Sofenia - Altosur - Malbec - 2003

This was my favorite of the three bottles from December's 3RD. I've never had a Malbec before that was unblended. Amazing. Utterly amazing. Another Argentinian success story. I will definitely have to try more Malbecs because of this as well as the Malbec/Merlot from Falling Star.

A redolent and colorful wine with an excellent smooth flavor. This is one to keep on hand.

Sofenia, Altosur, Malbec, 2003. Estate grown, produced, and bottled by Sofenia S.A., Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina. Imported by Tastings Import Company, Chicago, IL, 60607. www.sophenia.com.ar

Luzon - Jumilla - 2004

A redolent red from Spain. Rich in flavor, a bit stronger than I expected. Definitely worth trying again (I've already procured another bottle). Affordable (sub $10).

Luzon, Jumilla, 2004. Estate bottled by Bodegas Luzon, S.L., Jumilla, España, R.E.-7263-MU. Imported by Cutting Edge Selections, Inc, Fairfax, Ohio.

Penfolds - Kalimna Shiraz - 1998

An utterly enjoyable shiraz. Affordable. Is a blend from their various vineyards, but apparently predominantly from the Kalimna vineyard. When on a stocking-up trip recently, I saw there were a number of different blends, with a different dominant vineyard (Coonawara for example). I haven't tried a different blend yet. This blend was a flavorful smooth treat.

Penfolds, Kalimna Shiraz, South Australia, Bin 28, Vintage 1998. Produced by Penfolds Wines, Penfold Road, Magill, South Australia, Australia, 5072. Imported by Southcorp Wines North America, 60 Garden Court, Suite 220, Monterey, CA, 93940. www.penfolds.com