Serious Value: Tilia Malbec
I believe Malbec can be too good. I’ve had voluptuous, expensive Malbec and have never enjoyed it as much as I enjoy inexpensive, rustic Malbec. Trapiche Oak Cask at $15 a bottle is one of our house wines.
Move over, Trapiche. Tilia Malbec is fruitier, rounder, and less rustic. On paper, I shouldn’t like it as much as I do. It’s a Malbec for Merlot drinkers. Dark purple. Clean, fruity, unapologetic nose. Bright berries. Fruit-forward palate. Not a lot of tannic structure, not a wine for the ages, but really good.
Tilia is made by Bodegas Esmeralda in Mendoza, Argentina. Bodegas Esmeralda is run by the Cantena family, legendary in the history of Argentine wine. The grapes are grown in sustainable vineyards and the wine is aged in oak (25% new) for nine months.
And it’s only ten bucks. According to the guy working the register at Stop Light Liquors, where a friend of mine found this, it’s “flying off the shelves.” They were down to two bottles today but are getting a new shipment next Tuesday.
Stop Light is at 1342 River Road. If you see it anywhere else around town, let me know.
UPDATE: Tilia Malbec is also available at 4 Flights Wine Boutique in Norton Commons. It’s in stock now; no waiting until Tuesday.
August 21st, 2009 at 3:25 pm
We got it at 4 Flights Tom.