Has a hint of maturity--with cedar and vanilla bean notes--but still has plenty of life, with a solid core of red currant, plum spice and licorice flavors. The rich but stylish finish is in a Bordeaux style. Malbec. Drink now through 2009. 330 cases made.??–JM??Region: Argentina / Mendoza Select to Add

Frenchman Bernard Magrez is building a global brand via high-quality, smartly named wines such as this (La Bienvenida means The Welcoming in Spanish). But the cuteness ends there; this is serious Malbec with maple, leather and coffee aromas in addition to rich berry scents. The palate is integrated and deep, with lively acidity and tannins but enough cuddly fruit to ensure balance. An excellent Argentinean debut for Monsieur Magrez. Imported by Bernard Magrez USA.——M.S.(8/1/2007)—— 92