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Argentina

 

We have some truly superb new reds from small family boutique vineyards. The quality of these wines has to be sampled to be believed! With the Euro increasing the price of Italian wines, Argentina is set for a boom in trade.

Argentina is the fifth largest producer of wine in the world and until recently was a large consumer too. However economic crisis and spiralling inflation have helped reduce their domestic consumption. At the same time a shift in political attitudes opened up Argentina's borders and investors from the USA and Europe invested heavily in vineyard and winery projects. The results were a dramatic improvement in quality and the replanting of some traditional grape varieties with International ones, and the introduction of Argentinian wines onto the Inernational market. Argentinian grapes of note include Torontes for the white and Bonarda and Tannat for the red. They are best known for their excellent reds made from the Malbec grape, which ripens far better in the Argentinian climate than it ever could in it's native France. Argentina lies between the same lines of latitude as South Africa, South Australia and New Zealand and has a similar climate. Add to this glorious sunshine, the cooling effect of the vineyards at altitude in the foothills of the Andes and Argentina has the natural attributes to produce truly world class wines. Their image has suffered due to the mass produced cheap plonk featured in the supermarkets for the last few years. But be brave, take the plunge and try some of their top end wines. They are beautiful wines and represent superb value for money.
 
 
Bodega Benegas

The El Trapiche vineyard was established by Tiburcio Benegas back in the late 1800s when he brought the first French vine stock to Argentina. He was Governor of Mendoza at the time, when he also borrowed five million pesos to establish the bank of Mendoza. From this financial base he set about expanding the vineyards with dams and irrigation, which led to the creation of the Mendoza wine industry, widely regarded as the best and most prestigious in all Argentina. Tiburcio's aim was to produce wine of the highest quality, and for this he returned to Bordeaux to source French oak casks and equipment, and to further his knowledge and bring back French oenologists with him. Tiburcio's sons continued expanding the Trapiche winery which was regarded as the best in Argentina for the first 70 years of the 20th century.

The enterprise grew and was eventually split up and sold off. In 1998 Federico J Benegas Lynch resumed the family tradition of wine making at the 40 hectare Finca Libertad vineyard, the best of the family's original vineyards with the old French vine stock. He's restored the old winery building and is now making sensational wines to rival and surpass those of his father and grandfather.

Federico and his lovely wife, Carmen, are driven by a passion to produce the best wine possible. Jane and I really hit it off with them as they recognised our passion for good wine, and our appreciation for the superb wines they're producing. Steven Spurrier is a big fan and Robert Parker has asked if he can come and see them, which is already a remarkable achievement. I highly recommend these wines.
benegas
 
 

Benegas Lynch Meritage 2005 75cl

Steven Spurrier apparently loved the latest vintage of this wine and Robert Parker has requested an audience with Carmen and Federico! So it's not just me who thinks this wine's something special!

Steven Spurrier wrote in Decanter magazine in April 2006 of Federico's first vintage, the 2002, 'Best New World Red. Not to be confused with the Pauillac Lynches, this top selection from an ambitious new winery in Mendoza has 50% old vine Cabernet Franc to match the usual Bordeaux grapes. Good concentration, long succulent fruit and fine-grained tannins, this is worth the high price of £34.99'.

Wine Advocate - 92 Points

The Benegas family were the first to import French vines into Argentina way back in the late 19th century. The family has played a prominent role in the Argentine wine trade ever since, continually looking to France for inspiration and expertise as they sought to make the very best wine. Federico's vineyards are part of the original family estate, with long established French vine stock dating back 80 years.

14.7%abv. We are absolutely delighted to have secured the European allocation for the 2004 vintage of this incredible wine. Only 3000 bottles are produced each year, with only 300 or so destined for Europe and only 120 for retail. It's an exceptional wine, likened to a first growth claret from a very good year. It's a classic Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot from renowned winemaker Federico Benegas Lynch, with consultant Michell Roland of Bordeaux fame. I can't praise this wine enough. Read about it for yourself at their website, or you can try it at the Gaucho Grill Restaurant. Jane says this is simply the best red wine she's ever tasted! And I have to agree, it's something very special.

