Terra Rosa

2003 Terra Rosa Malbec ($14) -- Mendoza, Argentina by Laurel Glen. I couldn't find much on production notes except that the wine is from 50 year-old vines and is aged 18 months in oak, but the website does offer a blurb on "Why Malbec". This is Terra Rosa's first Malbec offering although it has been blended into other offerings. It has been awhile since I reviewed a good Malbec.

Laurel Glen is a long-time Sonoma producer of 90-plus-pointers of Cabernet for $50 and the popular "REDS" label for $10. The production notes of the Terra Rosa Cab suggest the juice is shipped to the California winery after fermentation in Argentina, and then aged in oak before bottling but I can't say whether the Malbec is produced the same way.

I immediately liked this wine with its big aromas and full-fruit flavors with a mouthful of soft tannins and a medium finish. Deep dark red colors and the closure is screwcap. Very good and a good value!