2004 Bodega El Portillo, Estate Bottled, Alto Valle de Uco, Finca El Portillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza ($8.99 U.S. at Chambers Street). Alcohol level: 14%.
Intense red hits the eye. Spicy jams on the nose and upfront. Blackberries, cassis, a little mint, and Mendoza dirt cross the palate, with completely smooth tannin. It provided a very nice finish. We think this could be the very best value in an under $10 Cabernet.
We popped one last night with porterhouse steak in Morton rub over charcoal with mesquite chips. Meat was accompanied with roast red potatoes and salad. It was all very nice for a Monday night.
Currently David (at Chambers Street) is out of this one, but it is available on-line and in retailers on both coasts.