The entry-level 2006 Malbec was sourced from a 78-year-old estate vineyard, aged for 12 months in 40% new French oak, and bottled without fining or filtration. Purple-colored, it exhibits an impressive nose of wood smoke, tobacco, rose petal, blueberry, and black raspberry. This leads to a medium-bodied wine in which notes of cola, coffee, and caramel emerge on the palate. Elegantly styled, with racy flavors, good balance, and a pure finish, it will evolve for 2-3 years but can be enjoyed now. Mendel’s talented winemaker is Roberto de la Mota of Cheval de los Andes fame.Importer: Vine Connections, Sausalito, CA; tel. (415) 332-8466

Highly respected winemaker Roberto de la Mota is a partner in Mendel, and this wine is dark, sultry and stylish. The nose features foresty moss notes on top of big black-fruit aromas, while the palate is expansive, mouthfilling, tannic and correct. Forward stuff, with meaty blackberry and toast flavors backed by a round finish with size and grit. Drink now through 2011.——M.S.(2/1/2009)—— 91