Tapiz has been one of our best go-to Argentine producers releasing wave after wave of great Malbecs and Cabernets. The 2015 Malbec is saturated with flavors of roasted coffee, sweet raspberry and smoky spices. It is the consummate wine for classic asado (Argentine mixed grill). Sausages, grilled short ribs and some sweetbreads are on my short list with this sumptuous savory wine.

Let me be up front, I’ve never been a fan of most Argentinian under $20 Malbec, just not my thing, however this wine seemed to break out of that mold for me. The nose has broad, I can’t seem to get out of the music analogy, this wine has a lot of bass notes. On the palate is where I usually get put off by a sweetish, fruit character but this wine doesn’t have that overt sweetness it actually has very good balance. The finish tries to stay more Bordeaux like than new world and mostly succeeds. A good value for the price.

What has really jumped out to me about Malbec is how pretty it can be. My earliest exposures, like almost everyone else, were to the simple, ripe, maybe a little oaky, maybe a touch reduced, with a little spice, everyday bargain Malbec. I know that I have changed since that introduction, but so has Malbec. The varietal is super charming, with bright fruit, floral notes, easy tannins, and just a hint of that spice. This wine is that reminder. Showing dark berry aromas that have an almost violet-like floral lift, it is medium-full bodied, with richness, but it is not heavy. The lifted fruit is balanced with enough tannin and just a hint of earth and spice. Easy but not simple. A great everyday red, with enough oomph to partner with a rich meal but easy enough to sit and enjoy with nothing more than good company.