Malbec 2015 Centenario, Graffigna, Mendoza

Wine Editor for the Augusta Chronicle recounts "When the Riedel glass company partnered with Graffigna wines to design a Malbec glass, I wanted to try it...I drank the Graffigna Centenario Malbec Reserve 2011 because Graffigna had commissioned the new glass, so it seemed appropriate. I liked the glass, but I loved the wine." Graffigna is a new world winery with old word history. Established in 1870, the family saw the potential of for great winemaking in San Juan, Argentina and left Italy to pursue their dream. Now, the oldest winery in the region, vineyards are located on steep hillsides at extremely high elevations of 2,000-4,000 feet. The unique microclimate is extremely dry with abundant sunshine. But underground streams running off the Andes Mountains provide enough water for the grapes to develop fully. This Centenario bottling is 100% Malbec, 50% of which is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels resulting in a complex and beautifully balanced wine. It shows bold blackberry and dark chocolate notes with hints of spice and minerality. It received a Gold Medal in the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles Wine Competition, a Silver Medal in the International Wine & Spirit Competition and a Bronze in the Decanter World Wine Awards. Always a good value. Drinks superbly now and will over the next 3-5 years.