Ricardo Santos Malbec 2009

Ricardo Santos is one of those brands that doesn’t do a lot of marketing, and doesn’t do a lot of storytelling.  Which means it’s a brand that we just don’t know much about, other than what the wines tell us.

Last year, we reviewed the 2008 Ricardo Santos malbec and we weren’t blown away by it.  But the 2009 has opened our eyes as to what this producer really has to offer.

The nose of this malbec is lively and interesting, with aromas of black cherry, blueberry, mocha and tobacco.  It’s all very harmonious too, which is important.  The palate is delicious, with juicy plum and black cherry flavors up front, followed by a spicy mid-palate and long finish.  The mouthfeel is nice, and the acidity is just right.

Putting the fancy descriptors aside, the equation that matters here is lively+interesting+harmonious+delicious = a really nice malbec.

Wine: Ricardo Santos
Variety: Malbec
Vintage: 2009
Alcohol: 13.9%
Rating: 90
Price: $19.00

Find Ricardo Santos Malbec with Snooth

Disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.