Doña Paula Malbec

 

Winery: Doña Paula

Wine: Los Cardos Malbec 2007

Location: Mendoza, Argentina

Purchased: wine.com

Price: $8.79

 

This was the second wine from Doña Paula we tried. For the price point, under $10,  both of the wines were great. They’d make great everyday wines to keep a few bottles in the bottom of the refrigerator. A new winery on the scene, Doña Paula, harvested its first grapes in 1999. A brand of wine within the winery, Los Cardos, was established in 2000-2001. The vineyards for Los Cardos are more than 1,000 meters above sea level and receive constant breezes from the Andes Mountains.

 

Los Cardos means “the Thistles” in Spanish. These are flowers known for their intense and vivid color as well as their sharp thorns. Just as wines from Doña Paula possess deep purple and red hues.  Within the Mendoza province, the flowers presence is an indication of good terroir. Just like these wines, the thistle passes through time keeping its strong presence and unique beauty.

 

Los Cardos is 100% Malbec and presents aromas of cherries, strawberries and mocha. There are slight hints of spice and vanilla. On the palate, this wine is full-bodied with notes of pepper, minerals and mint. The drinker does not taste berries or fruit on the palate with this wine. The Malbec aged for one to two years and is recommended to drink young in order to enjoy the freshness of the aromas.