2003 Bodegas Norton Malbec

[dananne]

Norton is generally reliable, if a tad boring, but I thought I'd take a flier when I saw this on closeout at $4.99. Dark ruby color, oaky nose, very oaky flavors masking the brambly fruit. Not too much here, IMHO, though probably worth the five-spot. 13.5% alc.

[Innkeeper]

Much prefer Trapiche, Vina Maipu, and Almos; all under $10.

[dananne]

Agree. Also Gascon and Altos los Hormigas are good, as well.

[brappy]

Don't know these.......what country?? .. Argentina??

[Innkeeper]

Yes indeed. Argentina has more or less made Malbec their Vin de Jour. It is hard to find a French Cahors (an appelation that is predominately Malbec) that can compare value for value with what is coming out of Argentina. Even the upscale versions more recently coming from there compete with the very best Cahors (have just heard that, can't afford to make the comparisions myself).

[VouvrayHead]

Never had French Malbec...

Kaiken Ultra Malbec and Bodegas Catena Malbec are 2 fantastic wines around $20.

Catena is the upper-end version of Alamos, I think, which is good but doesn't compare to the premium.

[This message has been edited by VouvrayHead (edited 02-19-2006).]

[Innkeeper]

For around $20 you can get a decent Cahors. You ought to pick one up and run a neck to neck comparison. You can also do the same thing with a Madrian from France and a Tannat from Uruguay. In the latter case the South Americans have a way to go to catch up with the French, but the Argentines have bypassed them at the lower end with Malbec and have at least drawn close or even ahead at the upper end.