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$6.95
The Zuccardi family have been innovators since the beginning. Alberto Zuccardi was an engineer who re-invented traditional irrigation systems in Argentina (very important in Read More...
this high desert climate). Today the family maintains an experimental vineyard where they are running trials on 25 new varietals—Malbec is great for Argentina, but there must be more! This Pinot Grigio is one of their most successful experiments showing ripe Bartlett Pear with a touch of almond blossom and nutmeg. The finish is very serious for the price—crisp with a hint of mountain minerals.
$26.98
WINE ADVOCATE 92 POINTS - " The 2009 Amorio is 100% Malbec sourced from an ungrafted 43-year-old vineyard and aged for 16 months in 60% new French oak Read More...
before bottling without fining or filtration (as are all of these wines). Purple-colored with legs that coat the glass, it exhibits an expressive nose of balsam wood, smoke, spice box, lavender, and black cherry. This leads to a medium-bodied, elegant style of Malbec with plenty of savory fruit and incipient complexity. Give this lengthy offering 2-3 years of additional cellaring and drink it from 2012 to 2024."
$36.95
WINE ADVOCATE 92 POINTS - "The 2009 Jubilo is a blend of 60% Malbec and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 16 months in French and American oak. Aromas Read More...
of pain grille, pencil lead, exotic spices, violets, black currant, and blackberry inform the nose of a savory, structured, layered, incipiently complex offering that will benefit from another 2-3 years of cellaring. Drink this nicely proportioned, lengthy effort from 2013 to 2024."
Tikal wines reflect the spirit of Mendoza: the sense of pride, love, celebration and even a bit of craziness. Ernesto Catena spent his childhood in the vineyards of Mendoza among wine-growers and local pundits. A skilled horseman, software developer and book editor, Ernesto pursues all that gives pleasure in life. This hedonism (in the best sense of the word) shows through in his wines. It is a style meant to provide enormous pleasure rather than provoke contemplation; an expression of emotion rather than intellect. He has named his wines with passion in mind: Patriota (Patriot), Amorio (Love Affair), Jubilo (Rejoice), and Locura (Madness).
Tikal wines reflect the spirit of Mendoza: the sense of pride, love, celebration and even a bit of craziness. Ernesto Catena spent his childhood in the vineyards of Mendoza among wine-growers and local pundits. A skilled horseman, software developer and book editor, Ernesto pursues all that gives pleasure in life. This hedonism (in the best sense of the word) shows through in his wines. It is a style meant to provide enormous pleasure rather than provoke contemplation; an expression of emotion rather than intellect. He has named his wines with passion in mind: Patriota (Patriot), Amorio (Love Affair), Jubilo (Rejoice), and Locura (Madness).
$15.98
WINE ADVOCATE 92 POINTS - "The 2011 Tikal Patriota is a blend of 60% Malbec and 40% Bonarda from Vista Flores and La Vendimia from 14-year-old vines. Read More...
It is raised in French and American oak for 12 months (30% new.) It has a confident, out-going bouquet of raspberries and wild strawberry complemented by hints of marmalade and quince. The palate is medium-bodied with luscious black fruit infused with minerals and a touch of graphite. It is supremely harmonious and seductive with filigree tannins on the refined finish. Wonderful. Drink now-2017."
$7.99
WINE ADVOCATE 90 POINTS -
"The 2011 Tilia Malbec, once again from Eastern Mendoza and Uco Valley raised in oak for six to nine months; has an attractive, Read More...
comparatively complex bouquet of blackberry, wild hedgerow, crushed stone and black pepper. The palate is medium-bodied with tense, edgy tannins on the entry that counterpoise the tight ball of blackberry, briary and minerals with style. It builds nicely in the mouth, leading to a firm, black olive-tinged finish that lightly grips the mouth. Excellent. Drink now-2018."
