Lagarde Malbec Disappoints at South Point Restaurant

Wine enthusiast finds Argentine red wine served too warm and unbalanced despite promising aromas and flavors.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A wine enthusiast visiting the Argentine restaurant South Point in Los Angeles ordered a glass of Lagarde Malbec, but was disappointed to find the red wine served warm and overly tannic, despite its powerful aroma of blackberry, earth, and spices. The writer wished the wine had been served under better conditions to allow its positive qualities to shine through.

Why it matters

This story highlights the importance of proper wine service, as well as the variability in quality that can exist even for well-regarded wine brands like Lagarde. It also touches on the writer's preference for white wines when dining at this particular restaurant.

The details

The writer usually enjoys Trapiche wines at South Point, but decided to try the Lagarde Malbec this time. However, the wine was served warm, which the writer felt exacerbated its tannic and harsh qualities, despite its appealing aroma and flavor profile. The writer waited nearly an hour hoping the wine would improve, but it did not. The writer noted the Lagarde Malbec was priced higher than typical for the restaurant, at $9 per glass.

  • The writer visited South Point, an Argentine restaurant in Los Angeles, on an unspecified date.

The players

South Point

An Argentine restaurant in Los Angeles where the writer frequently dines and enjoys Trapiche wines.

Lagarde

A winery that produces the Malbec wine the writer ordered and was disappointed with at South Point.

Jones

A dinner guest who accompanied the writer to South Point.

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What they’re saying

“Next time at South Point, I'll make it a white wine. They serve them nice and cold.”

— The writer (nowandzin.com)

The takeaway

This story highlights the importance of proper wine service and storage, as well as the variability in quality that can exist even for well-regarded wine brands. It also suggests that the writer may prefer white wines when dining at this particular restaurant in the future.