a TI M ATKI N MW
S PEC IAL R E P O RT
Argentina 2014
Special Report
by Tim Atkin MW
£12 ¤14 $20 © 2014 Tim Atkin
tim atkin argentina 2014 Special Report
Contents
Pg
05Introduction
07 Winemakers of Argentina
12 The 10 things you need to know about Argentina
15 Top 25s
16 A personal selection of Argentina’s best wines
17 A short guide to Argentina’s growing regions
19 A note about scoring
46 Tasting Notes
68 Complete scores A-Z
79 Recommended restaurants
80 Further reading
81Acknowledgements
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new breed of
“ The
Argentinean wines is
less oaky and full-bodied
than the norm, leaving
the palate refreshed
rather than fatigued.
”
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tim atkin argentina 2014 Special Report
Introduction
“We are survival experts,” my taxi driver, Ernesto Chervo, told me on my way to the
airport at the end of my most recent trip to Argentina. And it’s true. Regular visitors
learn not to take talk of impending financial and political meltdown too seriously. The
country may be going through one of its periodic spells of macro-economic turmoil, but
that’s nothing new. They seem to occur at the rate of one a decade and bust is always
followed by boom, a trough by a peak. Through it all, the optimism of the Argentine
people somehow remains intact, helped by the unofficial black market “dollar blue” and
that instinct for survival.
Argentina’s economy may be in the doldrums,
that the wines were lighter and fresher in the
but the national wine industry has cause for
past, despite their manifest faults. International
cautious optimism. Overseas companies are not
consultants encouraged an understanding of
investing at the rate they did between 2003 and
the importance cleanliness in the winery, as
2007 (the biggest recent expansion) but new
well as the use of new barrels and more fruit
wineries are still opening and existing ones are
forward wines. It wasn’t all about outsiders either.
producing better wines than ever. To cite only
Argentinean companies such as Catena Zapata,
three outstanding bodegas that have emerged in
Luigi Bosca, Trapiche and Zuccardi, to name but
the last few years: Tres 14, Per Se and Casarena.
a few, made advances of their own. This was also
Change rarely moves at a uniform pace.
a period that saw the planting of new and exciting
Sometimes it’s sluggish, sometimes it has a spring
vineyards in places such as the Uco Valley, as well
in its toes. Argentina’s wine industry is currently
as the rediscovery of old vines that were in danger
exhibiting the latter tendency. In the space of two
of neglect, or of being grubbed up.
years, the improvement in quality of the country’s
It would be a mistake to say that producers
white wines, Pinot Noirs, Cabernet Francs,
overlooked the importance of terroir. But it was
red blends and, most excitingly of all given the
arguably of secondary importance. Establishing
variety’s iconic status in Argentina, its Malbecs,
the name of Argentina on export markets, as well
has been spectacular. In the twenty years that
as that of Malbec, was a more important goal.
I have been visiting the country I have never
Argentina developed a very successful reputation
witnessed such rapid development in such a short
for producing soft, sweet, aromatic reds, often
space of time.
with quite a bit of oak and generally (for the
It’s important to remember that, despite its
Spanish roots in the 16th century, the modern
Argentinean wine industry is little more than
more expensive examples at least) packaged in
a heavy bottle.
That reputation still exists and has done
thirty years old. In the early 1980s, the prevailing
wonders for the country’s wine industry. But there
wine styles were flat and oxidised, what one
are welcome signs that Argentinean winemakers
oenologist dismisses as “the Sherry approach
are looking to the next stage. Argentina is a
to winemaking”. What replaced it in the 1980s,
famously hot, continental place to make wine (it’s
1990s and 2000s was a more international
comparatively warm, even at altitude or southerly
approach, influenced primarily by the United
latitudes) and the styles generally reflect that.
