Argentina

• Mendoza
  • Valle de Uco

I am not a huge Malbec fan in general but if I were, this is not a style of Malbec I would choose.  So, take this review with a grain of salt.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  The nose has cherries, slight plums and green bell pepper.  On the palate, there is an overt acidity to this wine that seems misplaced.  It has a nice full bodied texture.  Tart cherry fruit with a green bell pepper back bone.  Clipped finish.  I tried this at a local wine shop and some of the other patrons seemed to enjoy this more than I.  It isn't going to get any better so drink now.  

This is a relatively inexpensive and widely distributed Malbec that show up on a lot of wine lists.  I prefer their Syrah but the Malbec is functional and not a bad choice when looking to not spend a lot of money.  Purple in color.  The nose is dusty with some plums and a bit of sweet alcohol.  On the palate, the plums come thru with some black cherry notes.  It is a touch warm.  Nice finish.  Works well with pastas, meat and pizza.  These drink well for about five years from vintage.  

This is a blend of 80% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Ancellotta.  It is a big wine made from Estate grown fruit in Paraje Altamira.  It is a big wine that clocks in at 14% Abv although it seems a bit higher.  It is also delicious and makes a great drink when sitting around with friends.  Deep purple in color.  The nose has plums, some black raspberries, spice and slight coffee bean.  On the palate, this has medium tannins.  It is thick and voluptuous.  Plums and cassis flavors with some oak.  Slightly ripe/sweet on the finish.  A fun wine that should be consumed in the next few yea

This is a screaming value.  Served to a group of friends, everyone loved it.  It retails for around $25, but can often be found for less.  The grapes are from 100 plus year old vines at 2300 meters in altitude.  It sees no oak.  Inky purple in color.  The nose has black cherries, black raspberries, and slight fig notes.  On the palate, this has soft tannins.  The wine has so much energy.  Very fresh and bright.  Concentrated fruits of plums and black cherries over a gravel quality that is both interesting and delicious.  Good acidity.  Nice finish.  This will match a wide variety of foods. 

Made from four vineyards ranging from 1700 to 3111 meters in height. This is a concentrated and very dark wine.  It was better on day 2.  Inky purple in color.  The nose has plums, black cherries and dust.  On the palate, this has firm tannins.  It is slightly tart black cherry fruit.  On day 2 it opens to show a delicious side.  Give it some air if opening soon.  It will work great with meats and other roasted dishes.  Proper cellaring has some upside here.  This is a great value in red wine.  

This is a blend of 85% Malbec, 10% Tannat, and 5% Petite Verdot.  Grown from vineyards at 5,900 feet above sea level.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  The nose has plums, spice and black raspberries.  Also a touch of black pepper.  On the palate, this has silky tannins.  Plum and black cherry fruit.  Not noticeable oak.  This wine is about accessibility and easy enjoyment.  Good fruit.  It goes down easily.  Should be drunk within the next few years.  It will work with medium and heartier foods well.  This retails for around $15 which is a great value.  

This is 85% Torrontes and 15% Riesling.  Light silvery green gold in color.  The nose is pronounced and very nice.  Grapefruit and Mandarin oranges.  Slightly viscous.  Good acidity.  Oranges and minerals on the palate.  Nice finish if a bit thin.  This wine is delicious on its own and will work well with lighter foods.  It is relatively inexpensive and will be great for summer parties.  

Torrontes is the signature white grape of Argentina.  This is 100%.  Light silvery gold in color.  The nose has some grapefruit and a steely quality to it.  Better on the palate with flavors of quince and grape fruits.  Light bodied.  Slightly oily texture.  Good acidity.  Long finish.  This is a friendly easy going wine that sips well on its own and will pair nicely with lighter foods.  It is relatively inexpensive and a good value.  

Tasted at a natural wine tasting.  This is an interesting wine if not particularly something I wold want to drink again.  Purple/garnet/dark brown in color.  The nose is different.  Starting out with an earthy/musty note, it cleans up with air showing some red berries which in turn are followed by a sweet tart and bubble gum note.  Probably caused by carbonic maceration.  On the palate, this has a tingly quality that could be some trapped CO2.  It is very tannic for such a light bodied wine.  Black cherries and mushroom with an underlying damp earthiness.  Clipped on the finish.  This was s

A "natural" wine, whatever that means.  It is an unusual take on Chenin Blanc.  Tasted a wine store tasting, this was my second time getting an opportunity to try this and it seemed like it has improved (or this was a better bottle).  Lighter in color than a previous bottle, so perhaps the first bottle had been oxidized a bit.  Light gold, clear and bright.  The nose is different with cardamom, and orange pith.  On the palate, this has tart oranges.  Strong acidity.  12% Alc.  It finishes a bit salty which is different and probably makes it more food friendly.  It was priced at $12 on close