La Remonta Malbec La Consulta 2002 and Ravenswood Vintners Blend Zinfandel, California 2001.
La Remonta Malbec La Consulta 2002. Alberto Antinoni, the well known wine consultant responsible for this plushy red, says 2002 is the best vintage he has seen in Argentina since he first went there in 1995. This is a modern, well-honed Malbec with rich kirsch and black chocolate allure giving way to a gentle, savoury grip. Sumptuous enough to suit spicy beef. From McHughs, Artane & Kilbarrack; Vintry, Rathgar; McCabes, Mount Merrion & Gables, Foxrock; Martha's Vineyard, Rathfarnham; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock; Mill Wine Cellar, Maynooth; Vineyard, Galway, usually €11.95.
Ravenswood Vintners Blend Zinfandel, California 2001. Joel Peterson, the jazz and Zinfandel-besotted founder of Ravenswood, is one of my wine heroes - a man who crafts a whole array of stellar single vineyard Zins besides blending this more everyday version. Let's hope his owners, the giant Constellation group, don't interfere with his genius. In the meantime, it's great to see the price of this benchmark wine coming down by a few euro. Best with sausages or steak. From O'Briens group; McCabes at Vaults, Harcourt St; Mount Merrion & Gables, Foxrock; McHughs, Kilbarrack; Pottery Vine, Dún Laoghaire; Coach House, Gorey; Scallys, Blackrock, Co Cork; selected Next Doors and others, about €13.99.