WTN: 2003 Dolium Malbec Reserva

[Antonio Busalacchi]

The clear winner at a recent summer party of Argentine wines. Dark, chewy, black fruit notes. Keep an eye on this winery. One of the top boutique wineries in South America for two years running, though not all that widespread on the US market, but gaining visibility. Owned by the family of an engineer of Itaian descent who passed away last year. Influenced by Poderi Einaudi of Barolo fame in Dogliani. Approx. $25.

[Gaucho]

The Malbec Reserva in indeed a very interesting wine. Its big brother, the Gran Reserva is also one to watch out for. A bigger and more complex wine, its a cut of the best wine from every outstanding vintage, produced only in select years. The 2000 vintage of the Gran Reserva is basically sold out, but a few bottles of the 2002 are still available. I dont have a reference price for the US retail, but here in Buenos Aires the 2002 is priced at $300 (pesos, all taxes included).