Last night's bottle - Maipe 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon

Every time I go to the wine store with the intention on buying something specific, I walk out with an entirely different bottle.  I'm still reading Unquenchable which has continued to give me new ideas. Last night's goal was to roll home with an Argentinian Malbec. Swing & a miss...I came home with Cabernet.

It's been awhile but it would make sense that I've preached the goodness of S.American wines based on cost alone.  And after sampling more than just a few bottles, the quality is never really lacking.  It's safe to say that I am always pleasantly surprised.  I'm not sure when the surprise will wear off and I'll simply accept that S.America churns out some damn good wine.

From the bottle:
Produced in a sub region of Mendoza, Argentina,  Luján de Cuyo, by the Pelizzatti family, Maipe wines are committed to making excellent wines and strive themselves on quality. The region in which their grapes are grown is located 3,000 feet above sea level in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. The region is very cool in climate and ideal for the grapes they grow. They have 32 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon and are situated on deep and textured soil. The name Maipe originates from the "Lord of the Winds" by ancient Andean people. Their Cabernet Sauvignon is grown on 35 year old vines and is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is aged for 3 months in 10% aged American oak before being bottled.

My notes:
The coloring was most impressive.  Deep red with an amber hue.  The bouquet ripe with floral notes & a soft metallic feel.  Smooth at first with a subtle edginess.  A well balanced contrast.

The flavor is reminiscent of a blonde oak that is smooth yet not overly pronounced. The metallic properties carry through the palate as well.  There is a rich caramel-like sweetness that mixes flawlessly with a spiciness. It's a somewhat unlikely combination that I felt blended really well with one another.

The wine wasn't deep with flavor, but I like that.  It's a fine line when all the different notes jump out at you and compliment rather than compete with one another.  The more I drink I find the more difficult is is to achieve such a goal. 

This was a decent bottle of wine.  For $9, I would try it again.  Not necessarily something I'll keep in the regular rotation, but worth another purchase should the opportunity present itself.

And with that, I leave you.

Until next time...

Cheers,
ES

*I did not take this picture and those are not my fake flowers.