Vinalba, Malbec Reserva 2008, Argentina
Having scooped several major awards with the 2006 and 2007 vintages, this 2008 is now on the shelves having picked up a Gold medal in the Decanter World Wine Awards this year. The nose is beautifully deep but composed, with fine, tightly-wound aromas of black plum and cherry, little smoky and gamy nuances and a lift of violet. On the palate it is dense, rich and chewy, with that firm central core of fruit, wrapped in some chunky, very grippy tannins and the spice of the grapes and oak adding more structure to the finish along with tangy cherry acidity. A big mouthful this, and I think it will be smoother and even better in a year or two – or now if you have it with a chunk of steak from the grill. 9.99, Majestic (8.99 until end August). See all stockists on .
