The 2004 Malbec is a pleasant, easy-going, silky-textured wine with ripe black cherry flavors, good balance, and a lacy finish. It is ready to drink.Weinert is a legendary name in Argentina wine circles because their 1977 is recognized as one of the first great Malbecs and received major accolades from Robert Parker. I recently had a chance to taste it again; the wine has stood the test of time very nicely. That said, the current releases of Bodega y Cavas de Weinert are a very long way from that level of quality.Importer: Broadbent Selections, San Francisco, CA; www.broadbent.com

Initial rubbery, latex aromas give way to raisin, wet clay, alfalfa and horse hide. The palate has a nice, healthy feel and flavors of berry, green herbs and red-fruit zest. Shows good grab and mouthfeel on the back palate, with a touch of tomato leaf and herbal essence. More traditional in style than many highly extracted Argentine Malbecs.——M.S.(2/1/2009)—— 87