Another week of trying out a batch of Chilean-based Malbecs procured over a period of time. Last week's selections were distinctive from one another, but also highly erratic. There was very minimal overlap from one bottle to the next, which is a plus and minus, depending on your perspective of matters. This week will, by complete coincidence, feature three selections from the Maule Valley. Terroir, as we all know, matters greatly. So I am excited to see if this holds up here. I've probably just jinxed the whole week's worth of writing, but let's find out.
Nose: Red berry and garden herbs. The berries and expand on the second pass and some oak joins in over a few minutes time in the glass. There's a faint overtone of menthol but nothing overpowering or off-putting.
Palate: Arrives as advertised with less assertive oak. Decent texture and approachable. With time the red berry is joined by ripe plum and a trace of mint that turns things a bit sour. It also brings out some minerality.
Finish: Long and thankfully the minty influence develops no further than on the palate. Lightly green and thankfully much improved over the palate.
Herbaceous berry aromas include notes of pyrazines and eucalyptus. This Malbec is lean and tight on a tomatoey palate, while minty, herbal plum and berry flavors are savory in front of a lightly green finish
Perhaps the oscillating tones and jarring shifts are how Chilean Malbecs are supposed to taste. This is definitely an adventure for those looking for something different, but it never really has a finite definition.
$14