States, but also by France, Italy and the United
But there is a perceptible shift towards fresher
Kingdom.
wines with lower alcohol levels, led by the
Few would deny that such changes were for
the good, although Gerardo Michelini argues
Michelini brothers (of Passionate Wine and
Zorzal and under their own eponymous label)
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tim atkin argentina 2014 Special Report
but increasingly followed by other wineries, too.
our wines,” says Antonini. “Over-ripe fruit and
The new breed of Argentinean wines is less oaky
over-extraction don’t show terroir. In fact, quite
and full-bodied than the norm, leaving the palate
the opposite. Premium grapes release aromas
refreshed rather than fatigued.
and flavours more easily and don’t need lots of
People are talking about vineyard sources far
new oak to show at their best. Less is more when
more than they did even two years ago. Certain
you have great fruit. The same is true of the
sub-regions in Argentina (Agrelo, La Consulta
winemaker. Gianfranco Soldera of Case Basse
and Las Compuertas, for example) have always
in Montalcino says that ‘the winemaker is the
had a reputation for growing very good grapes,
screwdriver, not the Ferrari’. In recent years,
but the focus on site has become much narrower
we’ve focused too much on the Ferraris.”
of late. The appreciation of terroir is at its most
At the highest level of Argentinean wine,
acute in Mendoza, especially in Luján de Cuyo
the shift is from technique to terroir. “With
and the Uco Valley. Some of these vines are more
technique you can’t stand out from the crowd,”
than 100 years old, but many (particularly in the
adds Antonini, “with terroir you can.” I think
Uco Valley’s Gualtallary and Altamira are not).
he’s correct. The ripe, often slightly sweet
As the vines in these two sub-regions mature, the
“caramelo” styles that have served Argentina so
improvement in the quality of the best wines will
well for the last 25 years were an improvement
be awesome.
on what preceded them, but they often taste
What is the best way to express differences
formulaic, at least to me. Fresher, more balanced
in terroir? Let’s hear from Alberto Antonini,
wines with a true sense of place are an exciting
the Italian who has masterminded the changes
new development, helped by two excellent and
at Altos Las Hormigas as well as consulting
generally cooler vintages in 2013 and 2011 in most
for Zuccardi, another winery at the crest of the
parts of the country. Will the market appreciate
new wave. “Our mission is to preserve purity in
them? Fingers crossed.
“ Argentina is a famously
hot, continental place to
make wine.”
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Winemakers
of Argentina
Clockwise from top left: Alejandro Vigil, Alejandro Sejanovich, Alejandro Pepa, Mariano di Paola, Edy del Popolo, José
Spisso, Gustavo Bertagna, Gerardo Danitz, Leni Martínez.
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tim atkin argentina 2014 Special Report
Clockwise from top left: David Bonomi, Angel Cordoba, Bastien Perrenoud, Thibault Delmotte,
Piero Inchisa della Rochetta, Andrea Marchiori, Manuel González, Pepe Zuccardi, Javier Lo Forte.
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tim atkin argentina 2014 Special Report
Clockwise from top left: Gustavo Soto, Alberto Antonini, Philippe Rolet, Daniel Pi, Juan Pablo Michelini, Lis Persico,
Hans Vinding-Diers, Walter Bressia, Pepe Galante (centre).
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tim atkin argentina 2014 Special Report
Clockwise from top left: Mariano Quiroga, Guijo Barsi, Pedro Parra, Edu Pulenta, Matías Riccitelli, Roberto Luka,
Sebastián Zuccardi, Santiago Achaval.
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tim atkin argentina 2014 Special Report
Clockwise from top left: Hervé and Diane Joyaux, Roberto de la Mota, Leonardo Erazu, José-Manuel Ortega Fournier,
Nicolas Audebert, Marcelo Pelleriti (centre).
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Ten things
you need to know
about Argentina
Argentina is the fifth most
del Desierto, Bodega del Río Elorza, Bressia,
significant wine-producing
Catena Zapata, Casarena, Melipal, Per Se,
country on the planet after
Pulenta Estate, Riglos, Tres 14, Zaha and Zorzal.
