Don David Malbec Reserve 2012

My local Costco has a large, end of the aisle display of Don David Malbec Reserve 2012. The bottles sport an attached card touting that the wine was rated 91 points by Wine Enthusiast and all this can be had for the low price of $10.99. I read the label, checked the alcohol content (13.9%) and put a bottle in my cart.

The first thing you notice about this wine from Calchaqui Valley, Argentina is the beautiful dark violet color. I did not detect anything special in the nose. Wine Enthusiast noted an intense, lush, layered palate but the wine did not live up to that accolade. I found a good blackberry flavor with a toasty oak, peppery finish. I would have preferred less pepper. The wine improved on the second day and that is always appreciated.

SC Wine Joe rating = 88 points.

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