i do not find any all encompassing flavor for malbecs. i have also missed the funky, musty, mildewy tastes. have had a few that i thought were not too very good.

now, chilean wines are a different story. the country is inundated in Carmenère. given half an opportunity, one can add water, and make tons of grapes for a miserable, weedy, green wine. back in the 70's and 80's, before canmenere was discovered, most of my acquaintances disliked chilean wines for the same bad taste. we thought it the soil. it still is in a lot of wines, and not mentioned.

i think camenere is also grown in ne italy, sold under some cabernet name, and has the same lousy taste.