I like Malbec from Argentina and Chile. For some reason Malbec from South America tends to be smoother, and doesn’t develop the astringent, olive-pit character one sometimes sees in Malbec from California and Cahors.
This one is a bit of a mystery, though. It appears that Bench Press has only previously released three wines, all Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma. And yet here we have a wine from Mendoza Argentina. I was hoping there might be some explanation on the back label, but no such luck. However the wine is obviously from the southern hemisphere since the Casemates sticker is on upside down!
The wine had several days to rest, where I could admire its quite nice label. I did a pop and pour at room (not cellar) temperature.
Good quality. composite cork.
Deep garnet color.
Varietal nose, a bit of garrigue, some mint.
Soft fruit on the palate, mainly blackberry.
Chewy mouthfeel with firm but balanced tannin.
Fairly long finish consisting mostly of tannin.
First impression is that it is straightforward, pleasant, very drinkable.
After a few minutes the nose opens up a bit, adding some complexity, with a hint of burnt wood and then pronounced black cherry aromas.
I knew it wasn’t going to match our planned dinner, so we tried it with two hard cheeses. It was a good match, but not life changing.
On the second day the wine was virtually unchanged.
It’s a smooth, everyday drinker I would describe as a mid-level Argentine Malbec. It offers an excellent balance of fruit, acid, and tannin, without a lot of complexity.
I have a couple of friends who are really into Argentine Malbecs, and I will pick up some of this for them, as I think it’s exactly what they are looking for. Thanks for the opportunity to rat!
Ok…so unofficial lab rat here. I ordered a mystery case of BBQ Reds off Last Bottle for $150 bucks. This is one of the wines that showed up in the case.
I thought…shit, guess I’ll crack it open as an intro/app wine during a delightful evening with another couple over for a build-your-own pizza on the pit-smoker (Traeger) night. Don’t remember much, but this wine disappeared within 20 minutes with everyone asking for more. It was a crowd pleaser, well structured and easy to drink.
I didn’t have additional bottles to uncork that evening…but now I’m seriously contemplating ordering a case.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations).
2020 Bent Press Malbec from Argentina - $110 = 43.13%
Today is June 21st, just got UPS notice it’s being delivered tomorrow, lighting fast service from casemates. As above it say Jul 5 - July 8th. Had me going for a bit, trying to remember what I had coming this week.
This wine has aromas of blueberries, walnuts, and dried herbs on the nose. Medium body with creamy tannins and vivid acidity.
Made from organically grown grapes.
Winemaking: Fermentation in stainless steel tanks at 24-26°C for 14 days.
Oak Aging: 10% of the wine was aged in 500-liter barrels of medium-toasted French oak.
Specs
Vintage: 2020
Grapes: 100% Organic Malbec
Region: Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza. Argentina.
Our Story …began with three Sonoma families coming together with sleeves rolled up and babies in carriers while harvesting to create our first wine at home. Three men were sent to complete one simple task. The task of picking up the wine press. Turning the corner on our way home, we watched wide-eyed as the press hurdled out of the truck and into the intersection of hwy 29 and 121.
In our excitement, no one remembered to strap the press down. This memory, along with our wounded pride and bent press never fails to bring us laughter.
It also reminds us of the lengths we will go to bring the finest wines to our extended family and friends.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WY
2020 Bent Press Malbec from Argentina
4 bottles for $84.99 $21.25/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $144.99 $12.08/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
I like Malbec from Argentina and Chile. For some reason Malbec from South America tends to be smoother, and doesn’t develop the astringent, olive-pit character one sometimes sees in Malbec from California and Cahors.
This one is a bit of a mystery, though. It appears that Bench Press has only previously released three wines, all Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma. And yet here we have a wine from Mendoza Argentina. I was hoping there might be some explanation on the back label, but no such luck. However the wine is obviously from the southern hemisphere since the Casemates sticker is on upside down!
The wine had several days to rest, where I could admire its quite nice label. I did a pop and pour at room (not cellar) temperature.
Good quality. composite cork.
Deep garnet color.
Varietal nose, a bit of garrigue, some mint.
Soft fruit on the palate, mainly blackberry.
Chewy mouthfeel with firm but balanced tannin.
Fairly long finish consisting mostly of tannin.
First impression is that it is straightforward, pleasant, very drinkable.
After a few minutes the nose opens up a bit, adding some complexity, with a hint of burnt wood and then pronounced black cherry aromas.
I knew it wasn’t going to match our planned dinner, so we tried it with two hard cheeses. It was a good match, but not life changing.
On the second day the wine was virtually unchanged.
It’s a smooth, everyday drinker I would describe as a mid-level Argentine Malbec. It offers an excellent balance of fruit, acid, and tannin, without a lot of complexity.
I have a couple of friends who are really into Argentine Malbecs, and I will pick up some of this for them, as I think it’s exactly what they are looking for. Thanks for the opportunity to rat!
@salcorn
awww…chewy,chewy,chewy,chewy
and I love it that way!
Ok…so unofficial lab rat here. I ordered a mystery case of BBQ Reds off Last Bottle for $150 bucks. This is one of the wines that showed up in the case.
I thought…shit, guess I’ll crack it open as an intro/app wine during a delightful evening with another couple over for a build-your-own pizza on the pit-smoker (Traeger) night. Don’t remember much, but this wine disappeared within 20 minutes with everyone asking for more. It was a crowd pleaser, well structured and easy to drink.
I didn’t have additional bottles to uncork that evening…but now I’m seriously contemplating ordering a case.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations).
2020 Bent Press Malbec from Argentina - $110 = 43.13%
Today is June 21st, just got UPS notice it’s being delivered tomorrow, lighting fast service from casemates. As above it say Jul 5 - July 8th. Had me going for a bit, trying to remember what I had coming this week.
2020 Bent Press Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina
90 points ~ JamesSuckling.com
Tasting Notes
Specs
What’s Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not for sale online, $360/case MSRP
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Tuesday, Jul 5 - Friday, Jul 8
2020 Bent Press Malbec from Argentina
4 bottles for $84.99 $21.25/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $144.99 $12.08/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Residual Sugar: 5
g/l?
@rjquillin presumably. That’s a reasonable 0.5% of unfermentables. I can’t imagine it’s 5%!