Please note, the above text relates to the 2004 though we've now moved onto the 2005 vintage which is available in one or two other good retailers - although not at our price! It's equally superb. I'll be adding my personal tasting notes in due course.

Benegas Website

Price: £33.19 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


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WA
John's Rating
96 Points

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Benegas Lynch Meritage 2005 75cl
 
 

Benegas Lynch Cabernet Franc 2005 75cl

August 2009 - Jancis Robinson has just declared this wine to be 'truly excellent' and one of her top 10 super premium Argentine reds! We don't always share the same opinions but she's definitely got it right this time.

Robert Parker 90 Points

15% abv.This is an incredible wine, made from vines over 80 years old, aged in new French oak. These are the oldest vineyards at Finca Libertad and Federico only makes a tiny quantity of this beautiful wine - 2000 bottles annually. Both Parker and Spurrier give it high praise indeed, and I'm sure there's quite a few envious Borderlaise who wish they could produce wine of this standard. The wine is deep ruby in colour, full flavoured and tremendously smooth with mature tannins. Very very long. Quite simply it's one of the best wines I've ever had the pleasure of tasting. Drinking superbly already but will keep (improving?) for years to come. If you're looking for a really good wine to splash out on and treat yourself to, I highly recommend you try a bottle!

Price: £33.19 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


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RP
John's Rating
95 Points

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Benegas Lynch Cabernet Franc 2005 75cl
 
 

Benegas Sangiovese 2006 75cl

Very limited. And a superb wine!

15% abv. Please don't be deterred from trying this wine because it's a Sangiovese! This is a fantastic wine. I'm like most of us and would never normally choose a straight Sangiovese, specially from anywhere other than Italy. However this wine is something special. 100% Sangiovese from 55 year old vines, with only 14500 bottles produced. Consultant winemaker Michel Rolland has worked his magic once again as he does with all the Benegas reds. This is a superb wine, big, warm and rounded, supremely smooth, structured and layered. Plenty of delicious fruit, well balanced and nowhere near as dry on the finish as traditional Italian Sangiovese. We thoroughly enjoyed this wine in our friend's Italian restaurant where we followed it with an Amarone Zenato and it stood up very well indeed. Highly recommended, have it with food. This wine has been on the Gaucho Grill wine list for a remarkable nine straight years!

Benegas Website

Price: £17.35 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


Sulphites:
John's Rating
92 Points

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Benegas Sangiovese 2006 75cl
 
 

Benegas Syrah 2006 75cl

August 2009 - Jancis Robinson has just declared this wine to be 'truly excellent' and one of her top 10 super premium Argentine reds along with the Benegas Cab Franc above. We don't always share the same opinions but she's definitely got it right this time.

15% abv. Superb wine, big and powerful with intense savoury flavours. Very smooth with balanced tannins, oak and alcohol with incredible length. Very limited with only 14800 bottles produced.

Benegas Website



Price: £17.35 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


Sulphites:
John's Rating
90 Points

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Benegas Syrah 2006 75cl
 
 

Juan Benegas Malbec 2003 75cl

SPECIAL OFFER - This wine is still drinking well, we thoroughly enjoyed a bottle last week. There's a little sediment and crystalisation on the cork, which is perfectly natural. However this wine needs drinking up in the next 6 months so we've reduced it from £8.17 to £5.99 to clear.

14%abv. The Benegas wines from winemaker Frederico Benegas Lynch are all very good. The reds in particular are outstanding thanks in part to consultant winemaker Michel Rolland of Bordeaux fame. This is a powerful wine with intense fruit and sweet tannins with superb length. Lovely on it's own but even better paired with roast beef, or after dinner with some strong cheese.

Benegas Website

Price: £5.99 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


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Juan Benegas Malbec 2003 75cl
 
 

Luna Benegas Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 75cl

14%abv. Produced from 60 year old vines from a single vineyard. Good fruit with a hint of pepper, smooth and lingering. Elegant and well structured. Very nice just to drink on it's own but even better when paired with food. Unsuprisingly the majority of Argentine reds seem suited to beef dishes, and this one is no exception. I personally love this wine, I think it's superb quality for the price.