Tilia is estate owned by the Catena Family. Winemaker Alejandro ViggianiTop
Tilia is estate owned by the Catena Family. Winemaker Alejandro ViggianiTop
$7.99
This is a very complete, enjoyable Chardonnay. The balance of flavors is exquisite and it’s clearly well-made wine. The nose is rife with wonderful pineapple and pear notes, Read More...
toasty oak and malolactic butter tones. The mouthfeel is fat and lush but not cloying; it’s not a stick-tothe- roof-of-your-mouth type. The flavors blend honeyed almond-hazelnut with background elements of pear syrup and melba toast. The Tilia finishes long and fresh with the tropics once again making their presence known asthe balanced acidity lingers then gently meanders toward the sunset. This is the type of wine we love to point out to our friends and customers: it’s very good and fairly priced. It’s a new Chardonnay sourced from Catena vineyards and more than lives up to that pedigree.
$69.95
WINE ADVOCATE 93 POINTS - "A glass-coating opaque purple color, it offers up a brooding bouquet of pencil lead, espresso, mineral, earth notes, underbrush, Read More...
and blackberry. This is a dense effort that manages to be relatively light on its feet. There is plenty of structure under the layers of fruit and a minimum of 5-7 years of cellaring is advised."
STEPHAN TANZER 92+ POINTS - "Saturated bright ruby. Aromas of blackberry, menthol, licorice, graphite and crushed rock. Densely packed and sweet, with terrific grip to the intense flavors of blackberry, licorice, menthol and violet pastille. Complicated by a light saline quality. A serious wine whose firm spine of acids and tannins calls for patience. Superb petit verdot."
STEPHAN TANZER 92+ POINTS - "Saturated bright ruby. Aromas of blackberry, menthol, licorice, graphite and crushed rock. Densely packed and sweet, with terrific grip to the intense flavors of blackberry, licorice, menthol and violet pastille. Complicated by a light saline quality. A serious wine whose firm spine of acids and tannins calls for patience. Superb petit verdot."
$24.95
We really enjoyed this Syrah-- the nose of dark berry fruit compote and Rhôney meat spices continued on to the palate with the same theme: dark fruits and charcuterie, spices Read More...
with a bit of underbrush and forest floor. The soft, tasty fruits were equally balanced by elegant tannins leading to a huge fruit-filled finish that lasted on and on without being cloying; layers of fruit blended with uplifting acidity, keeping it clean, softly fading from sunset to twilight gloaming, to gentle night.
$24.98
STEPHEN TANZER 92 POINTS - "Saturated medium ruby. Vibrant aromas of black fruits, licorice, minerals and crushed rock. Densely packed but juicy and penetrating, Read More...
with terrific definition and a slatey coolness to the dark fruit and menthol flavors."
(I was reminded of a Spanish wine from llicorella soil.) For all its clarity and perfume, this very young wine is already quite silky. Finishes savory, firm and long, with fine tannins dusting the entire palate. Lovely perfumed lift (from the cabernet franc?) contributes to the impression of grip. Just 350 cases made, from seven fermentations with different clones.
(I was reminded of a Spanish wine from llicorella soil.) For all its clarity and perfume, this very young wine is already quite silky. Finishes savory, firm and long, with fine tannins dusting the entire palate. Lovely perfumed lift (from the cabernet franc?) contributes to the impression of grip. Just 350 cases made, from seven fermentations with different clones.
$14.95
WINE ADVOCATE 90 POINTS - "Medium purple, 8 months barrel, Asian spices, hint of balsamic, cassis; some elegance, tasty."
We enjoyed Read More...
We enjoyed Read More...
the nose of big rich cherry/berry fruits and warm spice. The palate showcases balanced tannins and fruit with brown spices leading to an enjoyable, lengthy finish.
$22.99
50% Riesling, 40% Albarino, 10% Savagnin
STEPHEN TANZER 91 POINTS - "Slightly high-toned, cool aromas of lemon, apple, musky ginger, quinine Read More...
STEPHEN TANZER 91 POINTS - "Slightly high-toned, cool aromas of lemon, apple, musky ginger, quinine Read More...
and crushed stone. Sweet and fat with fruit, but with lovely spicy lift to the lemon and orange zest flavors. Very pliant blend with well-integrated acidity. Finishes very long, with dusty brown spices and a note of grapefruit pith. A fascinating, mineral-driven white blend."
