What is it about age that makes us feel uncomfortable? Too old. Too young. Acting too old for one so young. Acting too young for one so old. The hot topic in the general press of course concerns a society that increasingly measures a person’s worth by their youth, or lack of it, which shouldn’t be much of an issue unless you’re a BBC TV presenter. Guess it’s lucky that I’m not. Guess I’m also lucky that for now anyway aging doesn’t bother me, for some reason I’m just enjoying the journey of getting older. But many of my friends are not, and judging by some wines I’ve tasted recently neither is the wine trade.
At a tasting the other day of 50 top Argentine wines I was seriously surprised at just how many were on show that were so young they’d not so much as set eyes on a training bra. Nine of the thirty reds I tasted were so tannic they sucked the saliva from my mouth to such a degree it was like getting out of the car in Death Valley and feeling the moisture evaporate from my eyes (if you’re planning a visit that’s the reason the road signs tell you to stay in your car!)
So why show so many wines that are so young they’d be ID’d at the till? In a time when everyone is obsessed with youth we must stay in touch with reality; everyone gets old, everyone needs a job (whether it’s on TV or not) and if we’re honest…. everyone that reads this site drinks the bottle they just bought on their way home within 24 hours of buying it.
So here are some wines worth drinking now (unless you’re under 18 of course, in which case you’re too young ; )
Chakana Estate Selection Malbec 2009, £18.00 from John E Fells & Son
Melt in your mouth milk chocolate, smooth and fresh, red wine goodness. A treat at the price but one that will make you want to get home so quick it will make you feel young again. Yes, in that way….
Walter Bressia Conjuro 2006, £29.95 from Boutinot
At nearly 6 years old this is a wine that’s reached maturity and has enough self assurance to drink beautifully for a while yet. A blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from Mendoza it’s a mouthful of raisins, rhubarb, raspberries, and smokey, smooth chunkiness.
