2008 Pascual Toso Malbec Maipu Valley

Many of you have been loyally following this wine, our best selling wine in store history, since we first carried the 2006 vintage (which garnered an award for Wine Enthusiast's top wine of the year in 2007). Well, having just tasted the 2008 vintage, I'm happy to report that this wine continues to over-deliver in the quality to price ratio, or QPR department (please excuse the industry jargon). The '08 Toso leads with an enticing, foresty, blackberry and cherry fruited nose. With a bit of exposure to air, a characteristic whiff of wood smoke emerges, with just a hint of red fruits as well. On the palate, dark cherry, black plum and blueberry fruit flavors dominate the front and mid-palate. There is a smooth, fleshy texture, but with really bright acidity as well - a few fellow co-workers commented on the fact that this wine seems to only gain in value and structure with each vintage. (Joe Manekin, K&L) According to Robert Parker: "The 2008 Malbec received the same oak treatment as the Cabernet. It displays a similar personality with a supple texture, soft, ripe fruit, and a seamless finish. It, too, will provide pleasure over the next 3 years." (08/09) Listed as a Good Value from Wine & Spirits: "Flavors of ripe cranberry and a hint of black pepper fill this round wine. It's light and simple, made for a burger."