The 2010 Don Rodolfo Malbec hails from Argentina’s Cafayate Valley where the vines grow at almost 6,000 feet. This is a region that is graced with more than 300 sunny days a year and with a wide temperature swing between day and night. This, combined with irrigation of the region’s rivers, snow runoff from the mountains and underground water layers, make up a unique micro-climate well suited for growing grapes.Torrontes and Malbec are the dominant grapes in the Cafayate Valley.

The Don Rodolfo Malbec is hand-harvested from 100% Malbec grapes from 20 years old vines, with annual production of a whopping 14,000 cases. The Malbec spends 8 months in stainless steel and 2 months in the bottle before being shipped off for distant shores.

The wine has a nice, deep concentrated color. On the nose, there are blackberries, black cherries, a subtle, savory fattiness, and smoky vanilla. A very sweet nose, almost jammy but a shade lighter. On the palate, it is surprisingly light with nice acidity and smooth tannins, with flavors of blackberries, plums, and sandalwood. Most certainly a wine to drink now.

We paired the Don Rodolfo with barbecued steak with a Chimichurri sauce from Trader Joe’s, and potatoes drizzled with Argentinian Olive Oil infused with Oregano from Williams & Sonoma. This proved to be amazing pairing as the spicy steak and Malbec played fantastically off each other. The Don Rodolfo is most definitely a wine that goes well with meat off the grill, more so than being a casual sipper. Put it together with South American flavor, and your sensations are in for a smooth ride.

Special thanks  go out to WineChateau.com for working with us on the tasting of the 2010 Don Rodolfo Malbec, which is currently available at on their site for a steal at $8.97.