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South American Wines
An Introduction to the Wines of South America for Visitors to Peru
Wines from Argentina: Introduction / Regions / Notable Producers / Reviews
Reviews
Wine Spectator Top Wines from Argentina:
Classic Wines: 96 points / 95 points / 94 points
Outstanding Wines: 93 points / 92 points / 91 points / 90 points
Very Good Wines: 89 points
89 Points
Alamos Malbec Mendoza Selección 2006 89 $15
Nice vivid purple and blue fruit flavors run through this red, with
creamy-textured mocha, spice cake and licorice notes and a lively, fruit-filled
finish. Drink now. 8,000 cases imported. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Oct 31, 2007
Aleph Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2002 89 $20
High-toned berry, vanilla and floral notes are followed by red and black cherry
and red currant fruit, with elegant toast and mineral notes as well. Gains flesh
and length as it opens, with nice sweet fruit through the finish. Drink now
through 2006. 750 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Sep 15, 2004
Aleph Malbec Mendoza 2002 89 $20
Very bright, with juicy raspberry, boysenberry and fig flavors. Lots of sweet
spice and toast as well, with a long, plush finish. Drink now through 2007. 700
cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Sep 15, 2004
Aleph Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2003 89 $22
Ripe and brawny, with black currant, fig, coffee and toast flavors that run
through a briary finish while juicy acidity keeps it going. Drink now through
2006. 1,100 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Oct 15, 2005
Altos de Medrano Malbec Mendoza Viña Hormigas Reserva 1999 89
$26
Gutsy red. Crammed with concentrated plum, blackberry, smoke and briar notes.
Shows the chewy and firm backbone typical for this grape, but it's ripe and
sweet and should unfold nicely with short-term cellaring. Drink now through
2001. 2,400 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 15, 2000
Andeluna Malbec Mendoza Reserve 2003 89 $23
Polished style, with raspberry and boysenberry fruit layered with mocha and
cocoa notes. Rich finish. Drink now through 2008. 940 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
May 15, 2006
Andeluna Malbec Mendoza Winemaker's Selection 2004 89 $13
Powerfully ripe, with raspberry and boysenberry fruit pumping from start to
finish, all stitched with mineral, spice and briar notes that add freshness to
the finish. Drink now through 2007. 3,278 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 30, 2006
Andeluna Malbec Tupungato Reserve 2004 89 $23
Very polished, with mocha and espresso notes leading the way for plum sauce,
raspberry and blackberry notes. Has a long, well-rounded finish. For fans of the
forward, modern style. Drink now through 2008. 1,150 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 30, 2007
Andeluna Malbec Mendoza Limited Reserve 2004 89 $50
A toasty, concentrated style, with thickly layered cocoa, currant paste and warm
fig bread, all backed by a healthy dose of cocoa and dark licorice. A loamy edge
checks in on the thick finish. Drink now through 2010. 667 cases made. –JM
Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Oct 15, 2008
Bodegas Atamisque Chardonnay Tupungato Catalpa 2007 89 $17
Rich, but bright and fresh, with floral and white peach notes leading the way
for yellow apple and pear flavors. The lengthy, stylish finish has
well-integrated toast. Drink now. 4,000 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Web Only - 2009
Valentín Bianchi Cabernet Sauvignon San Rafael 1999 89 $14
Winey, like a Cab should be, with black currant and cassis fruit, and sweet
smoke and spice notes coming in on the focused finish. Well done. Drink now
through 2004. 3,600 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Jun 30, 2002
Valentín Bianchi Malbec San Rafael Particular 2004 89 $30
Polished and sleek, with mocha and spice cake flavors stitched into the dark
plum, blackberry and currant fruit. Ripe, but fresh and balanced on the finish.
Contains five percent Syrah. Drink now through 2008. 800 cases made. –JM
Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
May 15, 2007
Valentín Bianchi Malbec San Rafael Famiglia 2005 89 $18
Has a nice creamy texture, with alluring raspberry, fig, mocha and spice flavors
that pump through the rich, velvety finish. Drink now through 2008. 8,000 cases
made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Jun 30, 2007
Wine Vintage Score
Release Price
Valentín Bianchi Malbec San Rafael Famiglia 2006 89 $18
Focused and pure, with good concentration and balance to the red currant,
raspberry and plum fruit, which is layered with hints of shaved vanilla and
mocha on the finish. Drink now through 2009. 8,000 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Jun 30, 2008
Valentín Bianchi Cabernet Sauvignon San Rafael Particular
2003 89 $30
A ripe, polished, modern style, with lush raspberry and blackberry fruit layered
with a suave cocoa note. Sweet, fleshy finish. Drink now through 2006. 800 cases
made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Jun 30, 2005
Bodega Luigi Bosca Malbec Luján de Cuyo Reserva 2002 89 $17
Ripe, almost flashy, with raspberry and boysenberry fruit that runs along
vanilla, graphite and tar flavors. Dark, loamy finish is a touch firm, but
plenty of fruit here. Drink now through 2007. 8,335 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 15, 2005
Bodega Luigi Bosca Malbec Mendoza Reserva 2004 89 $18
Solidly built, with ample structure supporting blackberry, plum and mocha notes,
with spice, floral and licorice hints on the finish. Drink now through 2008.
57,000 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Jun 15, 2007
Bodega Luigi Bosca Pinot Noir Maipú Reserva 2005 89 $18
Plush and round, with an enticing layer of cocoa and dark spice notes leading
the way for ripe black cherry and currant fruit. Has plenty of toast, but the
long, smoky finish has a nice, buried minerality. Drink now through 2008. 7,500
cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 30, 2007
Bodega Luigi Bosca Icono Luján de Cuyo 2005 89 $150
Heavily toasted, with bittersweet cocoa and bacony notes leading the way for
dark currant, plum sauce, loam and coffee flavors. Thickly textured and
muscular, but this manages to maintain some freshness, with a briary edge
checking in on the finish. Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2009 through
2012. 370 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Oct 31, 2008
Bodegas Caro Amancaya Mendoza 2005 89 $20
Focused, and very Bordeaux-like, with cedar, currant, fig and coffee notes
framed by tobacco and cedar hints. Solid length. Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Drink now through 2008. 3,500 cases imported. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 30, 2006
Bodegas Caro Amancaya Mendoza 2006 89 $19
Has the vivid raspberry and boysenberry fruit of Malbec, along with the
fine-grained tannins and nice framing notes of cedar, coffee and loam that come
from Cabernet Suvignon. The finish is long and focused. Drink now through 2008.
