$14.95 at Vintages; solid, high-quality natural cork closure. 80% Malbec, with Merlot and Tannat making up the rest.13% alc./vol. Very dark garnet with a crimson hue. Aromatically reticent and strangely thin immediately upon opening; however, it needed a good day's worth in the open bottle to really flesh out and show its stuff, and the Vintages shelf talker does indicate a horizontal bottle icon, which is a cellaring recommendation.
On day two it was showing very well with very subtle blackberry fruit and a hint of licorice. Light on the entry with fine acidity, a light-to-medium body and plenty of broad-ranging, grippy/chalky tannin. Well balanced and fleshy, but also grippy: lots of tannic texture here. Warm, balanced and well structured. Aromatically and flavour-wise, quite a subtle wine. Pleasantly dry and cleansing on the finish.
Indeed, this wine could be put away for a good five or so years, during which some secondary characteristics would likely develop. A really good - and rare - ageable wine for a mere $15.
I hope this is the start of a new trend at Vintages.