Benegas Website

Price: £9.19 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


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Luna Benegas Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 75cl
 
 
Bodega San Huberto

We have two new superb wines from Bodega San Huberto in the La Rioja region recently arrived from Argentina. They are San Huberto's 'Ultra Premium Range' called 'Nina'. They are fantastic, in particular their Petit Verdot, which has to be tasted to be believed and there's also a lovely blended wine. They also make a Cabernet Malbec but it's sold out and the next vintage won't be ready for release till early next year. We are the only company importing these wines to the UK.
san huberto
 
 

Bodega San Huberto Nina Petit Verdot 2004 75cl

Due to supplier increases and the weak pound, the 2005 vintage will be retailing above £20. So stock up on 2004 while you can.

14% abv. This is San Huberto's 'ultra premium wine' made from 100% Petit Verdot grapes, the unsung hero of fine red Bordeaux. The grapes are hand harvested then aged in barrique for 12 months with a further 12 months in bottle prior to release. Deep dark in colour with an inky appearance, with an intense nose of concentrated fruit. This is a complex structured wine with an array of different flavours. Strong fruit on the palate initially, gives way to a slight spice then gentle pepperiness and a hint of vanilla on the really long finish. The wine is exceptionally smooth, medium bodied with a silky mouth feel. It has great balance with just the right amount of mature tannins, acidity and alcohol. This is an exceptional wine. We've only shipped a very small quantity.

San Huberto Website

Price: £15.28 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


Sulphites:
John's Rating
90 Points

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Bodega San Huberto Nina Petit Verdot 2004 75cl
 
 

Bodega San Huberto Nina Blend 2004 75cl

Decanter Commended October 2008

14% abv. This is the second of San Huberto's 'ultra premium wines' this time a blend of 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Malbec and 50% Petit Verdot. The grapes are hand harvested then aged in barrique for 12 months with a further 12 months in bottle prior to release. The wine is deep in colour thanks to the Petit Verdot's almost ink like appearance. Prominent fruit on the nose followed by delicious smooth fruit on the palate. San Huberto have blended this wine beautifully. Supremely balanced acid, alcohol, wood and fruit, and very very smooth! Just too easy to drink, either on it's own or with a whole range of foods from poultry to red meat. We've only shipped a very small quantity.

San Huberto Website

Price: £14.10 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


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OUT OF STOCK
Bodega San Huberto Nina Blend 2004 75cl
 
 
Bodegas El Porvenir

We are delighted to have discovered this superb multi award winning winery in our recent tastings. Bodegas El Porvenir de los Andes is a small, family owned and run winery which produces very limited quantities of stunning top quality wines. Their vineyards are located in the Cafayate Valley in the far north of Argentina, where the unique mesoclimate, combined with ideal soils, is suited to producing grapes of optimum quality. Add to this a state of the art winery and a commitment to excellence that only a small devoted producer can offer and the result is wines that can rival any in the world. As well as the superb wines below, they have two truly sensational new wines which aren't yet available in the Uk, so we are having them shipped from Argentina. Unfortunately this will take a few weeks. In the meantime I urge you to try the wines below - they are superb.

Great News - We have El Porvenir's sensational Amauta Cabernet Merlot Blend - just arrived. This wine is sensational and has only just arrived in the UK. We've also got their Laborum Cabernet Sauvignon - another magnificent wine, again only just arrived. Give them a try, they're both fantastic wines!

El Porvenir Website
el porvenir de los andes
 
 

Bodegas El Porvenir Amauta Cabernet Merlot 2005 75cl

MZA Hyatt Award - Gold Medal

14% abv. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon 40% Merlot, with 6 to 8 months in French oak. We've been waiting 6 months for the release of this latest vintage. Stunning wine, it sells out so fast it's not even featured on their website. Highly recommended. Big fruit flavours, full in the mouth with an almost velvety mouth feel and a really long finish. Superbly balanced, with good acidity making it an ideal wine to enjoy with food. However I believe it's so good I just want to savour it on it's own. Jane said simply 'it's the best wine she's drunk for ages'. High praise indeed!

