Phebus Malbec Patagonia Reserva

Wrapping up Patagonia week. There have been pleasant surprises abound up until this point. Here is hoping the trend carries onward. 

Nose: Not on-trend, as one would have it. Saltine cracker, a bit of olive tapenade as it expands. With time there's a trace of black cherry that claws its way through. 

Palate: Things settle down a little bit, but the tannins are quite grippy and the whole thing is thrown off balance by a battle between Tennessee country ham and expired strawberry jam. 

Finish: Medium. The grainy bitterness from the palate sticks around and thankfully there are notes of leather and pipe tobacco to settle things down. 

As you may have noticed, there's no bottle shot with this review. There's a reason for that. I'm a bit annoyed I drew the short straw wrapping up Patagonia week. This won't happen again next time. We're pretty fair around these parts but will also call a spade by its name when threatened.

$17

Phebus Wine