Old Vine Malbec, Mendoza Argentina

Another Mendoza Argentina Malbec. Okay, I have to admit, this is probably my new favorite wine (see here and here). I may even start seeking it out as after August, I will not be able to have Sue from Simply Wine hand pick these for me any longer! There is character in these wines -- rich, full, inviting. Great for that Tuesday  evening after work or for sharing with friends.

These vines have been around for a long long time. From this bottle:

Malbec has thrived in Argentina since the 1800s when cuttings were transplanted from their original home in France. Now considered amongst the world's most distinguished red wines, Malbec flourishes in Mendoza.  Argentina's most lightly respected vignerons supply Diseno Malbec from old growth vineyards in Mendoza. Vines grown in fertile soil rich with old mineral deposits, irrigated by heavy winter snow melts from the Andes glaciers. Diseno Malbec is a rich wine with an inviting bouquet of stone fruit. A hint of coffee complements the blueberry, spice and chocolate flavors.

I can't remember if this was part of wine club or one that Diane got for me, but a quick online search shows a bottle right around $10, give or take. And because I'm such a fan, I'm not going to call this a splurge!

Saturday Evening Wines

Saturday evening, we went out with our friends Tim & Diane to celebrate our upcoming move to SD. We met them through our church and Diane & I became friends because of our mutual love of wine (I'm sure there are other reasons, but most of our get together a do involve wine!). We enjoyed 3 bottles -- LaCrema Chardonnay, Peirano Estate The Other Red (a blend), and Candor Merlot. 

I'm not typically a fan of Chardonnays, but I really enjoyed this one. It was buttery and not too oaky.

The Other Red is a long time favorite of mine, even if I don't have it often: Cabernet, Merlot & Syrah blend. Smooth and full bodied. It went really well with my dinner choice of bacon wrapped scallops and mozzarella salad. (and there's Tim with the photo bomb!)

A nice Merlot. I have to admit that at this point, I don't really remember much about this wine. I do remember it was a nice smooth wine.

These were great wines and went well with our celebration. All are splurge wines, but as this was a celebration, it is all good.

Riebeek Cellars, Pinotage

Beautiful ruby red Pinotage. This is a South African grape, much better the 2nd day (or probably with a good decanter). A fruity aroma, great plum flavor and oaky finish. 

Pinotage is a fairly new grape to me, one I've learned of since being a part of the wine club. I like it as it is an easy drinking wine and pairs well with many choices. Tonight it was a great match with steak & mashed potatoes!

Cono Sur Bicicleta Sauvignon Blanc

A beautiful, light Sauvignon Blanc from Santiago, Chile. Crisp, with citrus, peach and green apple. It really went well with pizza!

This wine is named for the way the workers at the vineyard travel to care for the grapes.

I really like this Blanc and would definitely purchase again. This was part of July Wine Club so it is most likely a splurge.

Santa Julia Malbec

Almost half way through the month and I FINALLY pick up wine club. As we also picked up steaks, I had two pretty good wines to choose from. The first I was tempted to open was a Pinot Noir from Murphy Goode. I, however, opted for the Santa Julia + Malbec as I thought it would go better with the steak. I think it was the right choice. Full bodied, fruity with a spicy finish, complimented the Wildtree Rancher Rub I used on the steaks.

This is part of their Eco-Friendly line; the family has long been a part of working towards sustainability and land preservation.

Of course this is another great choice from Argentina. The online price is under $10 every where I look and the 2010 vintage was a "Bulk Buy" recommendation by Reverse Wine Snob in 2011. I think I would have to agree!

Murphy-Goode Cabernet Sauvignon

A very nice Cab. Rocky pulled this from the cellar last week and I had a glass or two with some burgers, which it went very well with! I believe this was part of wine club, but I'm not sure when and I think the tasting notes are packed & probably in South Dakota now. Correction! Going through photos on Facebook, this was actually picked out by my wonderful husband as a Mother's Day gift. Way to go Rocky! And as he did not spend more than $10 on any of the wines, I'm no longer calling this a splurge.

Murphy-Goode Winery is located North of San Francisco and I think would be worth a stop, when I finally take my Napa tour! This wine retails at their establishment for $15 ($12 if you are part of their wine club), so I would call this a splurge, but one that is worth it! but is available in grocery stores for under $10!

This Cab is dark and full bodied, strong aromas and tastes. Short finish with a slight cherry linger. I've always thought cabs should sit for a while and this one might have benefitted from another year or so, but I'm not going to complain too much. I've definitely enjoyed it and after all isn't that the point?