This week I'm still stuck in the Southern Hemisphere. Not that there aren't plenty of tasty treats from North America, but the smaller wineries aren't as well represented here. Thanks to a new batch of gung-ho distributors, that may soon change. In the meantime, the 2008 Bodegas Norton, Malbec, Reserva from Mendoza, Argentina, is silky and rich, and the nose is yielding and warm. This wine has a certain finesse to it, and while not tannic, the fruit and viscosity make it completely satisfying. Costs about $16.
-- Michael McVittie reviews wines available locally
Michael McVittie