France, Italy, Spain and the United States.
No less a winemaker than Alejandro Vigil of
At the most recent count, it had 217, 750 hectares
Catena Zapata thinks that Cabernet Franc has
of vineyards and an annual production of around
greater potential in Argentina than Cabernet
15 million hectolitres. But these bald statistics
Sauvignon. Other “lesser” red varieties to look
only tell part of the story. Wine, like tango,
out for are Tannat (Colomé, Davalos, El Porvenir
football and “parillas” (barbecues), is part of
de Cafayate, Michel Torino and San Pedro
Argentina’s national culture in a way that it is not
de Yacochuya), Petit Verdot (Viña Vida) and
in Chile, Brazil or Uruguay, the other three most
Bonarda (Altos Las Hormigas, Nieto Senetiner,
important wine-producing countries in South
Passionate Wine and Zuccardi).
America. Argentineans may not drink their
national wines with the gusto they once did – per
Argentina is making some of
capita consumption has fallen from 90 litres in
South America’s best Pinot Noirs.
the 1970s to 28 litres today, most of it so-called
As someone who was a signed up
“vinos corrientes” (every day wines) and “finitos”
member of the “Argentinean Pinot: why do they
(between every day wines and fine wines) – but
bother?” society, I was amazed by the quality
they are still enthusiastic and patriotic drinkers.
of the Pinots I tasted on my most recent trip.
I’d always liked the Pinots from Chacra, Piero
Red wines dominate production,
Incisa della Rocchetta’s Patagonian outpost, but
to the tune of 72.5% of the
thought they were exceptions to a disappointing
country’s total. This isn’t so
rule. Argentina’s best Pinots – from Gualtallary,
surprising when you consider the national
San Pablo, Río Negro and Neuquén (especially
predilection for beef (roughly twelve times
Añelo) – are now a match for anything but the
greater than it is in the UK) and the fact that
very best of Chile. Apart from Chacra, other
most of Argentina’s wines are produced in warm,
impressive producers are Familia Schroeder,
near-desert conditions. There are certainly
Humberto Canale, Manos Negras, Passionate
cooler climates in parts of Patagonia, Cafayate
Wine, Salentein and Zorzal.
and the higher Uco Valley, but this is a country
that is better suited to red than white grapes.
Malbec is still Argentina’s
signature red grape and will be
Cabernet Franc has a very
for as long as grapes are grown
exciting future. Statistically
there. It is also the variety that has established
speaking, it is comparatively
the country on export markets, especially the
unimportant (at least for now) but it is very
United States. But Malbec has been something
successful in parts of Argentina, either as a
of a mixed blessing, as it tends to blind many
blending component, or as a stand-alone wine.
consumers to the other wine styles Argentina
Producers doing exciting things with the grape
produces. Grapes like Cabernet Franc, Pinot
include Andeluna, Bodega Aleanna, Bodega
Noir, Petit Verdot, Tannat and Syrah (as well as
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tim atkin argentina 2014 Special Report
the superb red blends) would surely enjoy greater
of Chilean Sauvignon or Chardonnay on visits
popularity on export markets if Malbec’s image
to Mendoza. But the local whites are much
were not so dominant.
fresher and more varied than they were, partly
A crucial next step – to avoid Malbec
as a result of cooler vintages in 2013 and 2011.
becoming something of a commodity, as much
Torrontés is only the second most planted
as anything else – is to emphasise regional and
white variety in the country (if you combine its
sub-regional differences.
three main clones – Riojano, Sanjuanino and
You only have to taste a range of Malbecs
Mendocino – it has 24.2% of the white total,
from different producers and parts of the
behind the bulk wine grape, Pedro Giménez) but
country to appreciate that this is a grape that
it is Argentina’s USP. My good friend Fabricio
“contains multitudes”, as the poet Walt Whitman
Portelli, Argentina’s leading wine writer, thinks
once put it in another context. Malbecs from
that the grape is “original and different, but not
Cafayate and Río Negro, to take two geographical
great”. I take a slightly different view, based on
extremes, can almost taste as if they are made
my tasting of the wines from Dominio del Plata
from different varieties. The same goes for the
(Benmarco) and Alta Vista, both of whom make
sub-regions of Mendoza. Just taste an Altamira
very tasty examples.
