The 2006 “Fromm Vineyard” Malbec has an incredibly ripe opulent nose, perhaps too much so as it gives the impression of boiled sweets amongst the damson and plum jam aromas. It settles down with time though. The palate is full-bodied with thick chewy tannins, but again it seems just a little over-extracted with some prune notes coming through on the grippy, tannic finish that desperately needs more flesh and definition. This does not quite work for me, but those who like “big” wines will like it more. This was my first visit to Fromm, whose winery is based just outside Blenheim. Winemaker Hatsch Kalberer is a charismatic figure: utterly obsessed with wine and an open-minded view to what constitutes a great one. Importer: Empson, USA Ltd., Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-9099; fax (703) 684-2065