$16.98
You may recognize the Viña Alicia name-- and not just because we featured them not too long ago in our newsletter. It's more about the fact that they are making phenomenal wines out Read More...
of the Luján de Cuyo-- the district capital of the Luján de Cuyo Department located in the west of the Mendoza Province of Argentina. The ‘09 Paso de Piedra Malbec is yet another fine example of why Viña Alicia and Argentine wine, in general, have made such a positive impact on the world wine stage. The nose on this Malbec is complex as it is sexy; velveteen, smooth scents of ripe, rutting red fruits, pomegranate, cherry and black cherry, lead to midnight florals of violet and lilac lightly dusted by a pinch of baking spices and raw earth. The palate follows suit as sweet jammy fruit flavors (cassis, boysenberry, blackberry) are again paired with a spicy, earthy minerality graced by a touch of pencil lead and cocoa-- and all this is kept fresh and lively by a welcome layer of mid-palate acidity. The acidity is key to the impeccable balance in this wine-- while the bright, high-toned fruit is delicious, too much would overload the tongue and palate. The acidity allows the fruit to have its ‘time in the sun,’ if you will, but refreshes the taste buds when the finish gently rolls around. While the finish itself is brief, the echo of fruit persists on and on.
$199.95
WINE ADVOCATE 98 POINTS - "It will be a memorable experience to compare it with the 2009 Cobos Volturno Marchiori Vineyard when it is fully formed. Loaded, long, Read More...
powerful yet elegant, this velvety offering delivers everything one might want in a Malbec. This pleasure bent effort should see its 20th birthday in peak condition.
Vina Cobos is a partnership between Paul Hobbs, Andrea Marchiori, and Luis Barraud. The new releases are further confirmation that Vina Cobos is one of Argentina’s great producers. The Felino label has for a number of years been synonymous with value."
Vina Cobos is a partnership between Paul Hobbs, Andrea Marchiori, and Luis Barraud. The new releases are further confirmation that Vina Cobos is one of Argentina’s great producers. The Felino label has for a number of years been synonymous with value."
$36.98
WINE ADVOCATE 90 POINTS - "The 2010 Bramare Malbec (Lujan de Cuyo) underwent the same vinification regime as its Valle de Uco sibling. It is softer and Read More...
more approachable on the nose, with red cherries, blackberry, Dorset plum and a hint of marmalade. The palate is full-bodied with a sweet, cassis-driven entry. It is very polished with rounded, silky tannins and a touch of white pepper and even ginger towards the concentrated finish. Drink 2014-2020."
$15.99
ROBERT PARKER - "The 2011 Felino Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with 8% Syrah and 4% Petit Verdot from Lujan de Cuyo and Maipu, aged in French and American oak, Read More...
of which 20% is new. The nose is well-defined, with blackberry, briar, a touch of cassis and granitic scents. The palate is full-bodied with dense tannins and layers of ripe blackberry and black cherries. There is a touch of graphite on the finish that is rather spirituous. Drink 2013-2019."
$15.99
The 2011 Felino Malbec sports an inviting perfume of cedar, rose petal, spice box, incense, and black cherry. In the glass it opens to reveal a savory, succulent wine with excellent Read More...
volume and length. This pleasure-bent Malbec is an outstanding value meant for drinking over the next 5-6 years.
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$8.95
Bodega Vistalba was built in the year 2002 on a family farm in the heart of Vistalba (Luján de Cuyo), Argentina. The architecture style is "Criollo" or Argentine native style. This Read More...
blends perfectly into the classic Mendoza terroir. Following the heritage of his ancestors and the traditional winemaking that the first Italian and Spanish immigrants brought to Argentina, this is where owner and winemaker Carlos Pulenta developed his personal undertaking of blending wines involving members of his family, advisors, enologists and a highly-esteemed group of people who knew his land well.
If the Vistalba name and "Corte C" designation sound familiar-- they should. We've featured different vintages of this same wine many times before, including the 2005 which was our wine of the month in October, 2008. Besides being an amazing wine (yet again!), it's an even better bargain at $8.95, a dollar cheaper then 5 years ago while still tasting like a wine in the $15-20 price range! This year's blend (80% Malbec, 20% Cab) may be the best one yet!
