Casillero del Diablo Malbec

I enjoy Malbec, but I’m iffy on Argentinian wines in general. There are some great finds out there (Etchart is an excellent example), but I find the range in quality to be a little much. So I was happy to find a Chilean Malbec (from one of my favourite lines too) this weekend.

The Casillero del Diablo Malbec shows a rich purple colour in the glass, with lots of overripe plums on the nose. It was medium-bodied in the mouth, with fewer tannins than I expected. But (unlike some Argentinian examples) it was lush and smooth, with more plums and a hint of dark chocolate in the mouth. The finish was average, but very tasty - and it went great with a sirloin tip roast last night. It’s available at your local MLCC for $11.95 before tax.

Scooped by Uncorked and an Okanagan Meritage

Just as I was putting the finishing touches on some tasting notes (the Dr. L Riesling and the Three Thieves ‘Bandit’ Cabernet Sauvignon), I happened to read this week’s ‘Uncorked’ column in the Winnipeg Free Press. I saw, I read, I enjoyed and I realized that I got scooped.

Gifts for Wine Lovers

As usual, he did a good job, and I have to agree with his notes on both wines (and the yummy Cote du Rhone Villages he reviewed as well). Incidentally, some of his old columns are archived on the same site and are always worth reading. The Free Press has done a very good thing for their wine-loving readership by publishing his weekly column.