How long has Argentinian Malbec been a darling of the wine drinking masses? When you have a good thing going well then keep it going! But on occasion when there is “too much of a good thing” selling so well there is overproduction and cutting corners sacrificing quality for profit. Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Lambrusco and Soave may serve as painful examples. What fate awaits Argentinian Malbec?
Until that seminal question is answered we delve into a Wapisa Malbec and golly gee it is not from Mendoza! It is from the Patagonia region. “Wapisa” means whale in indigenous Patagonian.
Aroma: There are wafts of blackberry, blueberry and juicy black cherries with secondary notes of chocolate and licorice. But there is also high alcohol.
Palate: High test and full bodied. Rough edged and aggressive without and soft and sensual characteristics. Chocolate covered blueberries and spice are present with dark brooding cherries. This Blazing Saddle is well structured but requires until 2024 end to settle into its shoes.
Personality: I swing a big bat but need a year or so more in Triple AAA before I become an MLB heavy hitter.
Food Match: Octopus or chicken in Merquén with cilantro Adobo.
Cellarbility: Drink until 2028.
Price: $19.95 CDN.
RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 91/100.jamessuckling.com 95.
(Wapisa 2020 Malbec, Rio Negro, Patagonia, Argentina, Fincas Patagonica, Rio Negro, Patagonia, 14.5%, 750 mL).
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