Tapiz, Uco Valley (Mendoza, Argentina) 2012

 While I am usually underwhelmed by most monovarietal Malbec bottlings, that grape works beautifully in red blends, such as this one.  Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec each account for about a third of the blend, while Merlot and Syrah comprise the remainder.  Layered, Tapiz’s Selección de Barricas  displays a wonderful texture and balance.  It’s delightfully chewy, delivering a panoply of notes including dark fruit, earthiness and a contrasting hint of bitterness.  Great acidity keeps it fresh.  Fine tannins provide structure with astringency and call for food, which in Argentina means beef.  Easy to enjoy now, its balance suggests that cellaring it will bring out additional complexity over the next decade.