2009 Zonte’s Footstep Violet Beauregard Malbec

The nose is striking, different, confusing, the sort with aromas that make you tear through the spice rack trying to identify them. The smells are grassy, dry, piquant, and they proved to be basil, rosemary, and a light powdering of cardamom. On the palate it was very different. The herbal aromas were mere background flavors. Blackberries, blueberries, and eucalyptus, followed by dark chocolate mocha and some cayenne. Tannins were a little harsh and dusty. Overall it is complex and juicy, but disjointed. The disparate parts might get pulled together with a New York strip. Recommended. DH

WHO: Zonte’s Footstep, Violet Beauregard
WHAT: Malbec
WHERE: Langhorne Creek, Australia
WHEN: 2009
HOW MUCH: $17 (media sample)