This is a very balanced wine with definite aromas and flavours of woodsmoke and blackberry. Medium to long finish.
The Malbec keeps the wine quite dark and I think the Merlot mixed in helps to mellow the wine. This 2008 is great to drink now (2012). I let the bottle breathe for 1-2 hours and the wine did not get NOTICEABLY different as it breathed throughout the night.
Enjoyed this over a special steak dinner- paired nicely.
This is a nice red for a dark - more ornate salad, a red meat and a chocolate or fruit dessert.
dry- easy to drink with food or alone.