StateWays is the only magazine exclusively covering the control state system within the beverage alcohol industry, with annual updates from liquor control commissions and alcohol control boards and yearly fiscal reporting from control jurisdictions
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StateWays ■ www.stateways.com ■ January/February 2015 38 (93) Altamira de los Andes, Reserve Malbec 2009 (Argentina). High altitude Malbec sourced from three of the best growing areas in the Uco valley. Aged 18 months in oak, this wine has beautiful violet color in the glass, with intense aromas of cherry and vanilla, with just a hint of dark chocolate. A formidable classic Malbec. ($45) (93) Achaval Ferrer Malbec 2012 (Argentina). Full, bright ruby-red. Porty, yet high-pitched aromas of blackberry, kirsch, blueberry and violet are complicated by balsamic and black olive nuances. Dense, thick and superripe but still with noteworthy clarity to its dark fruit and fresh fi g fl avors. A nutty oak element is leavened by insinuating acidity. Ultimately displays a very attractive sugar/acid balance and fi nishes with good lift. ($31) (93) Vina Cobos Felino Malbec 2012 (Argentina). Felino Malbec carries a deep magenta hue and aromas of dark berries and anise. On the palate, intense, pure fl avors of just-picked raspberries, black plum and graphite unfold in velvety layers. Exotic notes of ginger and white pepper carry through the mid- palate to intermingle with fi rm tannins and notes of cedar on the fi nish. ($21) (92) Vina Solaya Malbec 2013 (Argentina). Dark ruby red, this elegant Malbec has aromas of red currants, blackberries, and plums, with notes of pepper and clove. Flavors of (91) Cruz Alta Malbec (Argentina). A Malbec crafted from three high altitude vineyards in the mountains of Mendoza; inky and concentrated with robust fl avors of black fruit, cigar box, and chocolate; smooth fi nish with good length. ($14) (91) Santa Ana Malbec Reserve (Argentina) - Fragrant with aromas of black cherry and lavender; well balanced between the intensity of the plum and cedar fl avors and the structured, crisp fi nish. ($13) (91) Vistamar Sepia Malbec Reserva (Chile) - A lively, ripe Malbec with bright fl avors of black cherries and hints of espesso bean; spicy tannins and a slightly creamy texture are woven together in a pleasurable fi nish. ($12) (91) Delatour Malbec 2012 (France). Flavor profi le of ripe plums, dark cherry fruit and framed with layers of tobacco, coffee and toasty oak. Great with veal, pork and chicken is brown sauces. ($9) (91) Catena Malbec 2012 (Argentina) This Malbec is rich and silky with bold dark fruit. The fi nish has a hint of leather and dark chocolate with a long, lingering fi nish. This wine defi nitely highlights the varietal beauty of Malbec. ($23) (91) Antucura Malbec 2012 (Argentina). A deft French touch on this Argentinean classic. Extended maceration in stainless steel and minimal oak aging (3 months), produce a rich elegant wine with beautiful color enhanced with fruit fl avors of plums, blackberries, and bright cherries. Very balanced tannins, hints of spice, and a smooth fi nish. ($31) (91) Mapema Malbec 2011 (Argentina). The "Ma" comes from Mariano di Paola, the "pe" comes from the people at the winery, and the "ma" is the magic they create as a team. One hundred percent high-altitude Malbec, aged 12 months in oak. Cherry notes balanced with a hint of peppery spice. Perfect for grilled meats. ($30) (91) Fabre Montmayou Malbec 2012 (Argentina). All estate grown fruit from 50 year old vines in the Cuyo regions produces complex, full black cherries and juicy plums fi ll the mouth with hints of cedar and vanilla on the fi nish. ($15) (92) Salentein Numina 2012 (Argentina). A Bordeaux blend from Argentina's Uco Valley that is 62% Malbec, smooth and elegant with fi ne tannins, complex black fruit notes and a long fi nish that would indicate ageability. ($43) (92) Mascota Vineyards Malbec ROD (Argentina) - A deep, savory Malbec with a core of dark plum and spice box; the fl avors intermingle effortlessly with just the right amount of oak; fi nishes with a pleasurable, silky texture. ($14) (92) Colome Malbec 2012 (Argentina). This is defi nitely the whole milk of Malbec, with some of the highest elevation fruit on the planet, the grapes have a rich concentration of fl avors which show dramatically thru every sip. Savor this Malbec with a grilled steak or simply after dinner by a fi re on a cold winter night. ($28) (92) Layer Cake Malbec 2012 (Argentina). A classic Malbec. Big, brooding, black fruit, then rich earth, truffl es and dark cocoa are at the front. The vineyard is at its core, always evident with the thread of minerality that the deep alluvial cobblestones lend. This wine is so elegant in the mouth with fresh- picked blackberries, hints of chocolate and wisps of smoked bacon. ($17) (92) Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve 2011. Concentrated cassis, peppercorn and blueberry with a touch of mocha on the fi nish. Medium bodied structure can handle a good steak. ($25) Four Stars (91) Nieto Camilla Malbec 2014 (Argentina). This hedonistic style Malbec is fruit forward with attractive notes of ripe red cherries and cola. Full body, with fi rm and polished tannins and a long beautiful fi nish. An excellent paring with burgers, steak and chicken off the grill. ($15) (91) Achaval Ferrer Malbec (Argentina). Big, bold and fl avorful, the kind of wine that made Argentine Malbec so popular. ($30) Rating System ★★★★★ Five Stars (92-100) A top-fl ight wine. Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price/value relationship. ★★★★ Four Stars (86-91) A very good wine and an excellent value. A wine for which customers will keep coming back. ★★★ Three Stars (80-85) An above-average wine, at a reasonable price point, which many customers will enjoy. ★★ Two Stars (70-79) An average wine. ★ One Star (50-69) A below-average wine. WINE SELECTIONS ★ MALBECS