An everyday red perfect for January
2009 BenMarco Malbec
Regularly $20, but
here now at $14.99 per bottle (25% off)
I'll be the first to admit that a Malbec isn't always my first or even second choice for wine to drink after work. Similar to the popularity explosion that Shiraz or especially Merlot had about eight years ago, 
(until the movie Sideways came out) too many wineries have tried to cash in on the Malbec wave and end up making mass produced, over oaked, candied fruit tasting wine. Blah...not good stuff.
But here is one that somehow stands out in the swath of Malbecs out there that run under $20. BenMarco is made by Susana Balbo (of Crios fame) and is the most balanced (fruit, acidity and tannin are all in harmony) Malbec I've tasted for under $20. 
(Susana discussing her wines)
Susana's BenMarco label started in 1999 when she wanted to craft a line of wines to showcase the ripe fruit expression of her sustainably-farmed Mendoza vineyards. Susana and her husband (vineyard manager) Pedro Marchevsky's philosophy is a simple one: grow great grapes and make wines that are true to their place.
Like many of the wines we like to feature here at West Concord, Susana and Pedro employ minimal chemical intervention during the growing season and through harvest which allows the true fruit character to develop. Combine that with a winemaker who KNOWS how to make delicious wines and the result is BenMarco.
(The Dream Team! Susana and Pedro in the vineyard)
The name BenMarco means "son of Marcos" in Hebrew. Susana and Pedro produce their wines as a homage to Pedro's father, Marcos who taught him how to plant, tend, and love the vineyards.
And it just so happens that the "professional" wine critics enjoy BenMarco as well. The 2009 vintage garnered some great press:
"Blended with 10% Bonarda; spice box, incense, lavender, black cherry; rich, plush palate."
91 Points The Wine Advocate
"An international style of red, this gracefully 
combines ripe red fruit and the toasty flavors of oak. Impressively balanced, this has a kind of tannic energy that extends the fruit flavor and keeps it fresh through a juicy, lightly spiced finish."
90 Points Wine & Spirits
"Good bright ruby. Aromatic nose combines blueberry, licorice pastille, violet and sexy oak. Supple, sweet and perfumed on the palate, offering good breadth and finishing with suave tannins. This juicy, persistent wine offers early appeal."
89 Points Stephen Tanzer
Pair it with a burger!
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