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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
Wine Spectator online www.winespectator.com
Posted: Friday, September 12, 2008
James Molesworth
Tasting Highlights: Argentina
14 outstanding reds from some of the country's best
winemakers—all with lots of bang for the buck
Here's a selection of new releases that demonstrates what Argentina does best:
lots of vivid, ripe fruit flavors with rich but fresh finishes, all with lots of
bang for the buck.
All the wines here are under $30, some under $20, and they represent the efforts
of some of Argentina's best winemakers. Luis Reginato is one of them—he fashions
the wines for both Laura Catena's Luca brand as well as the La Posta del
Viñatero label. Roberto de la Mota, undaunted by a car accident that has left
him using a wheelchair, has Bodega Mendel already among Argentina's elite
wineries in just its third vintage. Stefano Gandolini cranks out terrific values
at Viña Doña Paula, while Susana Balbo's Dominio del Plata winery produces both
the muscular BenMarco styled wines her viticulturalist ex-husband, Pedro
Marchevsky, prefers, as well as her more polished, suave eponymous line.
BODEGA NORTON Privada Mendoza 2006 Score: 92 | $28
Polished, with lots of spice and fruitcake notes up front, followed by an ample
core of raspberry ganache, fig bread and mocha notes. Long, well-rounded finish
lingers with poise, despite the overall concentration. Malbec, Merlot and
Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2012. 6,000 cases imported. —J.M.
ACHÁVAL-FERRER Malbec Mendoza 2007 Score: 91 | $28
Rich, with delicious raspberry and macerated currant fruit enlivened by a strong
violet aroma and piercing mineral streak long, dark, juicy finish is very vivid
and racy. Drink now through 2009. 4,300 cases imported. —J.M.
BODEGAS ALMA NEGRA Mendoza 2004 Score: 91 | $25
Rich, polished, modern style, with lots of mocha, fig bread, licorice and
raspberry ganache flavors backed by a velvety, toasty finish. For the hedonist
crowd. Bonarda and Merlot. Drink now through 2009. 1,000 cases imported. —J.M.
LUCA Syrah Uco Valley Laborde Double Select 2006 Score: 91 | $25
Rich, toasty, ambitious style, with lots of flashy mocha, blueberry compote,
blackberry and boysenberry fruit. Lushly textured, with a long, creamy finish
that lets the exotic fruit echo. Drink now through 2010. 2,500 cases made. —J.M.
BODEGA MENDEL Malbec Mendoza 2006 Score: 91 | $27
This is nicely layered, with warm fig sauce, mocha, crushed raspberry and
boysenberry fruit and a long, dark, spice and espresso-tinged finish. Powerful,
but balanced. Should age nicely too. Best from 2009 through 2012. 3,500 cases
made. —J.M.
DOMINIO DEL PLATA Malbec Mendoza BenMarco 2007 Score: 91 | $20
Very juicy, with fresh cut plum and fig fruit flavors laced with violet,
graphite and high-toned spice notes. Long, racy finish. Drink now through 2010.
11,000 cases made. —J.M.
LA POSTA DEL VIÑATERO Malbec Uco Valley Pizzella Family Vineyard 2007 Score: 91
| $18
Ripe and flashy, with a showy layer of mocha leading the way for spice cake,
raspberry and boysenberry fruit flavors laid over a lush, creamy finish. Dense
but lithe, with the fruit echoing through the finish. Drink now through 2010.
7,000 cases made. —J.M.
ALAMOS Malbec Mendoza Selección 2007 Score: 90 | $15
Round and fleshy, with enticing spice, blueberry, fig and boysenberry flavors
backed by hints of fruitcake and melted licorice. Stays fresh and vivid on the
finish, with a lingering mocha hint. Drink now through 2009. 11,000 cases
imported. —J.M.
BODEGA LUIGI BOSCA Syrah Maipú Reserva 2006 Score: 90 | $21
Rich and polished, with a big core of black currant, fig, melted licorice and
mocha notes. Round and fleshy, but focused, with a long, concentrated finish.
