La Mascota Malbec 2005

We purchased 2 bottles of the La Mascota Malbec by Bodegas Santa Ana but accidentally picked a 2004 and a 2005. Bodegas Santa Ana has been producing wines for over 100 years in the Mendozza region of Argentina. This turned out to be a great opportunity to try two vintages side-by-side. The 2004, although a year older, was not as intense and tasty as the 2005. The 2005 had a very pleasant blackberry and cherry aroma followed by blackberry and plum tastes with a hint of licorice and spices. The tannins were smooth. This is a full-bodied wine that you could cellar for a few more years. Be sure to decant this prior to serving. It was aged for 15 months in new French oak and American oak barrels. We served these wines with a coconut curry chicken dish and the wines complemented the spices well. Could also go well with grilled meats or even stronger cheeses like my wife's favorite Gruyere. Pass on the 2004.