Finca Flichman Malbec

Wine: Finca Flichman Malbec.

Grape: Malbec

Region: Mendoza, Argentina

Vintage: 2009

Price: $5.99

In the glass: Finca Flichman Malbec is a deeply opaque blackish-red color with a firm, purple core going out into a slightly violet rim definition and medium-high viscosity.

On the nose: There is a classic concentrated Bing cherry liqueur scent at first, then deep notes of crushed black currants, mulberry and sloe fruit. Hints of wood, vanilla bean stalk, chewing tobacco and licorice also are present, and there's an underlying fruity mineral freshness as well.

On the palate: The wine is a big mouthful, expands with concentrated pomegranate juice and comes forward with big fruit extraction, spicy black cherry notes, peppery red fruit, good structure with present, but supple tannins. Its midpalate is a nice balance, showing white pepper, crushed sloe fruit, elderberry juice, herbs and faint hints of wood. The finish is solid with hints of raspberry liqueur and spices.

Odds and ends: Finca Flichman is an old winery, established in 1873 by an immigrant family, but was sold to the giant Portuguese wine producer Sogrape in 1998. One of the gems of this winery is the old malbec vines that produce incredibly dense and concentrated wine, such as this. With a little oak aging, the foundation for our drinking pleasure has been set. Right before the holidays and in tune with the economy, this excellent and easy-drinking malbec wine from Argentina will do the trick in lightening the wine budget in the house. Try it with a good selection of soft rind French cheeses, such as reblochon, Vacheron Mont D'or and Saint-Nectaire that are in season at the moment. Drink it now through 2012 without any issues.

Gil Lempert Schwarz's wine column appears Wednesdays. Write him at P.O. Box 50749, Henderson, NV 89016-0749 or e-mail him at gil@winevegas.com.