More Good News for Your Wallet: Los Cardos Malbec 2007

The '06 was the best wine under 6 bucks, but now the '07 vintage is out and the reviews start pouring in. From longtime wine journalist Richard Kinssies (Seattle Post-Intelligencer):

Malbec, along with zinfandel and often syrah, is a blue-collar grape. It's always a bit edgy, with a good grip of tannins that never let it become too polished or formal. Los Cardos makes a textbook version of this grape with loads of fresh, brambly, black-fruit aromas and flavors that are mingled in with notes of spices and herbs - plus just enough of those tannins to maintain an edge.

And why the terroir of Lujan de Cuyo is the star of Doña Paula wines:

This is especially important in the area of Lujan de Cuyo, which is high above the city at about 3,000 feet (about as high as Snoqualmie Pass) and annually receives about 8 inches of water. Malbec, the country's best red grape, thrives there and Doña Paula sources grapes for its Los Cardos malbec from there.

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He has it listed at $10, but I suspect that you should be able to find for at least under $8. Though I am sure that my favorite wine store in LA will have it for under 6 bucks.

Best wine ever under 6 bucks?

After the financial meltdown (thanks W. for everything!) and the state of the economy right now, many wine drinkers are going crazy looking for bargains. And the Holy Grail is to find wines that cost less than $10 but they seem to be more expensive when you actually drink it. And the best choice far and away (and one that it will never disappoint you) is Doña Paula Malbec Los Cardos Lujan de Cuyo. Two months ago I bought six bottles for $5.99 each. Yes, less than 6 bucks, for a very juicy wine, with blackberry, some quince and plenty of plum.
This wine of great varietal character stands out for its aromatic expression, reflecting the typical characteristics of an Argentine Malbec wine. On the nose it opens with notes of red berries and plum. On the palate the wine is soft and fresh, full-bodied and very delightful.
If you are looking for something different for the turkey this is it... Wine Spectator said of the '06 vintage:

"Juicy, with lots of cherry and red plum fruit layered with a red licorice note. Has a sweet, round finish. 88pts."

and Wine Enthusiast gave it 85pts:

"Big and fruity, and for the most part holds together and exhibits more good qualities than its faults. The flavor profile drives full-bodied black fruit and a finish that cuts out quietly. Not over the top in any way."

Now, look at the ratings since 2001 from WS:

'01 87pts
'02 86pts
'03 87pts
'04 82pts
'05 87pts
'06 88pts
'07 85pts (just released)

If you want to know more about Doña Paula.