Wine from the slightly depressing drug store at the subway stop?  I’ve bought tubes of toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, etc. there as a convenience.  Saw the wines located near the sodas but never stopped to look – for years – until a couple of weeks ago.  Didn’t actually think I’d find anything I hadn’t seen at the wine shops and grocery stores in my neighborhood.  Largely that was true … until I spied this bottle of Argentinian red.

Winemaker:  Bodega Elena de Mendoza
Varietal:  Red Blend
Vintage:  2013
Appellation:  Mendoza, Argentina
Price:  $9.69

Notes:  The bouquet of this pretty dark ruby blend was fairly pungent with what I call barnyard and tangy berries.  Made with 64% Malbec, 20% Syrah and 16% Bonarda, it was medium-bodied with good acidity and light tannins.  Flavors I found included sweet currant and black raspberry, leather, a dash of pepper, an oak note and menthol.  Alcohol was at 13%.   I thought it was a fun wine – perhaps for a relaxing evening of chewing the fat with friends.