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Wines of Argentina PDF Print E-mail
Bernard Magrez, 2003 La Bienvenida, Mendoza - $50 (100% malbec from Perdriel): Gorgeous aromas of blackberry, clove and cigar box. Medium full; the palate offers attractive flavors of black cherry, menthol and blackberry. Lengthy, beautifully structured finish with very fine acidity, velvety tannins and perfectly integrated oak. Elegant and long on finesse with great purity of fruit and notes of black tar and molasses in the finish. Extremely well made. Score: 95

Bodega Familia Barberis, 2004 Humberto Barberis Malbec Gran Reserva, Mendoza - $30: Intriguing aromas of cherry cough syrup, menthol and cumin. Flavors of red cherry, peppermint and tobacco seed on the palate. Polished tannins, well-integrated oak and a rich finish with notes of pink peppercorn, turmeric and cinnamon. An elegantly styled wine with great finesse and beautiful, terroir-driven varietal character. Score: 93

Bodegas Nieto Senetiner, 2000 Estiba 39 Cadus Malbec, Mendoza - $40: Aromas of bramble, boysenberry and mace. The palate opens up to flavors of blackberry, herbal tea and dried beef. Earthy finish with notes of black peppercorn and clove with a light minerality. Quite ripe and powerful with rich tannins, balanced acidity and oak. Score: 90

Bodega Ruca Malen, 2003 Kinien Malbec, Mendoza - $30: Inviting aromas of blackberry, black plum and tobacco open up to flavors of black cherry, tar and black plum. Velvety tannins, well-integrated oak and acidity. Graceful finish with persistent black plum fruit and notes of dark chocolate. Enjoy over the next 3 to 5 years. Score: 91

Catena, 2003 Alta Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza - $45: Attractive aromas of black cherry, black plum and iris. The richly concentrated mid-palate offers flavors of black currant, blackberry jam and marmalade. Elegantly styled with sleek tannins, nicely integrated oak and good acidity. The graceful finish has notable fruit length with evidence of tobacco and mint. Score: 93

Catena, 2004 Alta Malbec, Mendoza - $45: Pleasing aromas of blackberry, boysenberry and purple orchid. Nicely defined mid-palate with notes of black cherry, black plum and currant. Youthful, elegant tannins, balanced acidity and nice use of oak. A touch of bitter chocolate in the finish. Graceful and very classy. Score: 92

Cheval des Andes, 2004 Mendoza - $70 (56% cabernet sauvignon, 40% malbec, 4% petit verdot): Aromas of bittersweet chocolate, black cherry and macaroon. On the palate, flavors of devil's food cake, black plum and molasses emerge. Youthful tannins, ample oak and good acidity. Notes of thyme and tobacco leaf in the finish. Full bodied with excellent concentration, this wine is built for the long haul. Give it time (12 to 15 years) to settle down. Score: 92

Domaines Baron de Rothschild & Nicolás Catena, 2005 Amancaya, Mendoza - $19 (50% cabernet sauvignon, 50% malbec): Generous aromas of blackberry, black plum and vanilla with flavors of black raspberry, maple and black plum. Quite ripe and forward, yet well balanced throughout, with good acidity, nicely integrated oak and tannins that are held in check. Chocolate notes grace the finish. Score: 91

Familia Schroeder, 2003 Merlot, Patagonia - $45: Earthy aromas of currant, rhubarb and smoked duck. Appealing flavors of red cherry, milk chocolate and pistachio. Lively acidity, elegant tannins and a nice dollop of oak. Graceful finish with notes of cumin and caraway. Score: 92

Familia Schroeder, 2003 Pinot Noir/Malbec, Patagonia - $45 (60% pinot noir, 40% malbec): Aromas of maraschino cherry, red plum and blackberry jam. Elegant entry with flavors of myrtle, molasses, herbal tea and toast. Medium-weight tannins, balanced oak and lively acidity. A clean, well-structured finish features notes of Bing cherry and toast. Score: 91

Luigi Bosca, 2003 Gala 1, Mendoza - $35 (85% malbec, 10% petit verdot, 5% tannat): Enticing aromas of blackberry, grilled meat and mint. The palate offers flavors of black raspberry, black plum and macaroon. Polished tannins, good acidity and nicely integrated oak, along with notes of menthol and marmalade, define the finish. A wonderful blend emphasizing finesse over power. Score: 91

Navarro Correas, 2004 Ultra, Mendoza - $41 (50% malbec, 36% merlot, 14% cabernet sauvignon): Pleasant aromas of blackberry, myrtle and clove. Flavors of black cherry, oolong tea and raspberry on the palate. Ample oak, balanced acidity and youthful tannins. Lengthy, well-structured finish with notable fruit persistence, and tar and black peppercorn accents. Score: 92

Norton, 2003 Perdriel, Single Vineyard, Mendoza - $55 (70% malbec, 18% merlot, 12% cabernet sauvignon): Exotic aromas of black plum, charred meat and soy sauce. Excellent concentration with flavors of black cherry, anise and clove. Balanced acidity, youthful tannins and ample oak. Notes of tobacco leaf in the tightly wound finish. Nice expression of terroir that will show best in a decade. Score: 94

Susana Balbo, 2005 Brioso, Agrelo, Mendoza - $45 (65% cabernet sauvignon, 15% malbec, 10% cabernet franc, 5% petit verdot, 5% merlot): Lovely aromas of black currant, lavender and pepper. Medium-full on the palate with flavors of plum, cacao and maple. Earthy finish with notes of dark chocolate and nutmeg. Youthful tannins, good acidity and notable oak spiciness. Score: 90

Trapiche, 2004 Viña Victorio Coletto Malbec, El Peral, Mendoza - $42: Succulent aromas of black plum, boysenberry, bittersweet chocolate and vanilla. An expansive mid-palate offers flavors of black raspberry, cacao and sage. Excellent fruit length, balanced acidity, noticeable oak and refined tannins. Bitter almond marks the enduring finish. Elegantly styled with impressive concentration of fruit. Score: 93

Valentín Bianchi, 2003 Enzo Bianchi, San Rafael, Mendoza - $50 (75% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot, 10% malbec): Complex aromas of ripe black plum, blackberry and roasted coffee. Full bodied with excellent concentration. Flavors of toffee, marzipan and black cherry on the palate. Youthful, elegant tannins and good acidity. Notes of fig and nutmeg in the finish. Excellent complexity and a nice sense of terroir. Score: 93

Zuccardi, 2003 Zeta, Mendoza - $45 (60% malbec, 40% tempranillo): Alluring aromas of anise, black plum and mint. Medium-full bodied with excellent concentration. Flavors of black cherry, herbal tea and nutmeg. Big fruit persistence and rich, spicy notes of sage and cinnamon in the finish. Very good acidity, nicely balanced tannins and well-integrated oak. Score: 93 - TH
 
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