Santa Ana Malbec Reserve 2006

This Argentine red is a decent entry level wine for those unfamiliar with the grape, which was imported before the philoxera disaster in Europe and is consequently grown on old vines. In France Malbec is generally blended and is unmixed only in Cahors and certain areas of Gascony, where it produces distinctive but penetrating wines. The dry climate and high altitude of the foothills of the Andes soften the effect and Argentine Malbecs tend to be fruitier with less assertive tannins. This bottle exhibits a nice blend of oak and dark berries. The price, $9.99, is once again high.