Drinking Tonight: Panilonco Merlot-Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon

Two more Chileans from Trader Joe’s.  I’m making a spicy steak pizza and thought these would be good pairings.  The blend is 50-50.

Panilonco Merlot-Malbec (2011) Colchagua Valley, Chile, $6.00

Color: very dark purple

Aroma: fruity, with lots of black plum and a hint of cassis.

Taste: pretty standard Merlot profile; the Malbec adds a little bit of spiciness up front and some tannin on the end.  It’s also a little hot; the Merlot might have been picked too early.

Panilonco Cabernet Sauvignon (2011) Colchagua Valley, Chile $6.00

Color: Cabernet red with a slight tinge of ochre on the rim; oak-aged most likely.

Aroma: not very big – some spice, a little bit of cherry fruit.

Taste: cassis and cocoa; the oak is just right for a New World styled wine. On the finish, this has dried fruit and some herbal notes as well.  It’s a little jammy for my tastes, but it has enough acidity for food.

A good selection: neither are world-beaters, but they both have something good to offer, and certainly fit the “value wine” category,