2006 Bodegas Norton "Privada" Mendoza, Argentina

92 points and a "Best Buy" designation from Wine Spectator: "This polished Argentine red has lots of spice and fruitcake notes up front, followed by an ample core of raspberry ganache, fig bread and mocha. The long, well-rounded finish lingers with poise, despite the overall concentration." (10/08) 90 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2006 Privada is a blend of 40% Malbec, 30% Merlot, and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 16 months in new French oak. Deep crimson-colored, it reveals a classy perfume of pain grille, mineral, pepper, vanilla, plum, cassis, and black cherry. On the palate it has layers of smooth-textured, savory black fruit, a firm structure, excellent depth, and a lengthy, pure finish. It will evolve for 2-3 years and be at its best from 2011 to 2019. Bodega Norton produces a wide variety of wines while managing to maintain a high level of quality. Seventy percent of the fruit is estate grown, the balance purchased." (Dec. 2008) 90 points Wine Enthusiast: "Dark, smoky and meaty, with touches of moss, leather and chocolate that should knit together even better in the not-too-distant future. As stated on these pages many times, Privada, a blend of Malbec, Cabernet and Merlot, is one of those overachieving wines that will thrill novices and experts alike. In the mouth, flavors of cola, blackberry and clove are all dandy, and the finish of more clove, spice and espresso is a winner." (12/08)