Amalaya, Calchaqui Valley (Salta, Argentina) 2009

 A predominantly Malbec blend, this wine tastes leaner, less opulent, but more refined than many Argentinean reds.  That may be because it’s from Salta rather than Mendoza, where temperatures tend to be warmer.  Whatever the reason, it’s a wine whose appeal comes as much from secondary notes (echoing anise, leather, coffee and more) as from primary fruit.