El Porvenir Website

Price: £13.95 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


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MZA HYATT
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90 Points

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Bodegas El Porvenir Amauta Cabernet Merlot 2005 75cl
 
 

Bodegas El Porvenir Amauta 2005 75cl

Argentina Wine Awards - Bronze Medal

14% abv. 60% Malbec 30% Cabernet Sauvignon 10% Syrah, with 6 to 8 months in French oak. This wine has big, powerful fruit upfront which, when left to breathe for ten minutes, softens into a delicious wine. Strong flavours of blackcurrants with some pepper from the Syrah. Well structured and smooth with a dry finish. I thoroughly enjoyed it on it's own but it's even better with food. Suited to red meat dishes or casseroles.

El Porvenir Website

Price: £13.95 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


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AWA
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Bodegas El Porvenir Amauta 2005 75cl
 
 

Bodegas El Porvenir Laborum Tannat 2005 75cl

Wine & Spirits - 91 points

14.3% abv. Only 6576 bottles produced. What a beautiful wine! Mundus Vini International Silver Medal.Tannat is a native Argentinian grape that makes superb, big powerful wines. Made from grapes from two vineyards of 35 year old vines and two of 10 year old. Low yielding, hand harvested grapes are vinified then aged in French and American oak for 10 to 12 months. The wine is big with intense flavour, slightly spicy, well structured with balanced acidity and sweet but firm tannins. As it's still young, it really benefits from being left to breathe. It needs 30 minutes but improves dramatically if you can leave it for 60 or even 90 minutes. Similar in style to an Amarone, but a little lighter, it's delicious with food. This wine is beautiful.

El Porvenir Website

Price: £21.96 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


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MVI
John's Rating
92 Points

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Bodegas El Porvenir Laborum Tannat 2005 75cl
 
 

Bodegas El Porvenir Laborum Malbec 2005 75cl

13.8% abv. Only 18540 bottles produced. Beautiful wine, description to follow. Vinandino International Contest Silver Medal for 2004. 2003 won Las Vegas International Gold Medal, Women's Choice Argentina Gold Medal.

El Porvenir Website

Price: £21.96 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


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VIC
John's Rating
90 Points

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Bodegas El Porvenir Laborum Malbec 2005 75cl
 
 

Bodegas El Porvenir Laborum Syrah 2004 75cl

14% abv. Only 10270 bottles produced. Beautiful wine. Huge concentration of fruit, Jane said damson, I said blackberry, followed by strong vanilla on the finish. Shiraz can often have noticeable peppery edges but this one's made in a smoother, fruit driven style, almost silky with balanced alcohol and tannins. This is an example of Argentina producing a wine to beat the benchmark from Australia set by Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills. Superb. Also available at Gaucho restaurants.

El Porvenir Website

Price: £21.96 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


Sulphites:
John's Rating
86 Points

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Bodegas El Porvenir Laborum Syrah 2004 75cl
 
 

Bodegas El Porvenir Laborum Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 75cl

Library photo of Malbec

14% abv. Only 11673 bottles produced. Sensational wine. Deep ruby in colour. The nose is very enticing, with strong fruit aromas. Huge, smooth fruit on the palate with initial cherry flavours and a silky smooth mouth feel. This wine's mature tannins are very well balanced with the fruit and acidity. Great length too, it just lasts and lasts. We recently tried this wine with some friends and opened this bottle first - fatal mistake. Nothing we opened after could come close in quality, and we had some pretty good wines. It reopens the classic debate - do you drink your best wine first while still fresh and sober? Or do you save the best till last, risking being a bit too fuzzy to fully appreciate it? However you choose to do it, this wine is amongst the very best to come out of Argentina. Superb!

