunate purchasing mistake that earned me the nickname “half bottle” this would ease up, but not so much.  Every now and then I can coerce someone else in making a pick, and this has led to some great discoveries!

One recent discovery was the 2010 Kaiken Malbec from Mendoza.  As with typical Malbec wines from Argentina, this wine is very rich in color.  It smells of dark fruits still in the wild (think berries and plants), with tastes of blackberries and blueberries and a smooth texture.  These characteristics make it an ‘easy drinking’ food wine.  While well balanced up front, it has a slightly acidic finish, and would benefit from aging.  The winemaker does recommend cellaring for up to 5 years. 

The blend is 94% Malbec, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, and aged 6 months in 60% French Oak. It is well distributed (available at Specs and BevMo) and best part is the price.  You can pick up a bottle for about $12.  This is a tasty, guilt free mid-week wine.  Give it a try!