7,000 cases imported. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 30, 2007
Familia Cassone Malbec Luján de Cuyo Obra Prima Reserva 2005
89 $24
Polished and forward, with juicy red and black cherry fruit backed by sweet
toast and a round, plummy finish. Fleshy and tasty. Drink now through 2009.
5,500 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Jun 30, 2008
Bodega Catena Zapata Malbec Mendoza Alamos 2002 89 $11
Ripe, lip-smacking acidity helps keep the plum, blackberry and boysenberry fruit
bouncing along here, with tasty mocha and spice notes as well. Subtle toast, so
the fruit really shines. A delicious, forward style with textbook flavors. Drink
now through 2005. 54,285 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Feb 29, 2004
Bodega Catena Zapata Chardonnay Mendoza 2003 89 $18
Quite juicy, with nicely defined pear, fig, dried pineapple and honeysuckle
notes that shine thanks to modest toast. Lively finish lets the fruit take an
encore. Drink now through 2005. 29,000 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 15, 2004
Bodega Catena Zapata Chardonnay Mendoza 2006 89 $18
Bright, with tasty fig, pear and hazelnut notes. There's ample toast, but also
fresh acidity, keeping the finish elegant and lively. Drink now. 29,000 cases
imported. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 30, 2007
Cheval des Andes Mendoza 2004 89 $75
Concentrated, with good grip to the sage, ganache, fig, plum sauce and black
licorice flavors that rumble through the dark, loamy finish. Solid, if a bit
heavy in style. Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Drink now through
2010. 1,000 cases imported. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
May 15, 2008
Clos de los Siete Mendoza 2005 89 $16
Flashy, with lots of mocha and cocoa notes leading the way for the very ripe
plum, boysenberry and fig flavors. A slight but firm twinge of toast on the
finish, but plenty of flesh. Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Drink
now through 2007. 50,000 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 30, 2006
Viña Cobos Malbec Mendoza Bramare 1999 89 $30
Yummy, ripe blackberry and chocolate flavors along with some lush toast and
spice notes. Solid grip from start to finish, despite the modern polish. Very
solid. Second wine of Viña Cobos, from Paul Hobbs and the Marchiori family.
Drink now through 2004. 980 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
May 15, 2002
Viña Cobos Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza Bramare Marchiori
Vineyard 2003 89 $70
Juicy with dark currant, fig and briar flavors followed by a muscular, smoky
finish. Solid concentration and length. Drink now through 2008. 490 cases made.
–JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Dec 31, 2005
Viña Cobos Chardonnay Mendoza Bramare Marchiori Vineyard 2004
89 $60
Big, bold style, with dried pineapple, hazelnut, pear tartine and toast flavors.
Long creamy finish gives another wave of lush fruit. A real crowd-pleaser. Drink
now. 473 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Dec 15, 2005
Viña Cobos Malbec Mendoza El Felino 2004 89 $25
Lush and ripe, with lots of blackberry and boysenberry fruit gliding along suave
mocha and spice notes. Creamy finish. Drink now through 2007. 7,380 cases made.
–JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Dec 15, 2005
Viña Cobos Merlot Mendoza LaGarto 2005 89 $17
Rich, with freshly crushed plum and blackberry fruit, layered nicely with sweet
toast, vanilla and mineral hints. Drink now. 2,700 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
May 15, 2007
Viña Cobos Cabernet Sauvignon Luján de Cuyo Bramare 2005 89
$30
Very toasty, with plush mocha and cocoa bean notes leading the way for currant
paste, fig and licorice flavors. Long, coffee-tinged finish. Drink now through
2009. 1,151 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Jun 15, 2008
Viña Cobos Malbec Mendoza El Felino 2006 89 $18
Really juicy, with a dark, ripe core of black currant, fig and plum fruit
flavors layered with warm chocolate ganache and espresso. Has a sweet, caressing
texture on the lengthy finish. Drink now through 2010. 4,748 cases made. –JM
Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Jun 30, 2008
Bodega Colomé Amalaya Calchaquí Valley 2005 89 $NA
Fleshy and very ripe, with dark fig, plum sauce, toast and incense notes that
run through the enticing finish. For the hedonist crowd. Malbec, Cabernet
Sauvignon, Tannat and Bonarda. Not imported into the U.S. Drink now through
2009. 7,500 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Salta Issue Date:
Web Only - 2008
Bodega del Desierto Chardonnay Alto Valle del Rio Colorado
25/5 2005 89 $15
Shows nice pear, hazelnut and pineapple notes, yet stays bright and lively,
rather than turning overly buttery on the finish. Nicely done. Drink now. 1,900
cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
La Pampa Issue Date:
May 15, 2007
Bodega del Desierto Cabernet Franc Alto Valle del Rio
Colorado 25/5 2005 89 $15
Ripe, with solid varietal character�black cherry, tobacco, black olive and
mineral�allied to fleshy, focused tannins. Has nice length. Drink now through
2009. 2,300 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
La Pampa Issue Date:
Sep 30, 2008
Bodega del Desierto Syrah Alto Valle del Rio Colorado 25/5
2005 89 $15
On the beefy side, with thick but juicy dark currant, bittersweet cocoa, plum
sauce and licorice notes. Fleshy finish. Should ease up nicely with moderate
cellaring. Drink now through 2009. 2,000 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
La Pampa Issue Date:
Sep 30, 2008
Bodega del Desierto Cabernet Sauvignon Alto Valle del Rio
Colorado 25/5 2005 89 $15
A racy style, with lots of graphite and licorice notes leading the way for a mix
of red and black fruit. Sweet spice chimes in on the finish. Tasty. Should flesh
out with modest cellaring too. Drink now through 2009. 750 cases made. –JM
Country:
Argentina Region:
La Pampa Issue Date:
Aug 31, 2008
Finca Las Divas Riglos Gran Corte Mendoza 2005 89 $52
Very ripe, with a great beam of dark raspberry, currant, licorice and sweet
spice notes. Long and fleshy through the powerful finish, with just a slight
raisined hint. Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2010. 725 cases
made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Web Only - 2008
Finca Las Divas Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza Riglos Gran 2006
89 $60
A solid Cabernet, with good muscle, but not overwhelming weight to the currant,
plum, roasted vanilla and cedar notes that all linger on the rounded finish.
