03 Bodega Norton Privada Estate Reserve

[newsguy]

($15; 14.0%) this bordeaux blend from argentina is 40% malbec, 30% cabernet sauvignon and 30% merlot. medium dark reddish purple. very good nose of earthy dark fruits w/ spice and a touch of vanilla (one year in french oak). big flavors of dark fruits & cherry; slightly tart on finish. medium body, decent acidity and some fine drying tannins. i think this will be at its best in a year or so, then i'd drink up over the following few years. 89 points.