Diseño, Mendoza (Argentina) Malbec 2011

Argentinean Malbec has exploded in popularity here in the US over the past few years, and perhaps unsurprisingly, overall quality has suffered. Producers eager to get in on the American action are making gallons of sweet, jammy, unfocused wines, many from immature plantings, and many over-extracted. Here is a stunning exception. The wine offers vivid plum and berry fruit flavors augmented by secondary notes reminiscent of mocha, spice, and chocolate. It feels smooth and inviting on the palate, has a firm but unobtrusive structure, and its finish both lingers and evolves effortlessly. Given its remarkably low price tag, it’s a veritable steal.