Silky dark plum, muddled mint, chocolate-covered açaí. Crème de cassis, tilled soil, fresh Medjool date. A considerably dense yet still highly energetic parade of blackberry purée, dark cherry, and fudge brownie dances with rich yet lively concentration as wafts of incense, crushed violet, and potpourri enhance aromatics with interesting layers of perfume. Notes of cocoa powder, sugar cookie, and mocha playfully surface to reveal surprisingly restrained bursts of dessert-like decadence further bolstered by pretty spice tones of cinnamon and vanilla. Delicate hints of menthol gently provide clean herbal underpinnings while pleasant impressions of parched earth and iodine expose subtle earthy charm. Impressively plush and textured on the palate while somehow remaining tart, fresh, and even elegant; exhibiting excellent natural extraction within a mouth-filling presentation that feels wonderfully unmanipulated and well made. Medium-plus bodied with thick chewy tannin backed by nicely elevated acidity. This 2020 Mendoza Malbec by Finca De Los Padrillos is an authentic and affordable red from Argentina.

Located in southern South America in the arid high-elevation benchland between the Andes Mountains and South Atlantic Ocean, Mendoza is Argentina's most famous winegrowing zone largely due to its success with Malbec that has helped elevated the region to international fame. This bottling, crafted by Finca De Los Padrillos using Malbec sourced from within Mendoza, proves that wine from Argentina does not need to be expensive to be delicious. This generously spills a range of concentrated yet lithe black fruits complimented by pretty floral tones, mild earthiness, well integrated baking spices, and plenty of Malbec's textbook chocolaty flair. This is extremely approachable and is ready to be enjoyed immediately, although it should hold well if cellared for 3-5 years. Very nice.