Drink now through 2010. 112 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 15, 2008
Dolium Malbec Mendoza Reserva 2000 89 $23
Dark and chewy, with espresso and prune aromas and flavors running over rich
black currant and cassis fruit. Smoky and lush on the finish, showing more
purity as it opens with air. Drink now through 2005. 2,100 cases made. –JM
Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Dec 15, 2003
Viña Doña Paula Merlot Tupungato 2002 89 $15
Very ripe and smoky, with delicious blackberry and black currant fruit, tar,
spice and chocolate notes and a richly layered finish. Shows the depth and
ripeness of the vintage. Drink now through 2006. 1,500 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Sep 15, 2004
Viña Doña Paula Chardonnay Luján de Cuyo 2005 89 $15
A solid, ripe, forward style, with juicy pear, fig and toast flavors that stay
bright through the finish. Very tasty. Drink now. 4,000 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
May 15, 2007
Viña Doña Paula Malbec Luján de Cuyo Selección de Bodega 2003
89 $35
A rich, showy, pumped-up style, with dark currant, fig, vanilla, bacony toast
and bittersweet cocoa notes. This has plenty to offer, with a core of pure
fruit, but the style is a bit too heavy-handed to be outstanding. Drink now
through 2008. 80 cases imported. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
May 15, 2007
Viña Doña Paula Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2004 89 $14
Deftly toasted, with spice and mocha notes weaving through velvety raspberry and
boysenberry fruit. Coffee and mineral notes on the finish provide a nice tangy
aspect. Drink now through 2008. 22,000 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Jul 31, 2006
Viña Doña Paula Cabernet Sauvignon Luján de Cuyo 2004 89 $14
Solid, juicy Cab, with ripe currant and blackberry fruit layered with suave
toast. Fleshy finish. Drink now through 2007. 10,000 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Jun 30, 2006
Viña Doña Paula Shiraz-Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2006 89 $16
A dark, polished, modern style, with plush mocha and espresso notes leading the
way for plum sauce and blackberry, followed by a creamy finish. Drink now. 8,979
cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Feb 29, 2008
Viña Doña Paula Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2006 89 $16
Solid, with a juicy core of red plum, raspberry and red licorice flavors backed
by alluring spice and floral notes on the finish. Drink now through 2008. 15,000
cases imported. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Oct 31, 2007
Durigutti Malbec Mendoza 2005 89 $NA
Lush, fruit-driven style, with layers of raspberry ganache, mocha, fig and red
plum fruit, backed by a juicy, licorice-tinged finish. Drink now through 2009.
2,500 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Web Only - 2008
Durigutti Malbec Mendoza 2006 89 $13
Lush, with boysenberry, plum sauce, dark licorice and fruitcake flavors that are
held together by a juicy underpinning. Licorice and fruitcake notes take an
encore on the slightly raisined finish, which is the only thing holding it back
from outstanding. Drink now through 2010. 3,000 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 15, 2008
Durigutti Malbec Mendoza Reserva 2005 89 $25
Ripe and racy, with a briary underpinning to the focused beam of raspberry and
boysenberry fruit. The finish is layered with mocha and red licorice notes.
Drink now through 2009. 1,000 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 15, 2008
Durigutti Malbec Mendoza Reserva 2003 89 $25
Big, with dark fruit, floral and mineral notes riding along with bacony toast.
Has ample raspberry and boysenberry fruit, but the toast takes the upper hand on
the slightly firm finish. Best from 2007 through 2009. 250 cases made. –JM
Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 30, 2006
Bodegas Escorihuela Malbec Mendoza President's Blend Don
Miguel Gascón 2000 89 $20
Nice polish to the heady yet vivid blackberry and raspberry fruit, with sweet
chocolate and spice notes, and a long finish. Well put-together. Drink now
through 2004. 1,800 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Oct 15, 2002
Bodegas Escorihuela Syrah Mendoza Don Miguel Gascón 2002 89
$11
Vivid color, with lots of racy plum, blackberry and currant fruit, along with
sweet toast, bittersweet chocolate and spice notes. Nice richness here, but it's
accessible now. Very tasty. Drink now through 2005. 500 cases imported. –JM
Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Feb 29, 2004
Bodegas Escorihuela Malbec Mendoza Don Miguel Gascón 2003 89
$12
Rich and fleshy, with smooth blackberry and boysenberry fruit flavors augmented
by sweet mocha, spice and toast notes. Long, suave finish. Offers plenty of
fruit without ever getting jammy or heady. Drink now through 2006. 13,000 cases
imported. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Sep 15, 2004
Bodegas Esmeralda Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza Catena Agrelo
Vineyard 1994 89 $16
A nice mix of power and harmony, this marries ripe fruit, plenty of toasty oak
and good concentration. Rich yet polished, it needs time to unwind and show its
best. Drink now. 3,000 cases imported. – Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Feb 28, 1997
Bodegas Esmeralda Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza Catena Alta
Agrelo Vineyard 1994 89 $45
This rich red has a core of vivid fruit flavors, but is so lavishly oaked that
coffee, toast and vanilla notes dominate, and the tannins are a bit harsh on the
finish. An ambitious wine that may harmonize with time in the bottle, but tastes
a bit unbalanced now. Best from 1999 through 2010. 194 cases made. –TM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Feb 28, 1998
Bodegas Esmeralda Chardonnay Mendoza Catena Alta Luca
Vineyard 1997 89 $45
Here's a winner. Has a range of hazelnut, nutmeg, toast, ripe apple and pear
flavors, with well-integrated acidity. Maintains poise and balance on the very
long finish, where the flavors echo. Classy Chard, and drinking young despite
its age. Drink now through 2001. 1,550 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 15, 2000
Bodegas Esmeralda Chardonnay Mendoza Catena Agrelo Vineyard
1993 89 $15
This rich wine shows concentration and balance in a restrained, elegant style.
