2015 Bodega Elena de Mendoza Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina. 87 points, 9 to 13 dollars. This Malbec is rich and well structured with flavors of blackberry, plum, and chocolate. Soft rounded tannins carry from the mid palate through the plush and velvety finish. It has a pleasant nose of blackberry, dark cherry, and a hint of mocha.

👍

I'm going to need to keep a list to carry with me....

Finally something on CBID my wife will like!🙌

And mine. We have travelled to almost every AVA in the western states tasting their wines over many years but have not acquired nearly the knowledge (or maybe the tastes) as Spey.

You had me at bodega

2014 Dona Paula Estate Malbec, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina

Wine Enthusiast review, spot on. 89 points $9 to $14.

High-elevation aromas of blueberry, herbs and bramble are accented by cumin and spiced-plum notes. This displays ample size and grip, while flavors of roasted plum and savory spices are earthy. On the finish, this is oaky and minty tasting.

Spey, how do malbecs hold up to aging?

Quite well. Easily 5 years, often 10 years. The 1st I mentioned 5 years, the second I mentioned 10 years. The second is availible nation wide. I think it is outstanding.

I'll be on the lookout. Thanks!

Try the Wine Enthusiast phone app. Seems to work pretty well and it's free.

Agreed.

Thanks, guys. While I'm not drinking much due to dieting, my intention is to buy a few cases I can lay down and enjoy - mainly big reds but maybe a few ageable sauvignon blancs as well.

2015 Nobilo Icon sauvignon blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand.

A stunning sauvignon blanc. More reserved and eligant than most. A nose of lemon zest and citrus fruit. Flavors of lime, mango, and guava. A great warm weather sipper. Give it a heavy chill due to the acidity level. A very refreshing wine that also works great as a digestive. $12 ish. Will pair nicely with chicken, fish, mollusks, and goat cheese. About 88 points.

Might have to look around for this one. I love most of the wine I've tried from NZ and South Africa. Huge fan of the Savignon blancs from Moulderbosch in South Africa. The owner is a pretty avid cigar smoker and at one point modeled his wine labels to look like cigar bands.

Lovin this Allen!!! Look forward to this becoming a regular thing 🍺


Good on ya's for moving to care for your folks, And Congrats on the new job buddy =d>

Thank you Paul.

2015, Stonefly Chardonay, Russian River Valley, California.

$8, 87 points.

Crisp, clean, and refreshing. Probably done in stainless steel. Lemon and pear on the nose with a hint of minerality. Flavors of lemon, lime, and white peach. Notes of minerality, and acidity. A great seafood Chardonay., also great sipping on its own. Very Chablis like in character. Definitely a bargin.

2014, Chateau Sansonnet, Saint Emilion, Bordeaux, France.

94 points $26.99

Fantastic wine. Classic Saint Emilion. Nose of dark dense berrys, cassis, minerality, and cedar. Tremendous structure, soft elegant tannins, easily 2 minutes of finish. Dense blackberry and black raspberry fruit. Very complex an front, mid and back palate. A serious wine. Will go great with a steak.

That sounds phenomenal.