2005 Luigi Bosca Malbec Lujan de Cuyo D.O.C.

This is the only Malbec from Argentina that I have seen labeled with a D.O.C. (Denominacion de Origen Controlada) classification. Typically you see these types of classifications on European wine labels, especially those from France and Italy, where there are much more strict laws governing winemaking. The D.O.C. of Lujan de Cuyo was established in 1989 with the objective of protecting and regulating the Malbec variety, which is native to the region. A wine labeled with the D.O.C. certification must comply with the strict protocol that begins at the vineyard and finishes once the wine is produced, after getting the go ahead from the Regulating Board. The grapes come from 70 year old vines and sees 14 months in oak barrels. It shows an intense shade of violet with ripe cherry and plum aromas followed by a palate that is spiced with hints of mocha and blackberry summed up by a velvety tannic finish.
$23/750ml

Rating: 9.1 out of 10