Premium Malbec At A Rock Bottom Price

Here's a toast to a buyer's market. Salud! If you are wondering how wine retailers are faring in this market, there is a good story out today that pretty much sums up the whole thing:

A "key factor" helping to keep retail sales steady, he believes, is the fact that "people are going out to dinner less and entertaining more at home." The bottom line is that there's good news for shopkeepers and shoppers alike.

Sales are steady and that's good news for everyone that it is not producing premium wines.

On the supply side, he sees plenty of bargains under $20, especially when it comes to domestic wines. Imports are still at the mercy of the weak dollar.

On the demand side, the economy has created thrifty customers who "are thinking a little bit more about how they spend their dollars - they are doing their homework."
In today's competitive market, "if a wine is over $20 it had better be really good or have a good point score."

Link here.
 
And you know the article is right on the money, when you see a 2008 Achával-Ferrer Malbec for less than U$ 17. Unbelievable price for a high caliber wine like this one, with both WS and WA scoring 91pts.

"South American malbec is a bold grape with easy mass appeal, but often not much depth at a lower price range. This bottle, knocked down to $16.99 from a usual $28, shows just how interesting malbec can be at a slightly higher tier.

...there's also some finesse to go with that ripe machismo, a bouquet of violets, a flicker of anise and spice, and a bright acidity that clicks on the tongue for a long and cheery finish."

 Philly is getting one heck of a deal.