Drink now through 2010. 472 cases imported. —J.M.
VIÑA DOÑA PAULA Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2007 Score: 90 | $16
Dark and winey, with warm currant paste, cocoa powder and Turkish coffee notes
backed by solid grip on the fleshy finish. Nice hint of grilled sage adds
dimension too. Drink now through 2009. 6,500 cases imported. —J.M.
MAPEMA Malbec Mendoza 2006 Score: 90 | $20
Ripe and forward with dark licorice, fig, currant preserve and chocolate notes
riding along round, rich tannins. Rock solid finish. Drink now through 2010.
2,000 cases made. —J.M.
BODEGA NORTON Malbec Mendoza Reserva 2006 Score: 90 | $18
Very toasty, with showy mocha and spice aromatics, but there's plenty of flesh
here too, with lush raspberry, fig and plum notes that follow through on the
long, polished finish. Drink now through 2010. 10,000 cases imported. —J.M.
DOMINIO DEL PLATA Malbec Mendoza Susana Balbo 2007 Score: 90 | $27
Sports an enticing mocha and spice filled nose, along with creamy raspberry and
boysenberry fruit flavors that carry through the lengthy, pure finish. Drink now
through 2009. 6,000 cases made. —J.M.
LA POSTA DEL VIÑATERO Malbec Mendoza Angel Paulucci Vineyard 2007 Score: 90 |
$18
Juicy and ripe, with lots of fig, blackberry, mocha and currant paste notes that
pump through the rich, fleshy finish. Solid acidity keeps it honest. Drink now
through 2010. 8,000 cases made. —J.M.
Wine Spectator online www.winespectator.com
Posted: Tuesday, September 04, 2007
James Molesworth
Tasting Highlights: Argentina
Malbec dominates the country's reds, but don't overlook
Cabernet and even Pinot Noir
Fans of Argentinean wine probably love the preponderance of big, juicy,
fruit-driven Malbecs that now dominate the country's vinous offerings. But while
Malbec is clearly the lead grape, there are other gems worth looking for,
including the interesting Pinots being produced in the southern Patagonia region
by Bodega Chacra. In addition, Cabernet can make an interesting blending partner
with Malbec, as evidenced by the Bodegas Caro wines (Caro is a joint venture of
Nicolás Catena and Lafite Rothschild). Here's a selection of the latest
releases, including Catena's Malbec Argentino, his latest entry into the
high-end cuvée market.
BODEGA CATENA ZAPATA Malbec Mendoza Argentino 2004 95 $120
Ultramodern in style, this is massively endowed with dense layers of raspberry
ganache, boysenberry and plum sauce allied to a massive core of dark chocolate,
licorice and loam. Yet this manages to stay deftly balanced, with a long, pure
finish driven by dark fruit and graphite. Made from a blend of three different
vineyards: Adrianna, at an elevation of over 4,700 feet, Nicasia vineyard in
Altamira, and the Angelica vineyard in Lunlunta. This spends 17 months in
entirely new French oak barrels. Drink now through 2011. 300 cases made. —J.M.
BODEGA CATENA ZAPATA Malbec Mendoza Alta 2004 93 $45
Dark and lush, with a gorgeous mouthfeel to the exotic fig, boysenberry and
blueberry fruit flavors backed by intense spice, mocha, loam and licorice notes.
Superlong, showing great drive and purity on the finish. Drink now through 2010.
2,500 cases imported. —J.M.
BODEGA CHACRA Pinot Noir Río Negro Treinta y Dos 2006 92 $120
Surprisingly sweet, supple and dense, with racy red cherry, raspberry and red
currant fruit notes supported by bright minerality, a touch of graphite and
vibrant acidity. The finish shows a nice encore of fruit, with a tug of earth at
the very end. Drink now through 2012. 406 cases made. —J.M.
