The Brew Decants at The Ivy RESULTS

What we Drank, in the Order We Drank It

WHAT WE TASTED
1) Bressia Profundo Malbec Blend 2006, Argentina – $38
2) Felino, Vina Cobos Malbec, 2010 Argentina, – $20
3) La Posta 2009 Malbec, Pizzella Family Vineyard, Mendoza, Argentina – $14
4) Ca de Calle Reserva Mendoza Argentina, – $23
5) Cahors Malbec Gouleyant, Georges Vigouroux, France 2009 – $13
6) Clayhouse Vineyard Malbec 2008 Paso Robles California – $ 18
7) Tikal Natural Malbec 2009 Made from Organic Grapes, Mendoza Argentine – $20.
8) Colome’ 2009 Estate Malbec, Vino Tinto de Gran Altura. Valle de Cachaqui, Salta, Argentina – $26
9) Reininger 2006 Malbec. Pepper Bridge Vineyard. Walla Walla Valley – $30

THE TOP THREE PICKS

Our First choice:
(#3) La Posta 2009 Malbec, Pizzella Family Vineyard, Mendoza, Argentina 100% Malbec- Paula and Pablo Pizzella, former physical education instructors, own and work the 25 acre vineyard, adjacent to the family goat farm, in the Uco Valley at an elevation of 3,050 feet. They have been making small production wines. The grapes are hand harvested from 10-year-old vines – all original rootstock.The wine is aged in French oak barrels, of which 80% are second-hand use. At $14 a great buy.

Our Second Choice:
(#8) Colome’ 2009 Estate Malbec, Tino Tinto de Gran Altura. Valle de Cachaqui, Salta, Argentina Among the oldest vineyards in Argentina, it was established in 1831, vines from France descendants of the governor of Salta. Malbec 85%, Cabernet 10%, Tannet 5%, grown at an altitude of 9,000-10,00 feet, slow fermentation at this elevation. A complicated division of primary an secondary fermentation and blending is partially responsible for this wine’s resonance. $26.

Our third choice:
(#4) Ca de Calle Reserva Mendoza Argentina, Malbec 2010. Malbec 70% Tempranillo16% Syrah 12% Petit Verdot 2%. The House of Calle is named to honor Mrs. Elvira Calle, who was instrumental in modernizing the historic winery in Lujan de Cuyo. The grapes are hand picked and the wine is aged separately for 12 months in old and new French and American Barrels. It is blended to taste, before bottling. $23.