2017 Malbec-Cabernet Franc Talinay Vineyard

When I taste wines from Chile, I expect robustness. This red blend is a grabber, too. The two powerful varietals fight for attention: 69% Malbec with 40% Cabernet Frac. They spar much like the country’s favorite sport Rodeo.

Rodeo competition is year round, where a rider separates a single steel from the herd, which takes place in a crescent-shaped arena. Any competitor can buy a homemade straw hat, a knitted shawl across the shoulders, some stirrups, and a specially bred, low to the ground horse… no ropes, cattle prods, just riding skills.

Taste=3: With the first pour, I said, “What in the world?” It was confusing sorting out Malbec’s Vanilla, Tabaco, chocolate and plum aromas from Cab Franc’s peppery & earthy flavors. I had a momentary tug-of-war. It was a Rodeo with a dozen steers.

Here’s a blend worth chewing. There’s spice, mulberry, dark berries, cocoa along with granite. After that first taste, it settled into a good red wine; very enjoyable. The combo works well pairing it with hearty food dishes.

Looks=3: The color poured a deep purple rather than a dark red. The winemaker put in a real cork, but the bottle is lighter brown. The reverse label gives the buyer Chilean geographic as well as geological information.

Cost=2: Some wine magazines tout this Malbec/Cab Franc as a “Wine of the Year”, which would indicate a good buy.