Privada 2004, Bodega Norton, Argentina (Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon) $13.99 (down from $21.99)
As Valentine's Day draws near, enophiles all over the land ponder which bottle to serve on the special night. Of course, the dilemma is to select a wine that is voluptuous, mature and yet radiantly youthful; a microcosm of love itself. With this in mind, I suggest the aforementioned Privada 2004 blend. This is as serious a wine as you can find for the price, as the meaty nose of figs and ripe fruit will portend. On the palate, sexy yet sagacious oak notes (toast, vanilla spice) intertwine seamlessly with a silky mouthfeel. Overall, a winner for Valentine's Day, or indeed for any day. As Sir Walter Scott opines, "Good wine needs neither bush nor preface to make it welcome"
