Worth a Splurge Wine: Argentine Splendor!

An undeniable treat and this month’s Worth a Splurge Wine is the 2010 Catena Malbec from Argentina.  Retailing for a very reasonable $26, this may be the Malbec that hooks you if you still haven’t become a fan of this varietal.  The Catena Malbec has drawn a considerable amount of attention recently, with the 2009 vintage making the Wine Spectator Top 100 wines list. The 2010 vintage attracted the attention of Wine Advocate, which awarded this South American offering a stout 91 rating.   Folks, this is serious bang for your buck!  I shared a bottle with good friends earlier this week and it paired beautifully with a tender filet mignon topped with a demi glaze sauce.  All four present at the dinner raved about the balance, smoothness and layering of the Catena Malbec. This is definitely a food-friendly wine, like most Malbecs, and it is best served slightly chilled and given a good 30 minutes in the glass to open up and allow the O2 to do its chemistry thing!  Upon opening the bottle, the 2010 Malbec is tight, with strong oak flavors and tannins.  However, as it warms a bit and breathes, the balance of this wine shows through and you are rewarded with dark berries and vanilla, and even just a hint of cherry cola, with a gorgeous, silky finish.  Your humble Wine Bargain Sleuth believes that with careful shopping you might be able to find this sexy South American for closer to $20 than its list price, but this wine will strike you as though it cost 2 to 3 times more.  The 2010 Catena Malbec is an outstanding steakhouse wine, and it has the additional benefit of being a little exotic and about half the price of some mediocre Cab Savs.  Go get a few of these for yourself and your significant other!  The Catena Malbec can stand a few years of aging, but it is delicious now after allowing it to breathe a bit.