El Porvenir Website

Price: £21.96 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


Sulphites:
John's Rating
90 Points

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Bodegas El Porvenir Laborum Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 75cl
 
 
Bodegas Patricio Gouguenheim

The Gougenheim winery is located in the Valle Escondido near Mendoza, in the foothills of the Andes mountains. The grapes come from their vineyards in the Tupungato area at 3600 feet above sea level, receiving 320 days of sunshine a year. As winter arrives late, these are perfect conditions for ensuring the grapes fully ripen. Patricio Gouguenheim took the time to explain to me how he keeps his production costs to a minimum, using French oak staves as opposed to actual barrels, producing top quality wines at a very affordable price. Recent tastings of his latest wines have encouraged us to take on more of his range as they are so good. They'll be arriving shortly. In the meantime both this Malbec and their Cab Sauv are highly recommended.

Gouguenheim Website
gouguenheim
 
 

Gouguenheim Malbec 2007 75cl

Winner 'Best with Beef Award' & Decanter Silver Medal. 13.5%abv. This wine has soft rich fruit upfront and strong vanilla flavours with nicely balanced tannins. It's delicious and can be drunk straight away without needing to breathe. We were very pleasantly suprised at just how good this wine is.

Gouguenheim Website

Price: £8.17 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


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DECANTER
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Gouguenheim Malbec 2007 75cl
 
 

Gouguenheim Malbec Riserva 2007 75cl

A new release from Patricio, just arrived in the UK. A bigger, richer version of his famous Malbec. It takes a few minutes to open up then has plenty of fruit flavour with noticeable oak. It's an enjoyable wine, nothing too complicated, but good value for money.

Gouguenheim Website

Price: £10.72 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


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Gouguenheim Malbec Riserva 2007 75cl
 
 

Gouguenheim Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 75cl

13.5%abv. Decanter Commended. Beautiful wine, highly recommended. Rich fruit flavours, full in the mouth. Very smooth with great length.

Gouguenheim Website

Price: £8.17 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


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Gouguenheim Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 75cl
 
 
Bodega NQN Patagonia

This is a remarkable state of the art winery built into a hill at Neuquen, Patagonia, roughly in the centre of Argentina, on the western edge, in the foothills of the Andes bordering Chile. Their wines are excellent.

NQN Website
nqn
 
 

NQN Picada 15 Malbec 2006 75cl

14.5% abv. Deep ruby in colour. Needs to open up for a few minutes then has plenty of fruit. Good strong flavours well balanced by strong alacohol. Pretty good but it's up against some stiff competition from our other superb Malbecs like Gouguenheim and Juan Benegas. I recommend you try all three to see which one's for you as they're all different styles but also all very good wines.

NQN Website

Price: £8.47 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


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NQN Picada 15 Malbec 2006 75cl
 
 

NQN Malma Classico Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 75cl

AWA Silver Medal. 14.5% abv. Ruby in colour with lovely strong fruit aromas on the nose. Delicious strong fruit flavours on the palate too with good tannic structure and a dryish finish. Lovely wine.

NQN Website

Price: £8.47 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


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AWA
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NQN Malma Classico Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 75cl
 
 

NQN Malma Riserva Malbec 2005 75cl

New Award just in! Silver Medal at the prestigious Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.

14% abv. Deep garnet colour. This is a big wine which needs to breathe for twenty minutes to be fully appreciated. Plenty of fruit, lovely flavours, smooth and balanced with a dry finish with good length. Delicious.

NQN Website

Price: £11.75 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


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CMB
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NQN Malma Riserva Malbec 2005 75cl
 
 

NQN Malma Colleccion Malbec 2005 75cl

New Award just in! Grand Gold Medal at the prestigious Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.

AWA Gold Medal. 14.8% abv. The show piece wine from this estate. 100% Malbec. Selected bunches of grapes are harvested by hand then destemmed and individual grapes are then selected for malolactic fermentation. The wine is aged in French oak for 15 months followed by at least 20 months in bottle prior to release. This is a lovely wine with good fruit, balanced by a slight spice, with vanilla flavours from the wood. Structured and smooth with good length and rounded tannins. Drinking well already thanks to the bottle aging but will continue to improve for several years.

