It is hot and sunny now, but that should not scare you away from enjoying big red wines. Having an outdoor bbq on the patio is a great excuse to open one of these two bottles of Argentinean Malbec. I received these two bottles, which btw, coincide with a selection of great-value Argentine wines that will be featured in BCL store displays throughout the month of August, and there will be a FREE consumer tasting at the 39th and Cambie Signature BCL Liquor Store on Friday, August 18th. The two wines I opened are the Luigi Bosca De Sangre Malbec 2020 and the Bodega Alamos Malbec 2020. The latter wine label is owned by the Catena family from what I can tell. So two very well-regarded and historic (more than 120 years each) in Argentine winemaking. No decanting notes for these wines as I shared them with friends, but as some of you may know, Argentinean Malbec wines tend to evolve quickly in your glass.
My Wine Tasting Notes
Luigi Bosca De Sangre Malbec 2020 (BC $23.99 at Everything Wine)
A wine made under the Luján de Cuyo Designation of Origin’s regulations, using grapes from select plots of vineyards located in Las Compuertas, Vistalba and Agrelo. The wine once fermented is aged for 12 months in oak barrels. The winery states that this wine can age 10 years.
Appearance: A deep, dull ruby colour.
Nose: Medium-intensity aromas with red fruit to start followed by dark fruit with swirling, along with smokiness, cherries and oak aromas.
Palate: Dry, medium body, smooth and a lightly round mouthfeel. Medium acidity and tannins. Dark, ripe raspberries, black cherries, black fruit, and touches of cedar and dark chocolate flavours.
Finish: Medium-plus length with a dry finish.
This wine has quite a nice tannic structure and level of acidity to allow it to age nicely but also would work great with a grilled steak.
Rating: 
Bodega Alamos Malbec 2020 (BC $14.99 on sale at BCL till Sept 2, 2023)
This wine actually is a blend of 90% Malbec and 10% Bonarda. Aged between 6 and 8 months in French oak barrels.
Appearance: Also a deep, dull ruby colour, but a shade lighter than the Luigi Bosca Malbec.
Nose: Medium-minus intensity aromas of juicy berry fruit, capsicum, nutmeg, black plums, some smokiness and oak.
Palate: Dry, medium body, soft and smooth with a lean-ish mouthfeel. Juicy berry fruit flavours, plums, nutmeg and some minerality. A floral component and a touch of vanilla with air.
Finish: Medium-plus length finishing with berry fruit, floral and touches of cedar/oak. Acidity driven to the finish.
The Bonarda adds some juicy berry fruits and acidity to this wine. You can enjoy sipping this wine on its own as it is acidity rather than tannins driving this wine.
Rating:
Where Can I Buy These Wines?
BC Liquor stores carry the Alamos Malbec 2020. Everything Wine carries the Bodega Alamos Malbec 2020.