The nose is an enticing blend of red and black berry fruits, cherries and blackberries, surrounded by a midnight garden floral ambiance-- the perfume is captivating! Subtle notes of briar and cedar wood with a light touch of mixed spices and tobacco make for a more complex, rich aromatic milieu. The palate continues with the red and dark fruit flavors, suspended in an unctuous body and mouthfeel. Notes of charcuterie and leather meld with silky tannins and appropos acidity leading to a layer of spice and underbrush. The finish is lengthy, tasty and memorable. This is a great wine of the month to start the year with and will get even better over the next year or two-- stock up and enjoy this one!
If the Vistalba name and "Corte C" designation sound familiar-- they should. We've featured different vintages of this same wine many times before, including the 2005 which was our wine of the month in October, 2008. Besides being an amazing wine (yet again!), it's an even better bargain at $8.95, a dollar cheaper then 5 years ago while still tasting like a wine in the $15-20 price range! This year's blend (80% Malbec, 20% Cab) may be the best one yet!
The nose is an enticing blend of red and black berry fruits, cherries and blackberries, surrounded by a midnight garden floral ambiance-- the perfume is captivating! Subtle notes of briar and cedar wood with a light touch of mixed spices and tobacco make for a more complex, rich aromatic milieu. The palate continues with the red and dark fruit flavors, suspended in an unctuous body and mouthfeel. Notes of charcuterie and leather meld with silky tannins and appropos acidity leading to a layer of spice and underbrush. The finish is lengthy, tasty and memorable. This is a great wine of the month to start the year with and will get even better over the next year or two-- stock up and enjoy this one!
$17.98
WINE ADVOCATE 93 POINTS -
"The 2010 Zolo Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a worthy follow-up to the 2009. It has a sedate, well-defined bouquet of kirsch, cranberry, Read More...
raspberry and that gravel note. The palate is full-bodied and well-balanced with earthy ripe black fruit. It is a little broody, but draws you in, and the finish is powerful but wonderfully focused. This is a classy Cabernet. Drink 2013-2020+"
Zolo is produced at one of the most technologically advanced wineries in Argentina. They select grapes from estate vineyards throughout different key regions of Mendoza. Located at various altitudes, each of these terroirs provides a different expression of fruit and varietal concentration. The winemakers are Fabian Valenzuela and Jean Claude Berrouet (former Petrus winemaker). The purpose of the winery's Zolo classic line is to create a family of fruit-forward, great value wines, which can be enjoyed with a wide range of food or by themselves. The Zolo Reserves, with their ultra-high concentration, long ageing in new French oak, and aromatic complexity are made for those special occasions when one needs a wine to "blow your hat off."
Zolo is produced at one of the most technologically advanced wineries in Argentina. They select grapes from estate vineyards throughout different key regions of Mendoza. Located at various altitudes, each of these terroirs provides a different expression of fruit and varietal concentration. The winemakers are Fabian Valenzuela and Jean Claude Berrouet (former Petrus winemaker). The purpose of the winery's Zolo classic line is to create a family of fruit-forward, great value wines, which can be enjoyed with a wide range of food or by themselves. The Zolo Reserves, with their ultra-high concentration, long ageing in new French oak, and aromatic complexity are made for those special occasions when one needs a wine to "blow your hat off."
$8.98
“The Most Awarded Brand in Argentina” - 2011 Viñas, Bodegas & Vinos de Argentina One of the most technologically advanced wineries in Argentina, Zolo selects grapes from their Read More...
estate vineyards located throughout the key regions of Mendoza. These vineyards are located at various altitudes and each of the terroirs provides a different expression of fruit and varietal concentration. The winemaker is Fabian Valenzuela, the vineyard manager is Carlos Correas and the owners are the Ortiz family. Owner and President Patricia Ortiz spends much of the week working in Mendoza, leaving her husband solo (Zolo) in Buenos Aires. All hand-harvested then manually selected through a two-tiered prcoess, this 100% Bonarda has aromas of raspberries and strawberries and ripe sweet tannins accompanied with toasted oak. Average vine age is approximately 10 years in the 100% sustainably farmed vineyards at an altitude of over 1,000 meters. A finishing touch of 6 months in French and American barrels, makes this Bonarda a wine that will “blow your hat off.”
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