NQN Website

Price: £18.34 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


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CMB
John's Rating
90 Points

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NQN Malma Colleccion Malbec 2005 75cl
 
 

NQN Malma Colleccion Blend 2005 75cl

50% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot. Strong aromas of dark chocolate on the nose. We thought it was going to be superb as we're big fans of these NQN wines and the Colleccion Malbec is something quite special. There was good fruit initially although after ten minutes or so we started questioning our own pallates as it wasn't as big as we'd expected. We taste a lot of very good wines and are a little harsh in our judging sometimes. It was clearly designed to be a smooth, accomplished blend, not the big powerful punchy style of their Malbecs, and it does this very well. It was a decent drop but when I'm spending this kind of money I want a big wine that will knock my socks off, so here I would recommend their Colleccion Malbec. But if you prefer something a little more mellow and refined then I'd recommend the Blend.

NQN Website

Price: £18.34 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


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NQN Malma Colleccion Blend 2005 75cl
 
 
Dominio del Plata

Dominio del Plata is a family-owned and run project of Susana Balbo (Enologist) and Pedro Marchevsky (Viticulturist). Susana's famous for her wines and spends September each year in a different country increasing her knowledge and experience. This is a new state of the art winery set up in 2001 producing some excellent wines, and managed sensitively with the focus on sustainable agriculture.

Susana Balbo Website
dominio del plata
 
 

Susana Balbo Malbec 2006 75cl

Robert Parker 91 Points 14%abv. Susana Balbo is one of Argentina's best, innovative producers, and this is the wine she is most famous for. For 25 years she has been making wine in Argentina and at many wineries around the world, where she spends each September in a different country to expand her knowledge. The 100% Malbec grapes were grown at altitude to retain acidity, subsequently fermented then aged in 80% French oak, then 20% American oak for 13 months. This wine is big and powerful, packed with fruit, but also elegant and well structured. Fantastic.

Susana Balbo Website

Price: £15.11 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


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Susana Balbo Malbec 2006 75cl
 
 

Susana Balbo Brioso 2005 75cl

This is Susanna's signature wine. As she explains on the back label, she's been making wines at her family's winery in Argentina and at various other wineries around the world for 25 years. Susanna is proud to offer this wine under her own name as the very best wine she can produce. It's a classic Bordeaux blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, all grown at high altitude and subsequently aged in French oak. Stunning wine. Big fruit flavours with initial vanilla and pepper balanced with big alcohol. Full bodied, smooth and very long. Left to breathe for half an hour, the wine opens up beautifully. Ideal with food or equally delicious to savour on it's own. Susanna is right to be proud of this one.

Susana Balbo Website

Price: £21.41 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


Sulphites:
John's Rating
89 Points

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Susana Balbo Brioso 2005 75cl
 
 

Susana Balbo Virtuoso Malbec Dessert Wine 2006 50cl

14%abv. This is something a little different. It's a delicious sweet red, in the style of a Reccioto della Valpolicella, one of my favourite dessert wines. While there's plenty of sweet fruit, it's not as heavy or cloying as a traditional Sauternes, just light and delicious, particularly good with chocolate desserts and I would imagine perfect with Black Forrest gateau. Jancis Robinson describes it as 'heavily baked apple juice, dark and tawny. Great stuff'. It's a great alternative to the traditional port for the impending festive season.

Susana Balbo Website

Price: £14.25 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


Sulphites:
John's Rating
90 Points

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Susana Balbo Virtuoso Malbec Dessert Wine 2006 50cl
 
 

Eral Bravo Malbec 2006 75cl

14.5%abv. A big, fruity powerful Malbec with well balanced tannins and a long finish, from one of Argentina's best producers. We recently had a bottle at a friend's house after starting with a glass of Masi Campofiorin. The Malbec blew it away on flavour and length, and when we went back to the Masi we couldn't drink it! This is a very good wine and highly recommended. If you're a fan of the Susanna Balbo Malbec you should try a bottle of this wine too!

Eral Bravo Website

Price: £13.95 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


Sulphites:
John's Rating
88 Points

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Eral Bravo Malbec 2006 75cl
 
 

Eral Bravo YBS 2006 75cl

14.5%abv. IWC 2007 - Gold Medal Winner, Wines of Argentina 2007 - Gold Medal, Hyatt Best Wines - Gold Medal for 2005. What a wine for showcasing what Argentina can produce. YBS stands for Year's Barrel Selection, and is the personal selection of winery owner Matias Sanchez. It's a blend of the year's best three barrels, 60% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah, blended to perfection then barrel aged. The wine is big and powerful, wonderfully smooth, well balanced with a really long lingering finish. It's gaining a reputation in the Uk and demand is soon likely to outstrip supply.

