Matias Riccitelli Wines, Mendoza (Argentina) “The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From the Tree” Malbec 2021 ($15)

Matias Riccitelli strikes me as a think-outside-of-the-box kind of winemaker. Along with a “Kung Fu Malbec” and a “Hey Malbec” and several others, Riccitelli offers this ready to drink version. A blend of fruit from the high-altitude Uco Valley with fruit grown near Mendoza, the wine was wild yeast fermented and briefly aged in neutral French oak. Along with Malbec’s typical deep, dark color, it has a lively aroma of blackberry, plum and a hint of lavender. It is medium bodied with a pleasing roundness and delivers slightly juicy dark fruit flavors. Light tannins provide some structure to this attractive rendition.
90 Norm Roby