Argentina

• Mendoza
  • Valle de Uco

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

An Argentina blend that is 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Malbec, 19% Petit Verdot and 10% Tannat.  Purple/ruby in color.  This took some time to open and though not necessarily better on Day 2, it was different.  The nose is dust with cherries, plums and an herbal note (tarragon?).  On day 2, it went more to black and blue fruits.  The palate has black cherries and plums with underlying dry earth and baking spice.  On Day 2, again it picks up more plums but also blueberries.  Tannins really come out on Day 2.  This win should match well with grilled and roasted meats and other hearty foods. 

This is a joint venture between Rothschild and Catena to make a luxury wine.  Caro means expensive.  it is a blend of 50/50 Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  The nose is dusty with plums and black cherries.  Also some smoke.  On the palate, the black cherries predominate but also some plums over some charred wood.  It is ripe and a ever so faintly sweet which is probably just ripe fruit.  This will work with big meat dishes and certainly on its own.  Seems to be drinking well now if a bit young.  It should have the potential to mature nicely for a decade and

Supposedly this is a natural wine.  Those can be good but often have some spoilage and similar issue.  There was nothing here to say this was affected, but it is a very odd wine that might have limited appeal.  On the other hand, it retails for around $15, so, especially for a wine geek, it might be worth checking out.  Deep golden in color (does this see extended skin contact?).  The nose is a bit odd.  Some sweaty undershirt quality to it.  A bit of dill.  Some tangerine fruit lurking in the background.  On the palate, it is hard to describe.  Kind of like apples that fall under a tree an

70% Malbec, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Syrah, 5% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot.  From the family that owns Leoville Poyferre in Bordeaux.  Purple/ruby in color.  The nose is warm and slightly musty (not in an off way).  Also has some cassis and plums.  On the palate, this drinks like a Bordeaux; fruit, tobacco and earth.  Black raspberries and plums.  Slight tannins.  It has a nice depth and seems to be closing in on maturity.  A bit soft but within reason.  Would work with roasted or grilled meats quite well.  No hurry, but won't get better and probably should be drunk in the next five years.  

Purple/ruby in color.  The nose has plums, bell pepper, celery and black raspberries.  On the palate, this is very ripe.  Plums and black raspberries.  slightly earthy.  Very delicious and easy to drink.  Not a lot of acidity or depth.  More of a cocktail wine although would work with hearty food especially meats.  

This is an inexpensive crowd pleaser made from the Malbec grape.  Available for under $15 almost everywhere.  Purple in color.  The nose has plums and slight cherries.  On the palate, this has slight tannins.  Easy drinking.  Plums that are ripe and just a hint of sweetness.  Clean finish.  Solid all the way around and a great choice for parties.  This will last a few years but its not made for long term cellaring.  Friendly with hearty foods.  

Saint Jeannet is a rare white wine grape.  This is one of the few bottlings that use it.  Light golden in color.  The nose has limes, asparagus and a metallic quality.  The palate is a bit better and more about minerals.  A bit of citrus.  Decent acidity.  Nice enough finish.  This retails for around $10 and for that price, this is good value.