Although Malbec is grown in Chile, Concha y Toro took the grapes for this wine from their vineyards in the Lujan de Cuyo district of Argentina’s Mendoza Valley. Aged in French oak barrels for six months then an additional five months in bottle, it has a very deep prune-red color, perfumed aroma of light berry and cedar. The medium flavors are dry, with minimum varietal character but supported by good tannins and acidity and 13.8% alcohol. Drinkable now with ample fruit, this Malbec is lighter than many Argentine Malbecs.
Xplorador by Concha y Toro, Lujan de Cuyo (Mendoza, Argentina) Malbec 2009
By Gerald D. Boyd