Malbec (especially one grown on limestone soils)
The list of good whites doesn’t stop there.
against one from, say, Luján de Cuyo. Malbec is
There are also a growing number of impressive
capable of a range of aromas and flavours and it’s
Chardonnays (Bramare, Catena Zapata, Doña
high time that Argentina emphasised this.
Paula, Escorihuela Gascon, Rutini and Salentein)
Part of the improvements in the quality of
and Sauvignon Blancs (Bacán, Finca Sophenia,
Argentina’s top Malbecs is down to the move
O Fournier, Passionate Wine and Zorzal). Other
away from what Sebastián Zuccardi calls “the
wines that are worth tasting include Mendel’s
Bordeaux formula”. He adds: “We used to think
Semillon, Terrazas de los Andes’ sweet Petit
that to make a good Malbec you had to treat it
Manseng, Walter Bressia’s Lágrima Canella, a
like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, but it’s a very
blend of mostly Chardonnay with 30% Semillon,
different grape. It has more in common with
and Amalaya’s cuvée of Torrontés and 15%
Sangiovese or Garnacha. We need to rethink the
Riesling. Argentina is also making steps, rather
way we make Malbec.”
than strides, forward with Riesling, Viognier
and Pinot Gris.
Red blends can be every bit as
good as varietal wines. Malbec may
The expression of individual
steal most of the headlines (as well as
terroirs is becoming increasingly
the body copy) in Argentina, but consumers and
important. Argentineans have always
critics often overlook the quality of the Malbec-
been adept at viticulture, largely rejecting the
and increasingly Cabernet Franc-based blends.
discredited New World line that “soil is dirt”
Other varieties that work well in combination
from an early stage, but there is now increasing
include Syrah, Tannat, Petit Verdot, Merlot,
focus on planting the right varieties in the right
Bonarda, Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon.
places as well as at the right altitude. To take
Outstanding exponents of red blends include
only one example, Vistaflores in the Uco Valley
Archival Ferrer, Alta Vista, Andeluna, Bodega
has no fewer than nine different micro-terroirs.
Aleanna, Bressia, Catena Zapata, Colomé, Fabre
Not all of them are ideal for Malbec.
Montmayou, Finca Decero, Luigi Bosca, Mendel,
As Alberto Arizu of Luigi Bosca (as well as
Michelini Brothers, Noemía, Norton, O Fournier,
the outgoing president of Wines of Argentina)
Passionate Wine, Per Se, Pulenta Estate,
puts it: “The challenge for the next 10 years
Trapiche, tres 14, Riglos, Rutini, Viña Alicia,
is to focus on our terroirs – not the broader
Zorzal and Zuccardi.
geographical terroirs or the political terroirs,
but the terroirs that give the vine and the
Argentina’s white wines are
improving by the vintage. Not
so long ago, I used to long for a glass
grapes character.”
To this end, the digging of “calicatas” (pits)
– to examine and understand what lies under
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tim atkin argentina 2014 Special Report
the surface of the vineyard rather than just its
Pelleriti), Bodega Aleanna (Alejandro Vigil) and
topsoil – is increasingly common, with Altos La
Roberto de la Mota (La Revancha). All of them
Hormigas, Catena Zapata, Doña Paula, Mendel,
are worth buying.
