Malbec
Reserva
Bodega Luigi Bosca 2004
Luján de Cuyo, Argentina
$17
Although the first duty of any Valentine's Day wine is to be red, it must also be seductive, balanced and built to last. Luigi Bosa's Malbec risks outdoing most Penn relationships in all of these desiderata. This wine's concentrated plum/prune and smoky black fruit character is counterpoised with a generous dollop of vanilla oak, and is sure to brighten even the most jaded palate. From 55-year-old vines, Bosca's single-vineyard offering has just enough stuffing to withstand its 18-month aging in new French oak. Try it with aged, tomme-style cheeses, braised meats and most things rustic yet refined. This indulgent number is ideal for Valentine's Day, and you might be tempted to keep it on standby for the anniversary too.
