Luigi Bosca DOC Malbec 2004

As any observant individual can see, I review a large proportion of Argentinean wines, most notably malbec.  Well, here we have another terrific example of how this grape is fast becoming a noble variety on par with many Cabernets and Syrahs.  In France the Malbec plays a mostly subordinate role in winemaking, relegating it to a blending grape in Bordeaux, or in the case of the Cahors appellation, a dustier and lighter version of its lustrous cousin in South America.  Somehow, in the hills of Mendoza, this fruit thrives to become a chewy, floral, fragrant intoxicant, barely reminiscent of its French counterpart.  

Luigi Bosca has once again proved itself a master at taming this juicy beast with a DOC malbec.  Yes, a DOC.  In fact, Luigi Bosca pioneered the movement to create a DOC especially for malbec.  It was created in 1989 for the Luján de Cuyo region, where the malbec grape is claimed to be indigenous.  DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, an Italian term used to regulate the growing and producing of wines in various regions therein.  In Argentina, it operates in the same respect, controlling the production of wines from this region, guaranteeing origin, and ostensibly, quality.  Anyhow, more information can be found on Luigi Bosca's website here.

Tasting Summary:

Color- intense violet

Bouquet- plum, violets, cassis, mild wet earth.

Palate- plum, ripe black fruits, earth.  Silky tannins.

finish:  coffee, cocoa.  Long and elegant.

An elegant wine with an intoxicating nose, this DOC captures some of the more old world aspects of malbec, while still retaining the brilliant fruit we associate with new world wines.  94/100