Well I've been trying to review as many of the 90+ pointers under $20 that I can find.  And I was really looking forward to this one.  It received 91 points from both Robert Parker and Wine Spectator.  I've been sitting on it for a little while, waiting for what I thought would be a good time to bust it out.  And tonight was the night.  We had friends over for dinner, finished our first bottle, and I thought this would be a powerhouse second bottle that everyone would love.  It was not the case.

I thought this was a mediocre Malbec that tasted more like it was $8 rather than $20.  It's not bad, it's just not that good.  I almost want to buy another one to prove that this bottle wasn't just a rarity.  I think I tasted the real deal, and it was not to my liking.  Just too much fruit forward on the nose and early taste, then it just drops off, dry and dull on the finish.  I love Mendoza Malbecs and have always thought they offered tremendous value.  But they usually give you their big bold flavor with a nice refinement and quality that you expect in bottles much more expensive.  This bottle lacked that refinement, and reminded me of the sub $10 bottles I've been exploring while searching for hidden gems.

I'm not sure what the critics found so special here.  Maybe my expectations were too high.  I don't know, but it's just an ok wine, and priced very high.

BlogRoom.com Rating: 9 out of 20

*90 Point Series*