There's deft use of oak in the vanilla and toast flavors, and ripe pear and
melon fruit with vibrant acidity. Brings you back for another sip. Drink now.
2,700 cases made. – Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Apr 30, 1995
Enrique Foster Malbec Luján de Cuyo Limited Edition 2002 89
$36
Solid raspberry and blackberry fruit, with sweet vanilla, spice and toast notes
that run through the structured, slightly firm finish. Shows nice depth of
fruit. Drink now through 2007. 1,320 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 15, 2004
Enrique Foster Malbec Luján de Cuyo Limited Edition 2003 89
$40
Lots of pure, focused blackberry and boysenberry fruit here, with suave vanilla
and spice notes as well. Lush, creamy finish. Drink now through 2006. 1,300
cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Mar 31, 2005
Lugilde Goulart Malbec Mendoza Grand Vin 2005 89 $64
A big, brawny style, with a heavy layer of sweet, bacony toast leading the way
for dark fig, cocoa, currant paste and loam notes, followed by a mouthfilling,
almost chewy finish. Drink now through 2008. 150 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 30, 2007
Wine Vintage Score
Release
Gusto Vita Mendoza 1999 89 $30
This fruit-driven winner throws a blast of blackberry, plum and blueberry flavor
at you, then lets the toasty finish take over. Very good, though just a touch
chewy on the finish. Malbec, Bonarda, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now
through 2002. 300 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Jan 31, 2001
Kaiken Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza Ultra 2003 89 $23
Muscular, with a hint of funk (that blows off quickly) followed by black
currant, espresso, bittersweet chocolate and loam flavors. Concentrated on the
finish. For fans of the style. Drink now through 2007. 3,000 cases made. –JM
Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Oct 15, 2005
Kaiken Malbec Mendoza Ultra 2004 89 $25
A ripe, modern style. Bacony toast and coffee is layered with dark plum, currant
and boysenberry fruit. Plenty of muscle, with more prominent tannins than many
of its peers, but with the requisite flesh and fruit for balance. Drink now
through 2008. 3,000 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 30, 2006
Kaiken Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza Ultra 2005 89 $25
Shows focused loam, currant, fig and coffee flavors that linger nicely on the
muscular finish. Drink now through 2008. 3,500 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 30, 2007
Luca Chardonnay Altos de Mendoza 1999 89 $30
This has the common toast, pear, fig and spice profile of Chardonnay, but it's
subtle, and there's an uncommon (for the whites from this region) marriage of
depth and elegance. Long, suave finish resonates with fruit. Drink now. 300
cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Feb 28, 2001
Luca Malbec Altos de Mendoza 1999 89 $35
Crammed with plum, blueberry, chocolate and spice flavors, all showing
themselves nicely under a layer of obvious toast. Long, creamy finish keeps
pumping fruit. You can really sink your teeth into this. Contains 5 percent
Cabernet Sauvignon and 5 percent Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2003. 500 cases
made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Mar 31, 2001
Luca Malbec Altos de Mendoza 2000 89 $37
Lovely aromas of chocolate, cinnamon and pudding, with vivid raspberry confiture
flavor that drips through the long, juicy finish. Has density, but stays
elegant, almost racy. Easy to like this. Drink now through 2005. 540 cases made.
–JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Oct 15, 2002
Luca Malbec Altos de Mendoza 2001 89 $37
Plenty of toast here, but there's also quite a bit of raspberry and boysenberry
fruit, spice, mocha and vanilla notes. Not a powerhouse, but with fine balance
and harmony now. Fine effort for the vintage. Drink now through 2005. 600 cases
made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
May 15, 2004
Luca Chardonnay Altos de Mendoza 2003 89 $33
Dried pineapple, lemon verbena and pie crust notes mingle in this concentrated
but well-defined Chardonnay. Bright, minerally finish. Drink now through 2006.
600 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Aug 31, 2005
Mapema Malbec Mendoza 2003 89 $20
Powerful, with firm cocoa and toast notes framing black currant, plum and tar
flavors. Ripe, gutsy finish. Drink now through 2006. 1,500 cases made. –JM
Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 15, 2005
Mapema Tempranillo Mendoza 2004 89 $17
Sleek and focused, with red currant and blackberry fruit backed by mineral,
vanilla and game hints. Nice, racy finish. Well done. Drink now through 2007.
1,500 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Jun 30, 2006
Familia Mayol Malbec Luján de Cuyo Kaleido Montuiri Vineyard
2005 89 $18
Ripe and pure, offering lush layers of boysenberry, dark plum and blackberry,
with plenty of sweet toast and spice notes and a fruit-filled finish. Drink now.
1,200 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
May 15, 2007
Bodega Melipal Malbec Mendoza 2004 89 $20
Really juicy, with raspberry, blackberry and briar notes, followed by
well-integrated toast. Finish has lots of fruit driven by fresh acidity. Drink
now through 2007. 2,400 cases imported. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Oct 15, 2006
Bodega Melipal Malbec Mendoza 2005 89 $20
Round and juicy, with lots of raspberry ganache, sweet cocoa and dark fig notes
that show solid grip on the finish. Very tasty. Drink now. 3,000 cases imported.
–JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 30, 2007
Bodega Monteviejo Lindaflor Uco Valley 2002 89 $40
Flashy style, with lots of fig, blackberry and boysenberry fruit layered with
plenty of suave, mocha-infused toast. Concentrated finish shows a touch more
toast than fruit, but will be a crowd-pleaser for sure. Malbec. Drink now
through 2006. 800 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Web Only - 2005
Bodega Monteviejo Lindaflor Uco Valley 2003 89 $55
Opulent blackberry and boysenberry fruit gushes forth in this creamy, soft
Malbec, along with suave mocha, vanilla and fig flavors. The toast peeks out on
the finish, but plenty of fruit here. For the hedonist crowd. Malbec. Drink now
through 2006. 800 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 15, 2005
Bodega Monteviejo Chardonnay Uco Valley Lindaflor 2005 89 $38
A fat, ripe style, with lots of butterscotch, apple pie and honey flavors. Round
and showy, this is big but balanced. For fans of the style. Drink now. 800 cases
made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
May 15, 2007
Fabre Montmayou Malbec Mendoza Gran Reserva 2005 89 $30
Dark and smoky, with lots of fig paste, bittersweet cocoa, raspberry ganache and
currant notes. The broad, fleshy finish might be a touch heavy for some. Drink
now through 2008. 2,375 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 30, 2007
Bodega Noemía de Patagonia J. Alberto Río Negro Valley 2003
89 $NA
High-toned nose of violet and vanilla, with ripe blackberry and boysenberry
fruit. Stays bright and open-knit through the finish, with spice and graphite
notes. Malbec with 5 percent Merlot. Not imported into the U.S. Drink now. 330
cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Patagonia Issue Date:
Web Only - 2005
Bodega Noemía de Patagonia J. Alberto Río Negro Valley 2006
89 $40
Ripe and spicy, with lots of raspberry ganache, mocha and graphite notes framed
by a racy structure. The fresh, vibrant finish lets the fruit and mineral notes
linger. Malbec and Merlot. Drink now through 2008. 841 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Patagonia Issue Date:
Oct 15, 2007
Bodega Norton Malbec Mendoza Reserve 2000 89 $15
Focused and pure, with lovely blackberry and boysenberry fruit, milk chocolate
and spice notes, and a long, creamy finish. A touch too obvious to be
outstanding, but clearly very good. Drink now through 2004. 2,700 cases
imported. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Dec 31, 2002
Bodega Norton Privada Mendoza 2000 89 $21
Big, gutsy, briary red, with blackberry, meat, vanilla and spice notes riding
alongside round, sweet tannins. Succulent finish. Has complexity. Delicious.
Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2004. 1,200 cases
imported. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Dec 31, 2002
Bodega Norton Malbec Mendoza 2002 89 $7
Nice sweet fruit, with lots of black cherry, blackberry and mocha, with a round,
easy texture. Ripe and very forward, this focuses on clean, modern fruit. Pure
and delicious. Drink now through 2004. 55,000 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Dec 31, 2003
Bodega Norton Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza Reserve 2002 89 $17
Big, juicy wine here, with lots of black plum and blackberry fruit, followed by
sweet, creamy toast. Still has some wood to absorb, but a very solid Cabernet.
Best from 2005 through 2007. 7,000 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 15, 2004
Bodega Norton Cabernet Sauvignon Luján de Cuyo Reserva 2004
89 $18
Polished and suave, with mocha and cocoa notes embedded in the dark plum, fig
and currant fruit. Lush and pure, with a creamy mouthfeel and fine length on the
finish, where a mineral hint chimes in. Drink now through 2008. 8,000 cases
made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 30, 2006
Bodega Norton Privada Luján de Cuyo 2005 89 $30
Forward, with slightly jammy raspberry and black cherry fruit, pushed by bright
floral notes and plenty of sweet licorice and spice flavors. Vanilla-tinged
toast frames the finish. Good, if a bit heavy-handed in style. Malbec, Merlot
and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2010. 1,000 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Jun 30, 2008
NQN Viñedos de la Patagonia Malbec Neuquén Malma Reserve 2004
89 $20
Shows dark exotic fruit, with macerated raspberry and plum notes along with a
nice racy, graphite underpinning. Fleshes out nicely in the glass and shows
solid length. Drink now through 2010. 1,000 cases imported. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Patagonia Issue Date:
Feb 29, 2008
NQN Viñedos de la Patagonia Colección Patagonia Universe
Neuquén 2004 89 $45
Dark, with juicy blackberry and black currant fruit layered with lots of brambly
tannins and notes of espresso, mesquite and licorice. Rich, dark finish, but
good acidity buried there. Lacks a little purity, but solid and interesting.
Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2010. 250 cases
imported. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Patagonia Issue Date:
Feb 29, 2008
NQN Viñedos de la Patagonia Malbec Neuquén Lonko 2005 89 $18
This is rich and chocolaty, with lots of licorice and graphite notes underneath
the ganache and warm fig flavors. Rather broad and smoky through the finish.
Drink now through 2010. 1,000 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Patagonia Issue Date:
Oct 15, 2008
Bodega Palo Alto Malbec Mendoza Amadores 2004 89 $21
Dark, lush and figgy, with suave mocha, plum sauce, loam and spice notes. A
forward, hedonistic wine, with a long, creamy finish. Drink now. 6,000 cases
made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 30, 2006
Fincas Patagonicas Tapiz Selección de Barricas Reserva
Mendoza 2005 89 $30
Quite rich, with a slightly firm feel to the ambitiously layered coffee and
bacon-tinged toast, which holds the upper hand on dark fig and currant fruit.
The thick, muscular finish wins on weight rather than purity. Cabernet
Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot and Syrah. Best from 2009 through 2011. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Dec 31, 2008
Dominio del Plata Susana Balbo Brioso Mendoza 1999 89 $39
Serious, modern-style effort here, with dense black currant, cassis, blackberry
and toast flavors all enveloped in a creamy, velvety texture. Finishes with
substantial, though ripe, tannins. Needs to unwind just a bit. Cabernet
Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2002. 200
cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Jan 31, 2001
Dominio del Plata Malbec Mendoza BenMarco 2000 89 $24
Inviting nose of crushed berries, smoke and spice. Juicy texture, with ripe,
dark fruit. Finish has just a firm twinge to it, but there's plenty to like.
Contains 10 percent Syrah and 5 percent Merlot. Drink now through 2003. 600
cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
May 15, 2002
Dominio del Plata Syrah-Bonarda Mendoza Crios de Susana Balbo
2001 89 $15
Shows more of the sanguine, mineral side of Syrah up front, but there's plenty
of plummy fruit underneath, with hints of milk chocolate, violets and spice.
