DIVUS WINERY | Malbec | Rezerva | 2018
malbec
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Today we are going to review a single-vineyard malbec wine from Moldova, that comes from the relatively cool, Codru IGP wine region of Moldova – Malbec Rezerva 2018 by Divus Winery. Known for its plump, dark fruit flavors and smoky finish, malbec wines have been adored for centuries, especially by the royal houses of England and Russia. With elegant notes of blueberry, plum, tobacco and hints of violets, modern malbec offers a great alternative to its higher priced siblings: merlot, cabernet sauvignon or syrah. Although the malbec variety originated in the famous Cahors region of France, Argentina proved that there’s more to malbec than just value, as it can offer an unmatched complexity and elegance, if produced in an expressive new-world style, with a nuanced and juicy, fruit-forward character. In order to soften the tannins and gain a layer of extra complexity, this wine has been aged for 20 months in french oak barrels. That said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:
//Visual
color: medium-deep ruby color
clarity: hazy garnet shades on the rim
//Olfactory
intensity: rich & spicy
fruit character: ripe & dehydrated
The first impression on the nose offers a captivating interplay of ripe and dried black fruit aromas. Notes of black cherries, dark plums and blackberries takes center stage, slowly giving way to hints of roasted oakwood and charred wood, complemented by a touch of sweet spice like nutmeg, cloves and tonka seeds. In the background, subtle earthy undertones emerge, reminiscent of black soil, dust and pencil lead, further enriching the wine’ aromatic profile, thus adding an extra layer of sophistication.
//Palate
sweetness: bone-dry | acidity: medium+ | alcohol: high | tannin: high | balance: fair
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: bitter-seedy
The palate mirrors the nose with an initial burst of ripe and dried black fruit flavors, reminiscent of plums and blackberries, but quickly gives way to some noticeable bitterness and astringency. The fruit lacks vibrancy, and the oak influence comes across as slightly disjointed. The tannins are grippy and rather aggressive, while the acidity falls flat, failing to provide the necessary lift. A prominent alcoholic warmth overshadows the other elements on the palate, further accentuated by a lingering, bitter-seedy aftertaste.
//Verdict
maturity: almost there | drink now or in the next 2 years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential
All in all, this is a quite muscular and astringent malbec wine that feels slightly rough and angular, lacking suppleness and harmony on the palate. While the fruit flavors are ripe and expressive, they are lacking vibrancy and are overshadowed by the alcoholic heat and the bitterness of the aftertaste. The nuanced seedy tannins and lackluster acidity create a muscular and firm mouthfeel that feels unbalanced, while the prominent alcoholic warmth further disrupts the harmony, leaving a lingering bitter-seedy aftertaste. Overall, this malbec wine is lacking that juicy fruit character and elegance typically expected from this grape variety.
//Scoring
DIVUS WINERY | Malbec | Rezerva | 2018
variety: malbec
country: Moldova
region: Codru
rating: 92.1
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This is definitely a fine wine of Moldova and, with a total of 92.1 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.
Pairing: Due to the wine’s prominent tannins and angular character, it would be best to avoid delicate dishes. Consider bold and flavorful pairings that can stand up to the wine’s muscular structure, like for example slow braised lamb shank. The slow-cooked nature of the lamb will help soften the tannins, while the savory sauce will complement the fruit character of the wine. Spicy dishes can also work well, as the heat can help balance the alcohol warmth. Grilled sausages with a spicy chorizo or merguez blend would be an interesting pairing. This pairing would allow the wine’s fruit notes to shine through, while the spice would add an additional layer of complexity. Cheers!
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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.
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By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
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WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a monthly donation so that we can review even more wines.
WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a yearly donation so that we can review even more wines.
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