Carlos Pulenta Vistalba Corte C Malbec Blend 2005

Vistalba Corte C may not be flashy, or possess one of the Top 10 most creatively designed wine labels, but it has a great quality: finesse. In fact, it's truly sensual. The unassuming label and lack of "buzz" about Corte C could have led me to miss this one. Thankfully, sometimes I am attracted to the shy ones. This may be the finest Malbec I've ever enjoyed.

To be fair, I've never been too excited about Malbec. The ones from Argentina, that everyone else seems to rave about, are usually a bit rough around the edges for my palate. Maybe they're too intense, too rustic, or have too much earthiness (unless you're grilling Ostrich). My experience with French Malbec, from Cahors, is limited, but my impression has been along the same lines. Nonetheless, I keep looking for Malbecs that work for me.

Corte C could be mistaken for a beautiful top-notch Bordeaux from an excellent vintage, or an expensive Bordeaux blend from Napa. If you're looking for brawn, power, and a killer punch, in both hands, this isn't your wine. To the power seekers, "finesse" can be a code word for "wimpy". Therefore not everyone is going to "get" this wine. The power of Corte C is all under the hood; it innervates the brain rather than inebriating it. If you're in search of a claret that takes its time to make its point, grab this one.

Vistalba is a label of Carlos Pulenta, who has spared no expense in creating a gravity-fed winery with the majestic Andes as a backdrop. The pictures on the Carlos Pulenta web site make me want to stay there. The setting is ideal. Clearly, Mr. Pulenta has perfectionist tendencies, and a genuine wine aesthetic runs through his veins. He is from a wine family, and in fact, his former job was President and CEO of Salentein. Comparing the two Companies' web sites, I'm not surprised by this. The aesthetics are similar.

Expect a deep dark color in the glass, that gives way to complex aromas of raspberry and blackberry, plus mocha, cedar, and eucalyptus. On the tongue, vanilla kicks in to the mix, giving a creaminess and sweetness to the berry flavors and tannins, and making for a very smooth experience. This is a dry wine, but you might think it is a liqueur; it's that ripe in flavor and silky in texture.

To achieve finesse, it isn't necessary to buy an expensive monster of a first-growth and cellar it for years. Why risk all that money and time? This is certainly one of the finest Malbecs to be seen around Nashville. Although the label doesn't mention it, Corte C is 85% Malbec, with 15% Merlot blended in. Oak aging was in French barrels, but not heavy handed. Maybe that's the secret?

Price: $15 (Nashville). Closure: Real cork. Alcohol content: 14%.

Comments

[Ayala Pavia]

I have to say, the label is what attracted me to this wine. Simple, crisp, and elegant. The is a wine which is not hiding behind a label. It is the presentation of simplicity but elegance which led me to the discovery of the wine.. and what a discovery this was!!!