Marvelous Malbec

Took a chance with this, although not too much of a chance, as I thought it would be good and blimey was it!

I was lucky to find a few bottles of this in the recent Christmas promotion at Waitrose, when they were offering their £10 Fine Wine deal; the usual price of this is £17.50.

Produced by Bodega Norton, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina, and it accompanied our Steak n Chips, needless to say, the bottle didn’t last long.

Malbec Reserve, Finca Agrelo 2023

Dark, dense, and broody, sums this up perfectly.

Inky dark in the glass, rich and full-bodied, and a hefty enough 14% abv. Full of ripe, brambly fruit, lots of blackcurrant and blackberries, moderate tannins, and a gentle kick of vanillary oak, still with freshness and a certain amount of spice.

Top, top Malbec even at £17.50, but at £10 it was a steal, now I wish I had bought more.

My Rating 8.5/10 Corks

Home Bargains Beer

Perch Rock Hazy Pale Ale

Can’t end without mentioning this beer from Home Bargains and their ‘Love Lane Brewery’, I am really impressed with most of the ‘Love lane’ beers I’ve tasted so far.

Now I’m generally not a big fan of Hazy beers, but this one just hit the spot, easy to drink, very tropical but not over the top like some. If you’re a fan of the Mosaic hops, then this is for you.

There is a malty flavour, but it’s just juicy and refreshing. I can imagine this being perfect on a hot summer's day, and not headbanging at 4.3% abv

Even better when it’s £1.59 a can