Kallune Red Blend 2010 (about $18)

About the Wine:  Malbec is so closely associated with Argentina that many people forget that it is one of the Bordeaux varietals.  Argentinian Malbecs are often a bit soft and flabby, so some producers have begun blending other varietals to produce a heartier wine.  This wine is a blend of 48% Malbec, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Merlot.  This can technically be classified as a Bordeaux blend because Cab and merlot are both Bordeaux varietals, though few producers in Bordeaux favor Malbec so heavily..


About THIS Wine:  The center is opaque purple with a violet rim.  The nose is musky with heavy wood notes.  On a first taste the wine was very dry with scattered fruit notes.  It had a disjointed feel.  With some time in the glass the elements began to integrate into something that was a passable interpretation of a Bordeaux, though not nearly as heavy or tannic. 


Drinking This Wine:  This definitely benefitted from decanting.  I had it with oven roasted chicken and it was a great pairing.


Overall Impression:  This is a red Bordeaux blend for someone who wants something lighter, cheaper, and generally easier than traditional Bordeaux.  It is an interesting, food friendly wine that may provide a window into the future of serious Argentine wine making.  It's also pretty tasty.  This wine is a good value.