BODEGAS CARO Mendoza 2004 91 $42
This focused, Bordeaux-style red shows black currant, fig paste, loam and
licorice notes framed by coffee and cedar. The dark, winey finish has a nice
fine-grained structure, with a good combination of polish and terroir. Cabernet
Sauvignon and Malbec. Drink now through 2009. 2,500 cases imported. —J.M.
BODEGA CHACRA Pinot Noir Río Negro Cincuenta y Cinco 2006 91 $100
Stylish and elegant, but very persistent. Offers a racy palate of crushed cherry
fruit, with bright mineral, wet earth and judicious toast notes. Supple and
pure, with a lovely mouthfeel and a lengthy finish. Drink now through 2009. 450
cases made. —J.M.
BODEGA CATENA ZAPATA Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2004 90 $20
Dark and juicy, with lots of fig, blackberry and currant fruit layered with dark
licorice, spice cake and cocoa notes. The long, solid finish has nice drive.
Drink now through 2009. —J.M.
BODEGA CATENA ZAPATA Malbec Mendoza 2005 90 $20
Rich and polished, with alluring fig, mocha, boysenberry ganache and sweet spice
notes that glide along creamy tannins and through the long, velvety finish.
Drink now through 2008. 40,000 cases imported. —J.M.
BODEGA MENDEL Unus Mendoza 2005 90 $50
Polished and forward, with dark blueberry and blackberry fruit flavors spread
over ripe, round tannins and followed by a long finish tinged with chocolate and
loam. Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2008. —J.M.
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. —J.M.
BODEGAS CARO Amancaya Mendoza 2006 89 $19
Has the vivid raspberry and boysenberry fruit of a Malbec, along with the
fine-grained tannins and nice framing notes of cedar, coffee and loam that come
from Cabernet. The finish is long and focused. Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Drink now through 2008. 7,000 cases imported. —J.M.
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. —J.M.
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.
—J.M.
Navarro Correas Alegoria Malbec 2004
winemaker's notes:
Color: Dense, inky purple
Bouquet: Intense, haunting, rich in black fruit, underlying hints of spice and
tar
Taste: Smooth, supple and lingering
----------------
www.wine.com
Navarro Correas Colección Privada Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
winemaker's notes:
The variety is indisputably characterized by an intense ruby color, while its
aromas of plum and morello cherries stress the elegance of this varietal of
significant structure.
--------------------
Navarro Correas Colección Privada Malbec 2005
winemaker's notes:
Mendoza's predominant red grape, Malbec, has developed a unique character,
attributable to local terroir and viticultural expertise, and is fast developing
a reputation as Argentina's most exciting red variety.
Color: Deep red
Bouquet: Packed with fruit. Notes of dark berries and violets combine with spicy
nuances.
Palate: Plum and ripe cherry. Full-bodied yet ripe tannins yield a long, soft,
flavorful finish.
------------------------
Navarro Correas Colección Privada Chardonnay 2005
winemaker's notes:
Color: Light gold.
Bouquet: Characteristic apple and citrus aromas.
Taste: A crisp acidity and apple and pear flavors. Oak nuances and partial
maloactic fermentation are used to round out the palate and add complexity to
the wine.
--------------------
Navarro Correas Ultra 2004
winemaker's notes:
"The 2004 Ultra is composed of 50% Malbec, 36% Merlot, and 14% Cabernet
Sauvignon. Purple-colored, it has an attractive perfume of pain grille, clove,
smoke, pencil lead, cassis, and black cherry. Medium to full-bodied, it has a
solid core of ripe fruit, a firm structure, and excellent balance. It will
unfold over the next 5-7 years and drink well through 2025."
