Saturday, August 28, 2010

Argento Malbec 2008 & Tolaini Valdisanti Toscana 2005

Had this wine during my Malbec phase last year. I got it from the University Wine Store in Cambridge as a recommendation from their very rude wine seller, and made a mental note to never go there again.  At $12 a pop, I thought it wouldn't hurt to give it a try. It was a average-tasting Malbec when I first opened, nothing special. However, the wine does not keep at all. The second day after opening it stunk of rotten meat. It goes without saying that it did not taste all that great either. Nope...not going to go to University Wine Store or consult their wine seller or buy Agento Malbec ever again...

Nose: heady fumes of rotten meat, raisins, berry

Tongue: slightly spicy, offensively acidic, raw, muddy, tastes almost like stomach acid. Medium finish.

Rating: 1.5/5

Price: $12



The 2005 Tolaini Valdisanti was as good as the Argento Malbec was bad. Kuddos to my friend Helen for getting it as a recommendation from a very nice and knowledgeable wine seller downtown.

The Valdisanti is a masterful blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese, and 5% Cabernet Franc from the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany. A red Super Tuscan! I have been wanting to try the Super Tuscan wines everyone is raving about for a while, so I opened the bottle with giddy anticipation. The wine did not disappoint. It smelled like yummy desert and was succulent and full in the mouth (though a tad too tannic).  Goes great with bloody red meats on a cold wintry day. Going down in the books as one of my faves :)

Nose: very aromatic, with notes of vanilla, tiramisu, and cashews. Warm and nutty 

Tongue: rich, bold, and creamy. mouthful of tannins. Flavors of chocolate and coconut.

Rating: 4/5 (a tad on the pricey side)

Price: $23


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