We’re off to France this week. As a trio, we agreed to purchase something blind off the shelves without any thought to region or price. And we are starting off with this budget blast.
Nose: Opens up with a burst of raspberry that diminishes with time. Some spice
and floral notes emerge from underneath that provided much-needed dimension.
Palate: Plum and raspberry lead the charge here, as on the
nose, and there’s a tad bit of minerality following up with subsequent sips. There’s
a bit of astringency and really nothing else here to report.
Finish: Abrupt and dry. There’s some black pepper and mild
red fruit cresting, but its length keeps anything from being memorable or noteworthy.
I wouldn’t put this on any best-of list, nor would I endorse
this if someone asked for an exemplary Malbec from France, but I wouldn’t
refuse or downplay it either. It is simple and serviceable.
$14