Tag Archives: Argentina

Terrazas de Los Andes ‘Cheval des Andes’ 2015, Mendoza, Argentina

06 Sunday Dec 2020

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The finale to our Virtual Wine Tasting was this stunner. I saved the best for last. It’s a 72/28 blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon that is inky in the glass. On the nose we got black cherry, Damson plum, leather, fruitcake, hay, raisins, smoke and molasses. On the palate it was immediately evident that this wine is powerful, yet subtle. Very smooth with super fine grained tannins that are barely perceptible make for a gorgeous mouthfeel. Plums, fruit cake, black berry cassis and violet. The finish was a medium length affair that was simply delicious, not dry or acidic. A stunning wine that I gave 19 points out of 20. Technically speaking it is worthy of a massive 96 points from me which jibes with the pros. I would not bother pairing this beauty with anything- just drink it with a loved one and appreciate the depth of flavor, the complexity and the balance of this $70 treat. I have to go with 5 stars. Drink till 2025. Salut….

Pulenta Estate Malbec I 2017, Agrelo, Argentina

22 Sunday Nov 2020

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This Malbec was the Wine of the Night (WOTN) for many at the 12th virtual wine tasting. We enjoyed menthol, lilac, raspberry, Damson plum, smoke tar, leather, violets and gravel on the nose. That’s a lot of descriptors. On the palate it is very fruity with just enough tannic grip to give it structure. Plums, dark fruit, licorice and ‘Cognac’ flavors were noted and I felt the wine had a jammy concentration to it. There was a definitive jab of acidity on the decent length finish and the wine had a very pleasing mouthfeel. It was elegant and full of flavor making it the go-to drink after the tasting was over. Well made and worthy of 92 points from me which gets it 5 stars for the $25 price tag. Drink till 2025. Salut….

Rancho Campo Malbec 2019, Mendoza, Argentina

15 Sunday Nov 2020

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I’m cooking Lamb Shanks tonight so a Malbec made sense. This one is semi opaque and a medium shade of purple. Blueberry reduction, smoky wood and black licorice hit the nose. The palate has got a delightful sweet blackberry entrance with plums, anise and a very smooth mouthfeel. I sense raspberry on the mid palate, could that be? More licorice and that red fruit note are dominant with very svelte tannins and a touch of acidity. The finish is refreshing- it has an earthy minerality with some raspberry. The mouthfeel is great if you are looking for an easygoing wine that will not bite with tannins or acidity. Built for the present with tons of fruit, it will drink well till 2023 and gets 88 points from me. 3 stars for this $22 effort. Salut….

Abremundos ‘Octava Alta’ 2014, Uco Valley, Argentina

28 Monday Sep 2020

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This wine was all over the shop with the group at the #9 virtual wine tasting.  Some loved it, others hated.  It’s an 80/20 Malbec/Cab Franc blend from Argentina.  It is a very dark shade of purple in the glass.  The nose is chock full of cigar box, smoke, Port wine, tar and oak.  The fruit finally appears after a big swirl- black cherry and Welch’s Grape juice.  There is a concerning acetone whiff, not a good sign.  On the palate it is very rich and upfront with pepper, bitter chocolate, black plum and violet.  That medicinal/tarry note that I am associating with the acetone is bothering me.  The wine finishes with a touch of tannin and some oak influence.  This is not my fave- I think it may have flaws and only gets 86 points from me.  For $35 it only gets 1 star.  Salut….

Jose Hernandez Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, Uco Valley, Argentina

15 Tuesday Sep 2020

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I recently ordered six different bottles from Naked Wines.  This Mendoza wine is the first of the series.  At $11, I’m not sure what to expect, here goes.

It’s a nice shade of purple and semi opaque in the glass.  I sense dark plums, black currants and spice box on the nose.  The palate is really juicy with a fruit forward approach.  Dark fruits dominate with black cherry as the leader.  There is a really nice tannic component that is not too astringent but gives just the right amount of dryness.   The mid palate is really juicy with a nice rounded acidity and good mouthfeel.  The fruit is very warm and satisfying.  The fruit components are joined by some black tea notes and more spice box.  Cedar shake also comes to mind as I ponder the finish.  It’s decent in length and has the right amount of tannic grip to keep me interested without making my gums wince.  The acidity is very gentle and balanced.. I really like this wine for an everyday drinker and give it 90 points.  At that price it’s worthy of 5 stars and a stock up, drink till 2026.  A blend of Malbec and Cab Sav that I’m pairing with grilled Santa Maria Tri-Tip roast and baked potatoes.  Well done.  Salut….

