A deep-berried wine with penetrating fruit character and very smooth tannins. In fact, this is such a smooth wine that it almost registers as thick and syrupy. But down deep, at its very core, there’s just enough pulse to make it vital. Still, there’s no denying the blackberry, dark plum and raisiny richness on this Patagonian Malbec. Drink now through 2009. ——M.S.(11/1/2008)—— 89