Seventy percent of the 2005 Malbec “Don David” was aged for 12 months in French and American oak. It is dark ruby/purple in color with aromas of cedar, tobacco, leather, black cherry and blackberry. It has excellent depth, richness, and length. Already offering some complexity, the wine will evolve for several more years and drink well through 2020. Michel Torino was founded in 1892. Located in the Cafayate Valley in northern Argentina, the estate owns 700 hectares of vines, most of it farmed organically. Their offerings include several Best Buys noted at the end of this report.Importer: Frederick Wildman & Sons, New York, NY; www.frederickwildman.com

Smooth and consistent Malbec from Cafayate is what Michel Torino is all about. Don David is a higher-aiming effort, and while it shows a touch of northern Argentina’s herbal, sun-affected characteristics, it’s also a well-balanced, formulaic Malbec that hits all the markers: good color, nice body, friendly tannins and plenty of oak.——M.S.(10/1/2007)—— 88