2021 Familia Bonfanti Malbec Joven, Mendoza, Argentina

The 2021 Familia Bonfanti Malbec is an immediate attention grabber. In the glass, you’ll discover the tender aromas of tea roses, along with nuances of fresh herbs, tobacco, and sandalwood. An unadulterated expression of Malbec, its three-month sojourn in stainless steel sans oak gifts it with a purity rarely seen. On the palate, sappy red currant and black raspberry, with the signature notes of Malbec coming to the forefront - earthy tobacco, leather, and the warmth of sandalwood. This mix of flavors is underscored by a robust minerality, while the lush bite of a ripe red plum graces the finish. The tannins are gentle, round, and sweet, making it incredibly approachable, especially with a slight chill.

Wine Notes: A deliciously different take on Malbec, one that's all about "young" (or "Joven"), fresh, fruit and juicy goodness.  Bodega Bonfanti is a small, family run operation; Roberto, the grandfather, manages the vineyard; Sebastian, one of his two sons is the winemaker, and Alejandro, the other son, runs the business side. 

This showcases naked Malbec, fermented cool and aged in tank and bottled young to be drunk that way.  You'll find plenty of sappy red current and black raspberry fruit here along with Malbec's signature varietal character: fresh herb, tobacco and sandalwood.  The overall effect is fruity, easy, juicy and refreshing with very light tannins that won't get in the way of a light chill and solo sipping.

Bodega Bonfanti is a third generation family winery located in the Perdriel sub-region of Lujan de Cuyo in Mendoza, Argentina.  The estate dates back to 1915 when the great-grandfather purchased the Malbec vineyard.  In 2005 the family completed the construction of its gravity fed, micro winery located on the property.   The winery owns two small vineyards; one in Perdriel, Lujan de Cuyo, planted to Malbec, and the other in Barrancas, Maipu planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.  Bodega Bonfanti is a small, family run operation; Roberto, the grandfather, manages the vineyard; Sebastian, one of his two sons is the winemaker, and Alejandro, the other son, runs the business side.  They are situated on a beautiful plot with olive trees intermingled in the vineyards and views of the Andes to the west.  Everything is farmed and produced by hand, from harvest to bottling, all on the estate.