Eral Bravo Website

Price: £23.50 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


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IWC
John's Rating
90 Points

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Eral Bravo YBS 2006 75cl
 
 

Tapiz Seleccion de Barricas 2004 75cl

This is a superb Bordeaux Blend - 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Malbec and 16% Merlot. It's already drinking superbly but will continue to improve for several years if you can resist drinking it! I'd recommend drinking it now, it's a delicious bottle of wine. Big savoury fruit flavours with some chocolate then vanilla on the finish. Very smooth and well structured with layers of flavours, full in the mouth with great length. It benefits from 30 minutes breathing or decanting as it's such a big wine.

Fantastic value for money!

Tapiz Website

Price: £12.76 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


Sulphites:
John's Rating
89 Points

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Tapiz Seleccion de Barricas 2004 75cl
 
 

Tapiz Riserva Malbec 2006 75cl

MZA Hyatt Awards 2008 - Gold Medal.

The grapes are sourced from two vineyards, Tupungato and La Consulta, both at altitude over 1000 metres. It's a big powerful wine with plenty of strong black fruit flavours and noticeable alcohol. Very smooth with soft, mature tannins and a dry finish. It's a very good wine, and I've recently been very impressed with others in the Tapiz stable and I'm sure I'll be adding more wines from them in the near future.

The photo is actually the Barricas Riserva but presentation is virtually identical.

Tapiz Website

Price: £11.49 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


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Tapiz Riserva Malbec 2006 75cl
 
 

Tapiz Malbec 2008 75cl

Due in this week. Details to follow.

Tapiz Website

Price: £8.47 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )



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Tapiz Malbec 2008 75cl
 
 
Mauricio Lorca

Mauricio is a highly respected winemaker in Argentina where, as well as being the chief winemaker at Enrique Foster, he is also consultant winemaker to a host of other wineries. He's now producing his own wines from his own high altitude vineyards in the Uco Valley in Mendoza. He's most famous for his use - or non use - of oak in his wines, to get the best results from each varietal, as he believes eachwine should reflect the terroir of it's particular vineyard, and the fruit should be evident. Master winemaker he may be, but I did bring up the subject of presentation with him recently in London as he's rather keen on a particular leaf design which did nothing to enhance the appearance of his bottles. He's a big chap and looks like he could play rugby for the Argentinian national rugby team so I didn't push it, but it appears he's reconsidered and is now thankfully presenting his new wines with a new design. Presentation aside, his wines are very good.

Mauricio Lorca Website
mauricio lorca
 
 

Mauricio Lorca Poetico Syrah 2006 75cl

14.5%abv. This is a superb top class Syrah in the savoury style. 95% Syrah, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Fruit with a little spice and powerful vanilla on the finish from 12 months in oak. Smooth with good length. This is more of an old world Rhone style than a new world Shiraz.

Mauricio Lorca Website

Price: £13.23 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


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Mauricio Lorca Poetico Syrah 2006 75cl
 
 

Mauricio Lorca Fantasia Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 75cl

14%abv. Good Cabernet fruit, soft and smooth. 30% of the grapes are oaked to give depth, the remaining 70% are pure to give true fruit expression. This is a nice wine, well suited to food.

Mauricio Lorca Website

Price: £8.88 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


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Mauricio Lorca Fantasia Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 75cl
 
 

Pizzorno Don Prospero Tannat 2004 75cl

13% abv. Actually from Uruguay, wedged between Argentina and Brazil. This wine comes from a small family estate run by Carlos while his wife, Anna, does the marketing. Virtually everything is done by hand in this boutique vineyard. Good wine, tasting notes to follow.

Pizzorno Website

Price: £8.23 (Inc.  VAT at 17.5% )


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Pizzorno Don Prospero Tannat 2004 75cl