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.
If nothing else, I like the label.
Well, that is what caught my eye. lol And then I realized I hadn’t seen a selection from this winery at the other stores.
A diamond in the rough, eh? I’ll look for this at Safeway, Trader Joe’s etc. Thanks!
I love when I find a respectable bottle in a place like that! Unfortunately, I’ve ended up with a lot of wines that have turned… Will keep trying in those less than planned-ahead moments, though!