2008 BenMarco Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza
($20) Bright ruby-red. Musky, claret-like aromas of currant, briary tobacco and smoke, plus a whiff of sweet butter. Sweet and lush in the mouth, offering considerable early appeal. The briary berry flavors stand up to the ripe, building tannins. I prefer this to the 2007 version.
2008 BenMarco Malbec Mendoza
($20) Bright ruby-red. Black fruits, licorice, pepper and sexy spices on the nose. A sweet, supple midweight with a seamless texture, if not quite as nuanced as the cabernet. In a distinctly easygoing style, finishing with very sweet tannins.
2007 BenMarco Expresivo Mendoza
($33) Bright ruby-red. Currant, plum, mocha, cola and chocolatey oak on the nose, lifted by a whiff of violet. Penetrating and intense, with juicy acidity restraining the wine's sweetness and nicely lifting its medium-bodied flavors of currant, plum, licorice and fresh herbs. The chocolatey oak component carries through on the palate. Finishes with dusty tannins and a bit of acidity yet to be absorbed. (Vine Connections, Sausalito, CA)
