Wine of the Week - 2005 Norton Malbec

Ever since Malbec emigrated to Argentina from pre-phylloxxera 19th century Bordeaux, it has become the dominant grape grown in Argentina. While technically speaking Malbec is still considered one of the classic five varietals in Bordeaux along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot, modern Bordeaux rarely contains Malbec. Although the grape can be quite tannic the Argentinians give it extra hang time, producing a fruitier New World version.

Bodega Norton was founded in 1895. The 2005 Norton Malbec has a fruity, but dry almost cedary nose and tastes like a blend of dried chukar cherries and dried cranberries in a nicely balanced straight up berry martini. Just kidding! It actually does taste of chukar cherries wrapped in velvet with an ever so slightly tangy finish. We saw some 2003 Norton Malbec on the shelf and they also make a reserve wine (about $10).