Reviewed: 1 September 2012

Rob Lurie and Brad Ross (Redwax) focus on importing wines from Mendoza in Argentina. Specifically, Malbec based wines are the basis of their portfolio.

The wines are notable for possessing quality fruit and for being well made. Whilst not cheap, the wines are worth trying as they offer a departure from shiraz and cabernet, yet possess dense, ripe fruit and modern winemaking. Of the four wines we tried, the Gran Reserve is my pick. Well made, yet deliciously different. The Prestige pips it for quality, but needs years to reach its best.

For stock, try La Vigna in Mt Lawley, De Vine Cellars, Steve’s Fine Wine and Swanbourne Cellars.

Reviewed

Mairena – Malbec/Bonarda – Reserve – 2008 (17.4). Dense fruit on the nose showing licorice and earthy notes, with a spicy lift. The palate has chocolate, mocha, dense fruit, spice and licorice over chewy tannins. There is good texture and length and the finish is rich and warm with a savoury edge.

Carinae – Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon – Brigitte – 2009 (16.8). Different. This is earthy, textured and long, though the fruit characters tend towards cherry and sour plum. Really needs food to bring out its best, but there is good depth and the finish is mouth-watering. The tannins are more textural and the oak adds depth. Fun wine.

Carinae – Malbec – Gran Reserve – 2008 (17.9). Sweet fruit and oak on the nose, this is a very attractive wine. Dense, plush and mouth-filling, the fruit is ripe and well suited to the new oak treatment. The tannins are prodigious, yet fine and really drive the finish. Length is a feature, as is the mouth-feel. The fruit and oak quality are obvious, and the mouth-feel excellent.

Carinae – Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz – Prestige – 2008 (18+). Dense notes of berry, chocolate and cherry. More refined and elegant than the Gran Reserve, with gentle, ripe and subtle fruit on the nose. Long and fine, the palate reflects the quality fruit, though the tannins and acid keep it in check at the moment. A very good wine that shows elegance and class.