2020 Mendel Malbec – Young with Old Characteristics
As is custom, a few times a month I select a wine other than from California. Went to the cellar before dinner and grabbed one of my favorite Malbec’s from Argentina from the famous 3,000-foot elevation Uco Valley, in Mendoza wine region Argentina. This was extremely young 2020 and had not tasted it prior to tonight but have tasted older vintages.
The Wine -2020 Mendel Malbec
This wine is full bodied on the eyes with dark royal purple coloration. It has on the nose aromatic floral violets are also present.
On the palate almost overpowering black and dark red fruits come to the forefront with tobacco, French oak, chocolate, black licorice and fresh leather. On the finish a smoky almost open fire flavor resides in the mouth along with sharp and defined tannins. Subtle vanilla and caramel sneaks in to round out the finish. Great structure, depth and enjoyment. The wine provides an “old world sense of being” from the Uco Valley. Average price is roughly $23 to 25/bottle. This wine typically gets between 93 to 96 points year after year. James Suckling rated this 93 points.
The Food and Wine Pairing
An Argentinian Malbec was suggested from various sites for the meal this evening. The meal was a Mongolian Beef recipe. Ingredients included Coulotte steak, cornstarch, canola oil, minced garlic cloves, soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, water, red pepper flakes, black pepper and green onions cut in 2-inch pieces. The wine paired terrifically like two old friends shaking hands, firm and with warmth and understanding of each other’s personalities. Other possible wines included Zinfandel, Grenache and Riesling but this hit the bullseye! Long grain rice, broccoli and a fresh garden salad accompanied the dish for a complete meal.
If you like Malbec, this is surely one to have in your cellar.
Sláinte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 