91+ Points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
December 2007
-------------------
Navarro Correas
The Navarro Correas family descends from the Correas family, an old and
prestigious name related to the production and manufacturing of high-quality
wines. The family history dates back to 1798, when Sir Juan de Dios Correas
planted the first vine seeds in the lands of Mendoza at the foot of the Andes
ridge. Sir Juan De Dios also played an active role in the public life of
Mendoza, where he served as Municipal Councillor in the year 1814 and as
governor in 1824. Since mid 1800, and for more than a century, the family used
to sell the Winery's grapes and wines to other producers. Finally, in 1974 Sir
Edmundo Navarro Correas, a direct descendant of Juan de Dios Correas, started to
manufacture wines bearing his own name.
With the purpose of finding high-quality grapes for the production of noble
wines, Navarro Correas sought selected microclimates in Mendoza, located 830 m
above sea level, to grow special Grapes for wine production, such as the Tunuyan,
Tupungato, Maipu, Ugarteche, Pedriel and Agrelo areas, that are irrigated by
mineral-rich waters from the Melted snows coming down the Andes slopes. Navarro
Correas stands out for the careful selection of grapes and the use of a special
vinification process, including techniques that respect the traditional methods
while combining them with state-of-the-art technologies to produce world-class
wines.
www.wine.com
Wine from Argentina
Now fifth in the world for wine production, Argentina is catching up in the
quality wine sector. A long time wine producer, Argentina used to make wine in
order to drink it, not export it. And so the wines produced were quaffable and
rustic and made for the local's everyday dinner. Yet it's hard not to get caught
up in the wine market of the world and some winemakers decided it was time for
Argentina to show its stuff. Better winemaking technology was brought in, new
winemaking techniques were learned and good viticulture practices flourished.
The result? World-class wines with unique style and variety.
Notable Facts
Unlike its Chilean neighbor, Argentina's vineyards are spread out around the
country. The best known region is Mendoza, almost parallel to Santiago to the
west. Mendoza contains the sub-regions of Maipu (pronounced MY-pu) and San
Rafael. Grape-wise, the most important white is Chardonnay, making wine similar
to California'a style on the variety. Another fun white grape to find is the
Torrontes. Almost only grown in Argentina, Torrontes makes wines that are crisp,
aromatic and easy-drinking. As for the reds, Cabernet Sauvignon is the main
grape for many wines leaving the country, but Malbec, the grape Argentinians
like to call their own, makes very distinctive wines that are structured, dense
and velvety. Many more varieties happily grow in the country, but for export,
and consistent quality, these are the primary grapes.
www.wine.com
-------------------
Dona Paula
Dona Paula Estate line consists of reservoir wines of great character and
concentration. These wines come from a meticulous selection in the cellar of the
best exponents, originated in vineyards managed with under 8 tons per hectare
production. The upbringing is done in oak barrels and then, once bottled, they
are refined for at least 6 months in bottle before being sent to the market, in
order to develop a complex and powerful bouquet, which promote the special
characteristics of every variety.
Nowadays, our Estate line offers Malbec and Chardonnay, whereas Cabernet
Sauvignon, Shiraz-Malbec, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc.
www.wine.com
Dona Paula
Dona Paula Estate line consists of reservoir wines of great character and
concentration. These wines come from a meticulous selection in the cellar of the
best exponents, originated in vineyards managed with under 8 tons per hectare
production. The upbringing is done in oak barrels and then, once bottled, they
are refined for at least 6 months in bottle before being sent to the market, in
order to develop a complex and powerful bouquet, which promote the special
characteristics of every variety.
Nowadays, our Estate line offers Malbec and Chardonnay, whereas Cabernet
Sauvignon, Shiraz-Malbec, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc.
Dona Paula Malbec Lujan de Cuyo 2007
WS90 WA90
winemaker's notes:
"Dark and winey, with warm currant paste, cocoa powder and Turkish coffee notes
backed by solid grip on the fleshy finish. Nice hint of grilled sage adds
dimension too. Drink now through 2009."
-Wine Spectator
Intense red color with violet hues. Complex aromas with ripe plums, blackberry,
blueberry, sweet tar, licorice, black pepper, mint, truffle with a hint of mocha
flavors, giving an expressive and typical Argentinean character. It has sweet
and smooth tannins, nice body with supple and long finish.
