2009 NORTON MALBEC

I bought this at an Airforce base about six months ago. I had a beautiful guest come over for dinner this past week and I wanted her to help me clear out some of my wines in the closet; I hadn't had a Malbec in a while.




Eye- dark garnet


Nose- coffee and ripe berries

Mouth feel- astringent at first, then it softens

Taste- unbalanced, tannins (too young perhaps) come to the front, but quickly give way to tart, earthy, cherries and light fruit. it finishes fairly well.



Decant this wine and pair with a sharp cheese or perhaps a gamey meat.


I definitely enjoyed who was across the table from me more than what was in my glass;) I saw one review score it at 90... I'm not a sommelier but I know when I've found a wine that I won't buy again. On the other hand, I never enjoy a malbec quite like I do my zins and cabs, so perhaps it's a matter of subjectivity.

4/10

2009 ICONOCLAST FASCINATION- MERITAGE RED

Fantastic wine with the cabernet grape adding good tannic layers to the mineral rich cherry jamminess that is overtly expressed from the zinfindel grapes. finishes long; smooth almost sweet ending.



nose- cherry and plum

eye- garnet

mouth feel- balanced with good structure

taste- a dry red that has an almost sweet backbone to it; this'll be a good conversion tool for the white and sweet/ demi sec drinkers. Serve this at your next party and it'll start conversation with it's value and its pairing versitility.

7.5/10!