2009 Belasco de Baquedano "Llama" Malbec Mendoza

90 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Purple color; spicy black fruit and floral aromas, supple, easygoing, with incipient complexity." (12/10) Having tasted the latest and greatest of a wine that we have simply come to know as "The llama," I was reminded of why it has become a staple in our store over the past few years: great quality for the price as well as consistency (though I must admit, this is my favorite Llama since the 2006 vintage). It was instructive to become re-acquainted with all the factors that make this wine such a consistently good value. Llama consists of 100% Malbec from 100 year old vines grown at over 3,300 feet elevation in the Agrelo sub-zone of Lujan de Cuyo (it is here where the largest concentration of very old malbec vines are located). These vines are original, French massale selections brought over to Argentina yielding a minuscule 1.5 tons per acre, and delivering a terrific, characterful malbec. Bright berry, plum and spicy wood influenced aromas lead to a very well integrated, stylish palate, full of dark fruits and a lovely sense of balance.