_____________________________
Crios de Susana Balbo
After 22 years of winemaking, Susana Balbo has a strong sense of what she wants
from her wines. From every harvest, she creates the grandest possible wines
under her Susana Balbo label. To achieve this, she makes a rigorous selection of
the finest barrels prior to making her final blends, dividing them into the
parents (reserve level wines) and offspring or "crios".
Wines under her Crios label display ripe fruit flavors, excellent balance and
concentration, and are meant to be enjoyed in their vibrant youth. These wines
are produced under Dominio del Plata's code of sustainable agriculture.
Like Susana's own crios (a boy and a girl), they are extremely lovable and fun
to be around. The label features a series of three connected and overlapping
hands, an image inspired by a Mayan artifact. The artifact illustrates the
interconnectedness of every generation, and the irony that we will be both the
parent and the offspring at different times in our lives.
Crios de Susana Balbo Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
WA90
winemaker's notes:
Intense, dark ruby color with enticing aromas of ripe, black plums and black
currants. The richly textured plum and currant flavors are joined by accents of
dark chocolate and some vanilla-scented oak. The ripe, vibrant tannins give the
wine beautiful structure and an amazingly long finish. This is a big wine for
just a little money.
Drink it now or over the next few years to enjoy the fruit flavors at their
best. It will pair well with traditional Cabernet-friendly foods like grilled or
roasted meats.
"The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon spent 9 months in one-year-old French and American
oak and was bottled without fining or filtration. Purple-colored, it reveals an
expressive perfume of cedar, spice box, black currant and black raspberry. This
is followed by a medium to full-bodied wine with lots of savory black fruit,
enough structure to evolve for 1-2 years, excellent balance, and a long, fruit-filled
finish. Drink it over the next 3-4 years."
-Wine Advocate
----------------------------------
Crios de Susana Balbo Malbec 2007
WA90
winemaker's notes:
The wine has a beautiful reddish/purple color as most good Malbecs do. The
aromas are a mix of freshly crushed black cherries and toasty/smoky oak —just
enough to frame the exuberant fruit. On the palate, the flavors of cherries and
spice are obvious, and the jammy fruit quality just keeps coming on strong, with
hints of spice and sandalwood lurking in the background.
"The purple-colored 2007 Malbec offers an enticing bouquet of spice box, cedar,
black cherry and black raspberry. Medium-bodied and full-flavored, on the palate
it has gobs of spicy, savory fruit, soft tannins, and a lengthy finish. It may
well evolve for 1-2 years but there is no reason to defer gratification. All of
the Crios wines are phenomenal values worth buying by the case."
-Wine Advocate
-----------------------------
Alamos
From the vineyard to the winery, the Alamos wines are made to emphasize varietal
fruit character. The cool evening temperatures in Catena's high altitude
vineyards allow for prolonged hang time, preserving the fruit's full spectrum of
aromas and flavors.
At the winery, the grapes are gently destemmed, fermentation temperatures are
carefully controlled and two to four year old barrels are used to age the wines.
Alamos Malbec Mendoza Seleccion 2007
WS90
winemaker's notes:
Presents a deeply dark violet color with blackish tones. The nose is full of
ripe black fruits with floral tones and touches of leather, vanilla, and spice.
The mouthfeel is full yet supple, with juicy black raspberry, black cherry and
black currant fruit layered with notes of violets, black pepper and anis. The
finish is long and lingering, with soft, velvety tannins and bright, refreshing
acidity.
"Round and fleshy, with enticing spice, blueberry, fig and boysenberry flavors
backed by fruitcake and melted licorice hints. Stays fresh and vivid on the
finish, with a mocha hint. Drink now through 2009."
-Wine Spectator
South American Wines - An Independent Guide to the some of the Best Wines from Peru, Argentina & Chile.
www.south-american-wines.com Copyright 2009