 

Ascua Rubia Red 2019, Mendoza, Argentina

27 Thursday Aug 2020

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Very deep purple in the glass and totally opaque.  The nose is fresh and offers up black currants, mocha and black cherry.  On the palate it has a juiciness, black fruits galore and medium grained tannins.  The mid palate shows off dark, bold cherry, like a really ripe maraschino.  Black tea components kick in and the wine gets quite dry.  The combo of the acidity on the front end and the tannins on the back make for a nice mouthfeel if you’re into a bit of a rough ride.  I’m liking it and and thinking it would pair very well with some carne asada.  The finish is quite tart from the residual acidity but I still get some decent dark fruit, Christmas pudding and spice box on the very end.  A decent drop that gets 90 points from me.  No pricing info unfortunately.  Drink till 2025.  Salut….

Cameron Hughes Lot 731 Malbec 2018, Mendoza, Argentina

21 Friday Aug 2020

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Very bright purple in the glass.  The nose is fruit forward with blackberries, grilled plum and purple licorice.  On the palate this wine is very tasty…. delicious in an easy-going way.  Blackberry reduction, star anise, ribena and creosote all feature on the opening.  The mid palate gives me some charred oak, blackberry reduction and oolong tea.  The finish is short to medium length- with dry notes of tea leaf, dusty mocha and that blackberry theme that has been consistent from the get-go.  Overall a decent drop that gets 89 points from me as the tannins are present but won’t promote extended cellaring and the acidity is feint at best.  Drink till 2023 with stews, a Lamb Tagine or beef moussaka.  4 stars for this $13 charmer.  Salut….

Durigutti Cabernet Franc 2017, Mendoza, Argentina

08 Friday May 2020

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Bright purple in the glass with long legs.  On the nose it’s somewhat muted, but with a good swirl I am able to coax blackberry, vanilla bean and charred oak.  On the palate it’s very inviting with black fruits, violets, licorice and crisp tannins.  The mid palate is quite tart with sour black cherry and more blackberries.  Towards the finish this wine gets more and more dry.  The teeth and gums are coated with black and Lapsang Souchong teas, astringent yet tasty with a slight smoke note.  It’s a very tasty wine that needs a few years in cellar.  90 points and 4 starts for this $17 Cab France.  Salut….

Durigutti Bonarda 2017, Mendoza, Argentina

06 Wednesday May 2020

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Wow, the color of this Bonarda is spectacular- deep, rich purple, almost opaque, but clear enough to see around the edges.  The nose is blackberry, black currants, oak influence and a rich fruit cake.  The palate is very thick with gobs of fruit and a steely tannic grip. The main profile is more black fruits, some currant preserves, toasty coconut and those tannins that are a feature of this varietal.  My gums are blackened with them and my mouth is puckering, just what I was hoping for when I ordered this wine.  I really wanted to delve into some unique grapes from South America, this one does not disappoint.  The mid-palate continues the massive fruit and tannin wave to a really long, dry finish.  Blackberry jam, charcoal and black tea are all present.  There’s a definitive spiciness to this wine that I am really enjoying.  The tannins are on pointe and the juicy acidity marries up nicely making a very tidy, long lived package.  If you like ’em young and dry, pop one.  I would pair this with braised Lamb Shanks, grilled goat or a big Ribeye.  This is a whopper of a wine and I am going 91 points.  Drink till 2030.  For $18 it’s a great intro to this grape and worth 5 stars.  Salut….

Ruta 22 Malbec 2019, Patagonia, Argentina

26 Thursday Mar 2020

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Semi opaque, medium purple in the glass.  On the nose I get dark plum jam, espresso bean and blackberries.  On the palate it is vibrant with blackberries and orange peel.  The mid palate is juicy, with more black fruits and licorice.  There is just a smidge of tannins which is fine with me, I’m happy to enjoy primal fruits without a cloying astringency.  This fact does however shorten the cellaring capacity to just 5 years in my opinion.  88 points and 3 stars for this $10 quaffer that you can drink til 2025.  Salut….