By Harvey Steiman for winespectator.com
Even before Malbec from Argentina was as wildly popular as it is today, I took every chance I got to drink it. The wines I have had consistently deliver plump fruit flavors, supple textures and, when they are really good, overlays of spice, savory notes and, yes, minerality.
These characteristics make Argentina’s Malbecs worthy of consumption with food that has some richness of its own. It’s a no-brainer with steak. But Pascual Toso’s Malbec Mendoza Reserve 2008 delivered the generous fruit flavors and smooth texture that made it perfect with a dish of braised duck livened with a sauce rich with fresh chile peppers. The wine showed layers of berry, plum and currant fruit, plus shades of chocolate and sandalwood. 88 points, non-blind.