Don’t know about you, but I’ve been in my pajamas for about a month. Ok, I’ve changed them from time to time but, yeah, it’s been a while since I’ve worn anything without an elastic waist band. And honestly with all the comfort food, Netflix bingeing, and wine ‘researching’, I’m not sure I can go back. Pajamas it is!

My interest in Malbec has been a long time thing. So I wanted to see how they stack up.
Originating in Cahors, France, Malbec’s reputation has been sealed in Argentina. Bright, beautiful, rich essences of black cherry, blackberry, spice, vanilla, plum, and black currant are expressed beautifully in Malbec from Mendoza but what happens when the new kid on the block shows up? That new kid being California. New is a relative term; Argentina Malbec was planted during the 1800’s. In California, Malbec was only considered a stand alone varietal since 1993. Before this time, it was lumped in with ‘other dark reds’. The majority of Malbec is cultivated in California, and primarily to produce Meritage, yet only 0.5% red grape plantings are Malbec, compared to Cabernet Sauv and Zinfandel.
Main growing regions for Malbec in California include Napa, Alexander Valley, and Paso Robles; known for deep, well-drained layers of gravel, sand and silt. Gravity works to pull water away from the vines, forcing vines to go after it. This in turn places stress on the vines, resulting in smaller berries with more intense flavor. Climate is similar to a dry Mediterranean, with sunny, warm, dry days cool evenings. This encourages the grapes to ripen at a slow and even pace. This grape is vulnerable, though, succumbing to many vine ailments such as downy mildew and frost so the higher the planting on the hill, the better.
My search for Malbec from Argentina was easy. My hunt for California Malbec not so much. But I managed to find one on one of my few excursions out. And having just watched the movie ‘Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome’ thought I’d put it to the test.

Two go in…one gets… drunk
Andean Moon v Mendoza Vineyards. C’mon now, that’s hardly fair, a $5.99 wine from Trader Joe’s up against a grand region in Argentina? I dunno… some reviews I’ve read have hailed this wine as a good contender. So let’s put it to the test!
I pulled HubbyDoug and our girl, Andrea, 22, into the challenge. I tried to make it as blind a tasting as I could but had to ‘recuse’ myself because I did kinda sorta know which bottle was which (I’ve been bingeing ‘Billions’ so the word recuse seemed appropriate). In the next room I poured out a bit of each wine into each tasting glass, then brought them back in to the waiting judges. I did this because the bottles had enough difference as to give away their identity, even covered in a burlap bag.

What did the see..swirl…sniff…and sip reveal?
Wine A ~ a clear yet deep dark color, thin legs, a smooth caramel, cranberry, blackberry, dark cherry vibe with a pleasant, velvet mouthfeel ~ much like a Pinot Noir.
Wine B ~ a clear, brighter ruby color in the glass, also thin legs, with a smoked cherry essence; sweetbitter flavors of earthy, raspberry and licorice, making it seem more complex yet some bitter remained on the palate in the finish.
The winner, with a combined score of 7/10 was….. Wine A: Andean Moon! Yes, the little wine for $5.99 held its own!
It’s kind of like what we’re doing by sheltering in place, social distancing, and staying as positive as we can; we’re holding our own.
I hope that you’re all doing ok, and staying safe and well! And if a little wine tasting can help see us through until we can all be together again, that’s a little win for us. Thank you for doing your part to flatten the curve.
I want to send my gratitude to all our front line heroes: nurses, doctors, EMT, first responders, delivery drivers, grocery store employees, all of you are keeping the world going. Glasses are raised for you ~ you are the best!💕
Cheers!🍷

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