DiamAndes, Valle de Uco (Mendoza, Argentina) Malbec – Syrah 2020

 The A & M Bonnie family has expanded from their homebase at Château Malartic Lagravière, a leading estate in Bordeaux’s Pessac-Léognan appellation, to Argentina.  Although Malbec was once one of the important varieties used in Bordeaux, it is rarely seen there currently.  And of course, neither is Syrah.  So, it’s quite the feat that the Bonnie family can make such an exemplary wine from grapes that don’t come naturally to them.  With Syrah adding spice to the fruiter Malbec, the 80/20 Malbec/Syrah blend works nicely, transforming what could have been a monotonic black fruit bear into a graceful wine with complexity.  This mid-weight red is ideal to drink now with anything meaty coming off the grill.  The tannins are so polished it could even take a brief chill in the fridge.  The elegance that the Bonnie family puts into their wines in Bordeaux is evident here as well.  Please note the price!