Ben Marco Malbec Mendoza Great Wine for Summer Grilled Meats

Of the three Malbecs we tasted at Magnolia's we thought the Ben Marco was the best. It had the robust, wilder flavors that we love in a Malbec.

Malbecs can have many personalities, depending on the producer and the methods they apply and where the grape is grown. This one from the Mendoza Valley in Argentina is created of Malbec and a little Bonarda from several vineyards Malbec: Agrelo, Alto Agrelo - Luján de Cuyo; Ugarteche - Anchoris; Altamira – San Carlos; Bonarda: El Dique - Rivadavia.

The result is a wine of handsome deep purple color and powerful aromas

of ripe red fruits and roasted coffee beans, toasted woods. I found it very lush and full- bodied. It was very present on the palate. Chewy, currant jam flavors, clear crisp acidity, and savory finish. Images of outdoor Argentinean grilling drifted through my mind.

The vineyard is owned by Pedro Marchevsky. BenMarco means "son of Marcos" in Hebrew. Pedro produces his wines as homage to his father Marcos who taught him how to plant, tend, and love the vineyards. He follows a simple philosophy gained from experience: grow grapes and make wines that are true to their place. Pedro combines this approach with the winemaking skills of Susana Balbo to produce a wines that can only come from this one place: Mendoza.

Critics Rave:

91 Points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, 2010
"Top Wines Under $20"

90 Points, Wine & Spirits, 2011
"An international style of red, this gracefully combines ripe red fruit and the toasty flavors of oak. Impressively balanced, this has a kind of tannic energy that extends the fruit flavor and keeps it fresh through a juicy, lightly spiced finish."

89 Points, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, 2011
"Good bright ruby. Aromatic nose combines blueberry, licorice pastille, violet and sexy oak. Supple, sweet and perfumed on the palate, offering good breadth and finishing with suave tannins. This juicy, persistent wine offers early appeal."

"At the suggested price, it is a steal. The 2007 Malbec contains 10% Bonarda. It received the same oak regimen as the Cabernet. Dark ruby/purple-colored, it exhibits a kinky perfume of black cherry, wild black raspberry, earth notes, and leather. On the palate there is plenty of jammy fruit, bright acidity, excellent balance, and a lengthy finish. While it may well evolve for 1-2 years, it can be enjoyed now. It too is a great value." -Wine Advocate