Long and juicy, and should round out nicely in the short-term. Drink now through
2004. 1,600 cases imported. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 15, 2002
Dominio del Plata Syrah-Bonarda Mendoza Crios de Susana Balbo
2002 89 $15
Nice mix of beef and blackberry here, with smoke and briar notes and a gutsy,
fruit-filled finish. Ripe and polished, with a hint of Syrah's animal side
adding dimension. Drink now through 2005. 2,500 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Dec 15, 2003
Dominio del Plata Syrah-Bonarda Mendoza Crios de Susana Balbo
2003 89 $15
Lovely fruit here--plum and cassis--with sweet vanilla, violet and spice notes
that add dimension. Round and creamy throughout, with a long, fruit-filled
finish. Drink now through 2005. 4,500 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 15, 2004
Dominio del Plata Syrah-Bonarda Mendoza Crios de Susana Balbo
2005 89 $15
Bright and juicy, with lots of red currant, cherry and licorice flavors backed
by spice and floral notes on the racy finish. Delicious. Drink now. 9,750 cases
made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
May 31, 2007
Dominio del Plata Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza Susana Balbo
2003 89 $27
A big, muscular style, with beefy plum, currant and toast notes that pick up
some mineral and tobacco on the finish. Drink now through 2008. 600 cases made.
–JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 30, 2006
Dominio del Plata Syrah-Bonarda Mendoza Crios de Susana Balbo
2006 89 $15
Very juicy and enticing, with lushly layered plum sauce, black licorice, fig
cake and boysenberry notes that glide over round tannins. Very tasty. Drink now.
8,000 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Jul 31, 2008
Dominio del Plata BenMarco V.M.S. Mendoza 2002 89 $32
Really round and ripe, with plum, blackberry and blueberry flavors, and a long,
sweet finish. It's all kept fresh by fine acidity too. Malbec, Cabernet
Sauvignon, Bonarda and Syrah. Drink now through 2006. 700 cases made. –JM
Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Jun 15, 2004
Poesia Clos des Andes Argentina 2005 89 $24
Really juicy, with raspberry and boysenberry fruit pushed by a briary undertow.
Plenty of spice and good grip on the finish. Very solid. Drink now through 2009.
3,330 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Argentina Issue Date:
Feb 29, 2008
Poesia Argentina 2004 89 $80
Good plum and mixed berry fruit along with hints of fruitcake and fig paste.
Spice and briar hints fill out the fleshy finish. Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Drink now through 2009. 1,000 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Argentina Issue Date:
Web Only - 2008
La Posta del Viñatero Malbec Mendoza Angel Paulucci Vineyard
2002 89 $17
Rich, but with lovely focus, this balanced offering has plenty of raspberry and
blackberry fruit, along with sweet chocolate and spice notes, and a long, juicy
finish. Drink now through 2005. 1,000 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
May 15, 2004
La Posta del Viñatero Malbec Luján de Cuyo Angel Paulucci Vineyard 2003 89 $17
Dark, with blackberry and plum fruit offset by toast, mineral and briar notes.
Slightly brawny in style, but lots to like. Drink now through 2006. 700 cases
made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Jun 15, 2005
La Posta del Viñatero Bonarda Mendoza Estela Armando Vineyard
2007 89 $17
A flashy style for Bonarda, delivering lots of mocha and fruitcake up front,
followed by notes of plum sauce and licorice. There's nice weight on the finish.
Drink now. 1,500 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Oct 31, 2008
La Posta del Viñatero Cocina Blend Mendoza 2007 89 $15
Very up front, with mocha and fruitcake aromas leading the way for a
creamy-textured palate of fig, melted licorice and dark plum fruit. The round
finish lets the toast and fruit linger. Malbec, Bonarda and Syrah. Drink now
through 2009. 8,000 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Oct 31, 2008
Finca & Bodega Carlos Pulenta Corte B Vistalba 2004 89 $25
Ripe and juicy, with mixed berry, briar and licorice notes backed by a modestly
toasty finish. Very user-friendly. Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda and
Merlot. Drink now. 2,000 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
May 15, 2007
Bodega Renacer Malbec Mendoza Punto Final Reserva 2005 89 $18
A juicy, modern style, with tasty fig, boysenberry, mocha and spice notes,
followed by a ripe, vivid finish. Drink now. 6,000 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 30, 2007
Cavas Rosell Boher Malbec Mendoza El Niño 2003 89 $19
A live-wire Malbec, with lots of mineral and sanguine verve running through the
raspberry, blackberry and graphite flavors. Racy, tightly focused finish. Drink
now through 2007. 665 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Jun 15, 2005
Bodega Ruca Malen Malbec Mendoza Kinien 2004 89 $30
Juicy, with a solid core of plum, currant and raspberry--all backed by sweet
toast and spice notes. Has a slightly raisined finish, but there's also plenty
of good flesh. Drink now. 300 cases imported. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Aug 31, 2008
Wine Vintage Score
Release Price
Familia Rutini Malbec La Consulta Felipe Rutini 2000 89 $18
Juicy and ripe, with briar, raspberry, spice and cocoa notes. A hint of mineral
on the fleshy finish. Harmonious. A very fine introduction to Malbec. Drink now
through 2003. 2,000 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Dec 31, 2002
Familia Rutini Chardonnay Tupungato Felipe Rutini 2002 89 $16
This offers bold aromas of pineapple, cherimoya and toast, followed by notes of
hazelnut, honey, pear and fig. Despite all its plump, tropical notes, it has
fine, minerally acidity driving its finish. Delicious. Drink now through 2005.
1,000 cases imported. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Oct 31, 2004
Familia Rutini Malbec Tupungato Trumpeter 2003 89 $9
Delicious raspberry and boysenberry fruit, framed nicely by vanilla toast.
Creamy, with rich fruit flavors running through the finish. Drink now through
2006. 2,500 cases imported. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 15, 2004
Familia Rutini Malbec La Consulta Felipe Rutini 2003 89 $20
Ripe blackberry and black currant fruit, along with cocoa, loam and spice notes.
