Dominio del Plata, Valle de Uco (Mendoza, Argentina) 2016

 Though the producer according to the label is Dominio del Plata, the important name is that of Susana Balbo, one of Argentina’s top producers.  In this wine, she has fashioned an attractive blend of Malbec (75%) and Cabernet Franc. A big and bold wine, to be sure — Malbec speaking — it is not over the top.   The Cabernet France adds alluring savory and herbal elements to the deep ripe fruit character than Malbec is known for.  Polished tannins allow for current consumption and make it an especially good choice for hefty beef dishes this winter.  Since the wine is impressive on its own, the unnecessary heavy bottle contradicts the winery’s commitment, as stated on its website, “…in our packaging by reducing the weight of our bottles to decrease our contribution to carbon footprint.”