This was a really good wine.  Full retail is $21, but it sells at numerous outlets for 15 to 20 bucks.  When one talks about Argentina, you start talking about Malbec.  Many Americans have limited exposure to Malbec, and it can be a little rustic when made into a 100% Malbec wine.  One of the things I really like about this wine is that it blends 40% Malbec, 30% Cabernet, and 30% Merlot.  Some purists will argue that the wine caters to American tastes.  I think that's o.k..  It's sort of like eating at an American Chinese or Mexican fast food restaurant.  It gets you introduced to the general flavors of the region in an Americanized way, and once you develop a liking, you can move onto more "authentic" Chinese or Mexican cuisine.  Well, the same thing applies to Malbec.  Try it first in a nice blend, and once you start getting a taste for it, move on to 100% Malbec if you so desire.

The 2003 Norton Privada is a fruit forward wine with plenty of jammy blackberry and cassis, but a healthy dose of sage and underbrush.  Tannins were fairly soft, and the wine is drinking quite well right now.

3.75 stars

Sells for about $17.99 at Carlsbad Wine Merchants, North County Wine Company in San Marcos, and Woodland Hills Wine Company in L.A.

 

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