Fleshy, structured finish lets the fruit stretch out. Very solid. Drink now
through 2006. 11,000 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 15, 2005
Familia Rutini Malbec-Merlot Tupungato Felipe Rutini
Encuentro 2003 89 $25
Very creamy in texture, with mocha and vanilla caressing the black cherry and
raspberry fruit flavors. Long, stylish finish. Delicious. Drink now through
2006. 1,500 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 15, 2005
Familia Rutini Malbec Mendoza Trumpeter 2006 89 $11
Very floral and pure, with red plum, cherry, licorice and mocha notes followed
by tangy minerality. Drink now. 3,000 cases imported. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Dec 15, 2007
Familia Rutini Malbec Mendoza Felipe Rutini 2006 89 $19
This is juicy, with raspberry and fig fruit flavors followed by spice and
licorice notes on the open-knit finish. Drink now through 2009. 5,000 cases
imported. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 15, 2008
Familia Rutini Merlot Tupungato Felipe Rutini 2002 89 $20
Lovely blackberry, plum and cocoa aromas and flavors, with a sweet, plush
texture and finish, where the cocoa and fruit notes echo. Delicious. Drink now.
4,000 cases imported. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Oct 31, 2004
Bodegas Salentein Malbec Mendoza 2002 89 $18
Show's Malbec's unique combination of dark plum and boysenberry fruit offset by
bright acidity and fresh notes of vanilla, mineral and violets. Ripe, clean
finish. Drink now through 2005. 4,500 cases imported. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Dec 31, 2004
Bodegas Salentein Spirit Vineyard Numina Gran Corte Uco
Valley 2004 89 $41
Maturing, with fig, coffee and bittersweet ganache flavors backed by hints of
roasted vanilla bean and cedar. This is still fleshy on the finish, with dark
fruit and spice notes lingering. Malbec and Merlot. Drink now through 2012.
1,500 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Oct 31, 2008
Bodegas Salentein Malbec Uco Valley Pr1mum 2004 89 $64
Very ripe, with lots of dark fig and currant paste flavors, backed by grippy
structure and dark licorice, coffee and bittersweet chocolate on the finish.
Drink now through 2011. 2,100 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 15, 2008
Bodega San Pedro de Yacochuya Cafayate 2003 89 $49
Dark and broad-shouldered, with plenty of bacony toast and cocoa notes, but has
a solid core of fig, black currant and tar as well. Rich finish has nice loamy
undertow. Malbec. Drink now through 2007. 1,700 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Salta Issue Date:
Oct 15, 2006
Bodegas Nieto Senetiner Malbec Mendoza Cadus 2000 89 $40
More like a Cahors, this inky black Malbec offers lots of plum, coffee bean,
iron and bittersweet chocolate flavors on a muscular frame. Slightly earthy,
firm finish holds it back, but admirable concentration and character here. Drink
now through 2005. 2,500 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
May 15, 2004
Bodegas Nieto Senetiner Syrah Mendoza Cadus 2002 89 $37
Very ripe and suave, with lots of mocha- and vanilla-infused toast layered with
blackberry and raspberry fruit. Full, rich finish. For the hedonist crowd. Drink
now through 2007. 750 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Feb 28, 2006
Bodegas Nieto Senetiner Don Nicanor Mendoza 2002 89 $14
A solid, modern style, with dark currant and blackberry fruit riding along
cocoa, toast and cedar notes. Ample structure runs through the chocolaty finish.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot. Drink now through 2006. 2,000 cases made.
–JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Jun 30, 2005
Bodegas Nieto Senetiner Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza Cadus 2003
89 $40
Rock solid, with black currant, fig and tobacco notes backed by cocoa powder and
cedar notes on the finish. Slightly firm in the end, but there's plenty of
stuffing. Drink now through 2008. 600 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
May 31, 2007
Bodegas Nieto Senetiner Don Nicanor Mendoza 2003 89 $15
Dark and polished, with black currant, fig and boysenberry fruit held together
by coffee, bittersweet cocoa and loam notes. Long, rich finish. Cabernet
Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot. Drink now through 2008. 10,000 cases made. –JM
Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 30, 2006
Finca Sophenia Malbec Tupungato 2005 89 $16
Ripe but focused, with black currant and blackberry fruit layered with loam, fig
paste and bittersweet cocoa notes. The long, muscular finish has a nice sanguine
streak. Very solid. Drink now through 2008. 5,000 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Web Only - 2007
Finca Sophenia Malbec Tupungato Synthesis 2007 89 $35
Plush and forward, with toasty mocha and spice notes mingling with raspberry and
boysenberry fruit flavors. The long, toasty finish will have fans for sure.
Drink now through 2009. 1,300 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 15, 2008
Finca Sophenia Synthesis Tupungato 2006 89 $55
Ripe cherry, blueberry and raspberry fruit is mixed with sweet toast and fig
bread notes in this rich, slightly ponderous red. The thick, toasty finish needs
some cellaring to unwind. Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2009
through 2012. 1,100 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Oct 31, 2008
Bodegas Tahuan Malbec Mendoza Siesta 2004 89 $30
Rich and concentrated, but not overwhelming, with dark plum, currant and sweet
spice notes carried by a creamy-textured palate. Long, sweet and ripe through
the finish, with licorice and dark fruit notes that take on a slightly jammy
edge. Drink now through 2009. 560 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Aug 31, 2008
Bodegas Tahuan Syrah Mendoza Siesta 2004 89 $30
Big and rich, with the emphasis on up-front dark toast, spice and currant fruit
flavors. Long and smoky through the velvety finish. Very showy, though not
complex enough to be outstanding. For fans of the style. Drink now through 2009.
Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 837 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Aug 31, 2008
Bodegas Tahuan Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza Siesta 2004 89 $30
A rich, toasty style, with lots of mocha and coffee leading the way for dark
plum and currant fruit. Long, fleshy finish. For the hedonist crowd. Drink now
through 2009. 489 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Aug 31, 2008
Bodegas Tahuan Syrah Mendoza 2003 89 $19
Still fresh, with rich texture and mouthfilling notes of coffee, currant
confiture, warm fig sauce and dark cocoa. Rich, fleshy finish has nice buried
grip. Drink now through 2009. 1,874 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Web Only - 2008
Bodegas Tahuan Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza Siesta 2003 89 $30
Very ripe, with thickly textured plum, currant and fig notes backed by dark
toast and a lingering cocoa powder finish. For those who like more power than
precision. Drink now through 2009. 1,447 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Web Only - 2008
Bodegas Terrazas de los Andes Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza Gran
1997 89 $45
Polished and streamlined, with delicious raspberry and blackberry fruit, and
bittersweet chocolate and coffee notes on the lengthy finish. Drink now through
2004. 175 cases imported. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Aug 31, 2001
Bodegas Terrazas de los Andes Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza
Reserva 2000 89 $15
Goes for the gusto, with chocolate, espresso and blackberry flavors. Lots of
smoky toast. Nice flesh and mouthfeel. Just lacks a little vibrancy to be
outstanding, but very good nonetheless. Drink now through 2004. 1,500 cases
imported. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Dec 31, 2002
Bodegas Terrazas de los Andes Chardonnay Tupungato Reserva
2001 89 $15
Quite rich, with honey, grilled nut, fig bread and papaya flavors. Long, toasty
finish. Forward, modern style that's tasty, but lacks the zip to be outstanding.
Drink now. 1,900 cases imported. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Dec 31, 2002
Bodegas Terrazas de los Andes Malbec Mendoza Alto 2002 89 $12
Ebullient grape and blueberry fruit here, with lots of vanilla and sweet toast,
too. Juicy and forward, with an elegant finish despite its rich, succulent
fruit. Drink now through 2004. 9,000 cases imported. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Dec 31, 2003
Bodegas Terrazas de los Andes Malbec Mendoza Reserva 2005 89
$16
Lush and forward, with a well-rounded texture and sweet fig, raspberry and
blackberry flavors. A floral hint chimes in on the finish. Drink now through
2009. 30,000 cases imported. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Feb 29, 2008
Bodegas Terrazas de los Andes Malbec Mendoza Reserva 2006 89
$17
Quite juicy, with raspberry, cassis and briar notes riding over fresh acidity
through a bouncy dark fruit- and spice-filled finish. Drink now through 2010.
30,000 cases imported. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 15, 2008
Tikal Corazon Altos de Mendoza 1999 89 $20
Not your daddy's Bonarda. Dark, roasted and jammy, with polished plum, currant,
toast and spice aromas and flavors, and a juicy, palate-gripping finish. Lots of
fun to drink. Bonarda and Malbec. Drink now through 2002. 500 cases made. –JM
Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Feb 28, 2001
Tikal Corazon Altos de Mendoza 2000 89 $25
Succulent and inviting, with pudding, spice and lush berries. Modern style, with
plenty of sweet toast and flesh. Lots of fun to drink. Bonarda and Malbec. Drink
now through 2003. 300 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
May 15, 2002
Tikal Malbec Altos de Mendoza Amorío 2001 89 $31
Bright and elegant for a Malbec, with boysenberry and raspberry fruit, vanilla
and toast notes and a creamy, easy texture. Stays light on its feet, despite its
solid ripeness. Drink now through 2004. 660 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Jun 15, 2003
Tikal Patriota Mendoza 2006 89 $25
Juicy and ripe, with delicious raspberry, blackberry and boysenberry fruit
backed by spice and toast notes. Rich finish. Bonarda and Malbec. Drink now.
4,000 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Jul 31, 2008
Pascual Toso Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza Reserve 2002 89 $18
Elegant style, with lovely boysenberry and raspberry fruit, and plenty of
vanilla, spice and chocolate shadings too. Lengthy, focused finish. Drink now
through 2005. 1,500 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
May 15, 2004
Pascual Toso Malbec Mendoza Reserve 2004 89 $20
Vanilla and cedar shadings frame the restrained black currant and cherry fruit,
which slowly opens through the finish, supported by elegant acidity and
fine-grained tannins. Has solid length. Drink now through 2008. 15,000 cases
made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
May 15, 2007
Pascual Toso Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza Reserve 2005 89 $20
Plush, forward, modern style, with sweet cocoa, blackberry and currant paste
flavors followed by an alluring, lingering note of espresso. Drink now through
2008. 2,000 cases imported. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Web Only - 2007
Pascual Toso Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza Reserve 2006 89 $20
This is quite ripe, with velvety textured raspberry and dark plum fruit layered
with notes of mocha and milk chocolate. The fleshy, smoky finish is very
fan-friendly. Drink now through 2009. 4,000 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
May 15, 2008
Tritono Malbec Mendoza 2005 89 $40
Ripe and juicy with dark plum sauce, roasted fig, coffee and pudding notes that
linger on the creamy, blueberry and mesquite-tinged finish. Drink now through
2010. 1,000 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 15, 2008
TriVento Malbec Mendoza Golden Reserve 2003 89 $20
Flashy mocha and coffee toast leads the way in this ambitious, modern-style
wine, with thickly layered plum, prune, cocoa and fig flavors. Rich, loamy
undertow drives the finish. More power than finesse, but will have a lot of
fans. Drink now through 2008. 3,000 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Nov 30, 2006
Val de Flores Mendoza 2003 89 $49
Dark and ripe, with lots of thickly layered fig, boysenberry and plum fruit
backed by cocoa powder and bacony toast. Slight overripe hint on the finish
holds it back from outstanding, but there's a lot to like in this Malbec. Drink
now through 2007. 1,800 cases made. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Web Only - 2006
Familia Zuccardi Malbec Mendoza Santa Julia Reserva 2004 89
$11
Very solid, with dark bramble, blackberry and boysenberry flavors supported by
lush but judicious toast. Juicy finish picks up nice spice notes. A surprise
success for this producer. Drink now through 2007. 5,000 cases made. –JM
Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Dec 31, 2005
Familia Zuccardi Malbec Mendoza Q 2006 89 $21
A dark, ripe style, with a healthy layer of cocoa-tinged toast leading the way
for dark plum, fig, coffee and raisin bread notes, followed by a fleshy, toasty
finish. Drink now through 2010. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 2,000 cases
imported. –JM Country:
Argentina Region:
Mendoza Issue Date:
Apr 30, 2009
South American Wines - An Independent Guide to the some of the Best Wines from Peru, Argentina & Chile.
www.south-american-wines.com Copyright 2009