2007 Tamari, Bodega Tamari

Mendoza

Color: Red
Name: Tamari
Vineyard: Bodega Tamari
Type: Malbec
Origin: Mendoza
Year: 2007
Price: $12.00
Rating: 4.9
Pocho's Pick
Review: Huarpe is the language of the indigenous people of the Mendoza region of Argentina and in the Huarpe language, Tamari means “to do everything with passion”. The 2007 Tamari Reserva Malbec produced by Sebastian Ruiz shows his passion for the land and his belief that the more you respect the land, the better fruit it will produce. Comprised of 95% Malbec, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Bonarda the 2007 Reserva comes from vineyards in the Uco Valley of the Mendoza region. (see map) The vineyards are located on hillsides with predominately stony soil allowing for proper drainage. The climate is well balanced between warm daytime temperatures and cool nighttime temperatures all together combining to bring out the finest qualities of the Malbec varietal. Nose – blackberry, oak, celery, black peppercorns and smoke Taste – raspberry, eucalyptus, coffee and black cherry Mouthfeel – smooth with dusty tannins and lots of acidity Finish – dry, medium to long in length and dark fruit and black pepper flavors My first impression after I popped and poured this wine was that it was very one dimensional, mostly blackberry and that was about it. After a half hour of being opened and then on to an hour this wine really started to show its form. The slightly vegetal notes, more of the oak and the black pepper (which was very evident) and the lush dark fruit made for a great sip. Mouthfeel was smooth and firm and a hugely acidic backbone, one of the calling cards of the Malbec grape. Besides its great varietal expression, it as also a great value at between $12 and $16. Being a 2007, it is still young which is probably why it took a bit of time to open up, so if you pick it up now, hold on to it for a bit or decant it before you drink it.
Comments: Bodega Tamari Reserva Malbec 2007 is a wine that all budget conscious wine shoppers should keep an eye out for. It is a big, chewy, concentrated, and quite delicious wine for around 14 bucks a bottle. These days who can pass up deals like that? This is an excellent example of how good the wine being produced in the Mendoza region of Argentina can be, and often at very affordable prices. Malbec is one of the varietals that they do best as it is a thin skinned grape that requires a lot more sun and warmth than a lot of other grapes, making Mendoza a perfect place to grow it. Mendoza Malbecs tend to be softer and less tannic than some of the typically harsher ones requiring more blending that are grown elsewhere. Argentine Malbecs are known for starting off powerful, keeping the pedal to the metal in the middle, and then having a relatively short finish. They also tend to have softer, and while I hate using this word in this context, almost sweet tannic structure that makes them approachable and easy to drink young. They are highly quaffable (snooty wino word for ‘this shit tastes great and I can suck it down like koolaid!’) and extremely food friendly. In fact, when faced with a food that I am not sure what to pair it with, Malbec is one of my favorite choices. It is good with BBQ, pizza, burgers, roasted poultry, grilled beef, lamb and even some fish. It is also one of the few varietals, along with Italian grown Sangiovese, that can be paired well with tomato-based sauces.

The Nillni's Great Wine Tasting Adventure

2007 Tamari, Bodega Tamari