Finca Domingo, More of that Malbec!

  Today has been like any other day at Greenlake Wines, deliveries, customers and reps.  The only thing about today that is different is that I met the distributor for Vinos Argentinos, John who imports wines for Finca Domingo as well as Domingo Molina which are only two of four labels represented by this winery.  After pouring me a large splash of 2010 Finca Domingo Malbec, John said to me, "Your co-workers are going to be very jealous of you."

  Now, before I write about the nose, palate and finish, you should know that the vineyards the grapes are sourced from a remote small region called Salta in Argentina.  The various vineyards that are represented through out all the wines range from 6,000-over 7,000 feet above sea level which makes this region highly regarded for its' soil and micro climate--a truly special wine.

  Alright, now let's talk about the wine!  This particular Malbec is produced from the Yacochuya vineyards which sit about 6,400 feet above sea level.  Deep dark cherries, dried dates and pepper on the nose make for a fun thrill for the senses.  The color is of black raspberries and there is no seeing through this one, full bodied and robust.  The palate is full of ripe plums, vanilla bean, pepper and silky smooth tannins--a complex wine with out being one you have to think about too deeply.  Loads of peppercorns co-mingle nicely with more vanilla bean and plum flavors on the finish and then John says to me, "Wait about 30 minutes and try it again."  What?!  There's more?  So in 30 minutes, I pick up my glass, swirl it about and I smell dark chocolate nibs and dried herbs!  This wine has evolved into something amazing--more chocolate nibs on the palate with the ever present dark plum notes, vanilla bean and pepper.  Then, the finish is smokey with even more nibs, dried herbs and black peppercorns that linger.

  This wine isn't even in the shop yet, but I truly hope it comes soon--it's delicious!  Come visit myself and the rest of our lovely staff here at Seattle Wine Outlet and Greenlake Wines!


  Ciao!
  Erin


  

Earthy, Herbaceous Cabernet

Image is courtesy of snooth.com

  When I think about Argentina, I think Malbec.  Just as Cab is to Napa, Zin is to Sonoma, Sauvignon Blanc is to New Zealand, Malbec is to Argentina.  Well, they make other lovely single varietals as well.  Just minutes ago I tried this 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon from Domingo Molina and thought, I need to write about this wine!

  Old world style is prominent in this new world wine.  When you swirl your glass, in my case--like an italian, you notice the deep ruby color and the fact that this is a full bodied wine.  Earthy and herbaceous notes pair nicely with subtle dried cherries and balanced oak on the nose.  As I write so often, this is definitely a wine to savor and continue smelling as long as you please.  Bittersweet chocolate and dried herbs on the palate play nicely with velvety tannins that indicate much time bottle aging.  Toasted oak and more of that earthy, bittersweet chocolate continue to fill your mouth with the finish and you may find yourself raising your glass up as if to say, "More?"  This full bodied Cab from Argentina is a true gem and I hope you get a chance to try it while it's still here at Seattle Wine Outlet and Greenlake Wines.

  Before I leave you, I want to give you some of my ideas for pairing food with this wine.  This Cab would pair nicely with an arugula and roasted beet salad, roasted leg of lamb with rosemary, or your favorite dark chocolate!  Come by and see myself and the rest of our lovely staff here at Seattle Wine Outlet and Greenlake Wines and pick up some earthy, herbaceous Domingo Molina Cab!


  Ciao!
  Erin

(I try to list all the images I use and if possible, the photographers who take these lovely photos.  If I have a photo of yours, please let me know and I will be happy to remove it from the blog.  Thank you).