2005 Belasco de Baquedano "Llama" Malbec Mendoza

As far as value per dollar no wines have done better in the recent past at K&L than Argentine Malbec. We've had so many that our customers have gone crazy over it is getting a tad bit ridiculous, maybe even "redonkulous" as the kids say. Well this is the next wine in that long cue of gulpable, full-flavored, wallet friendly wines we've been toting so much about. "The Llama" as we've been referring to it is 100% Malbec from 98 year old vines grown at over 3,300 feet elevation. That alone should put a bottle in your hand for the measly price of $11.99. But wait there's more (said in my best Rod Roddy impersonation) the consulting wine maker is Bertrand Bourdil, formerly the winemaker at Mouton Rothschild and one of only two people to receive three, yes three, 100 point scores from Robert Parker. Pretty darn good for well under $20 don't you think? The wine well it does not only have a great pedigree but it tastes great as well. The nose is full of very expressive aromas of violet and darkly roasted coffee; deeply centered this is impressive with great spice and poise. Bursting on the palate this shows sweet blackberry fruit with toasty oak and a continuation of the violet found in the nose on the lengthy finish. I wrote in my original notes when tasting this wine: "This is one flavorful monster sure to be a slam-dunk" I couldn't say it better myself.....(Bryan Brick, K&L)