So as the urge arose once again to try a new Malbec, I went in search of the 2007 Altos Las Hormigas Mendoza Malbec at Gabriel’s Wine and Spirits San Antonio Superstore on Blanco after seeing the wine listed in this Wall Street Journal Tastings Column on Best Wine Values of 2009.

I couldn’t find the 2007, but I did see the 2008 and decided to try a bottle.

And I wasn’t disappointed.

In fact, I remain a little intrigued by this wine. Overall, I thought it was silky, but with enough going on in the structure to keep it interesting. That combo of characteristics fits my palate well. Yet there’s something in the nose of this Malbec from the Mendoza region that I can’t place. Even after enjoying the bottle over the course of a couple days I could never figure out what that something was.

All I know is that I liked it.

Wine: 2008 Altos Las Hormigas Mendoza Malbec
Three Nine Wine Rating: ****~ (4/5)

Wine Price: $11.99 – 5% Gabriel’s cash discount = $11.39