Continuing on in our search for the best wines for the 4th of July, we head down to Argentina looking for one of the best wines for meat and grilling, Malbec.    What makes Malbec great for the holiday is that it’s super affordable, well structured for fatty meats and just drinking on it’s own, and it’s easy to find.    With that in mind, does Crios Malbec 2014 deliver enough oohs and ahhs to gain a place at your table?

Sight:  A firm amethyst core with magenta edges.

Smell:  Right off the bat, it smacks me in the nose with a wall of blackberries.  The earthiness of the blackberries becomes apparent, adding in elements of chocolate and espresso, complimented with floral notes of violets, smoke, and spices.   The nose is complex, and has a good amount of plums and black cherries as well.

Sip:  The mouthfeel is well rounded, and a touch brighter than might be thought.  There’s a bit of confusion in the mouthfeel, as it’s almost as if someone were trying to hide a piece of wrought iron abstract art in a velvet glove.   That aside, the flavors are brilliant and complex, coming together to vary from soaring blackberries and plums to fresh violets to hints of granite and toasted tobacco, to name a few.

Savor:  The finish is decided a mix of leather tobacco wrapped around a pint of blackberries with a smack of tannins.  While the lead up doesn’t imply this is a wine that craves food, the ending certainly does.

Crios Malbec is feisty wine that far exceeds expectations and value.  The flavors in it are deep, distinctly Malbec, and perfect for grilling or barbecue.  While it has it’s moments with a hot nose and slightly rough nature, the sum of the parts on both the nose and the palate obliterate the issues, leading to an incredibly pleasing experience.  If you love Malbec, or want something fun to enjoy at your 4th of July celebration, than Crios Malbec is a hands down, must buy.

Verdict:  Blackberry, Tobacco, Violets, Spice, Iron Fist – Velvet Glove
Rating: 92
Price: $12
Mendoza, Argentina

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