Passionate Wine, Salentein and Zuccardi leading
This is not to overlook the ongoing
the way. Two French-trained viticulturists, one
contribution of outsiders, not just the famous
Chilean (Pedro Parra) and one Argentinean
quartet of international oenologists (Roberto
(Martín Kaiser), have been particularly
Cipresso, Michel Rolland, Alberto Antonini and
influential, especially in identifying sites with a
Paul Hobbs) who have invested their own money
high percentage of limestone in the Uco Valley.
in establishing high-end projects in Argentina
This is a comparatively recent discovery and
as well as working as consultants, but also the
it is changing the face of Argentinean wine,
likes of Hans Vinding-Diers (Noemía), Dieter
producing more mineral reds and whites.
Maier (Ojo de Vino), Giuseppe Franceschini
Not so long ago, altitude was what producers
(Franceschini Posenato), Piero Inchisa
focused on above all. It’s an important factor, but
de la Rocchetta (Chacra), François Lurton
it’s far from the only one. A vineyard situated
(Piedra Negra), Thibaut Delmotte (Colomé),
at 1,000 metres in Mendoza is very different
Nicolas Audebert (Terrazas de los Andes and
from one at the same altitude in San Juan. Soil,
Cheval des Andes), Philippe Rolet (Alta Vista),
latitude, climate and the elusive human element
Leonardo Erazu (Altos Las Hormigas) and
are crucial too.
Aurelio Montes (Kaikén).
The current crop of Argentinean
Argentina’s biggest problems
winemakers is the best the
are economic ones. Inflation at
country has ever had. Nor is it
30%, high unemployment, a crime
just a case of the younger generation bringing
wave, an uncompetitive official exchange rate
a new sense of dynamism to the industry. The
and currency controls have all but put a stop to
contribution of people like Sebastián Zuccardi
outside investment, and not only in the wine
(Familia Zuccardi), Juan Pablo Michelini
industry. They have also made it difficult for
(Zorzal), Mariano Quiroga (El Porvenir de los
wineries to buy barrels and other imported
Andes), Karim Mussi (Altocedro) and Matías
goods. A substantial devaluation and quite
Riccitelli (Fabre Montmayou and Domaine
possibly a change of government in 2015 appear
Vistalba) has certainly been significant, but
to be on the cards. This may resolve the situation
more established winemakers have upped their
– Argentina is no stranger to wildly fluctuating
game, too. The wines from Daniel Pi (Trapiche),
economic cycles – but it may not.
Matías Michelini (Passionate Wine), Alejandro
Nicolás Catena, an economist as well as
Sejanovich (Manos Negras and Tinto Negro),
the owner of Catena Zapata and part owner of
Roberto de la Mota (Mendel), Alejandro Vigil
Escorihuela and Rutini, predicts that “we could
(Catena Zapata), José Spisso (O Fournier), Juan
be facing another 2002”, the year of the most
Carlos Rodriguez Villa (Riglos), Marcelo Pelleriti
serious recent economic crisis, but says that the
(Monteviejo), Susana Balbo and Edy del Popolo
wine industry is well placed to survive the storm
(Dominio de Plata), Andrea Marchiori (Viña
and ensuing wreckage, largely because it brings
Cobos), Pepe Galante (Salentein), Alejandro
badly needed dollars into the country. “The more
Pepa (El Esteco), David Bonomi (Doña Paula),
inefficient the government,” he adds, “the higher
Santiago Archival (Archival Ferrer and The
the importance of exports.”
Vines of Mendoza), Jorge Riccitelli (Norton) and
Walter Bressia (Bressia) are the best they have
ever made.
It is also significant that several of these
winemakers have their own projects alongside
their day jobs for larger companies: Per Se (Edy
del Popolo), tres 14 (Daniel Pi), Mariano di Paola
(Mariano di Paola), Marcelo Pelleriti (Marcelo
Page 14
tim atkin argentina 2014 Special Report
Top 25s
producers
Top
25
Top
25
Top
25
PRODUCERS
VALUE
PRODUCERS
WINERIES
TO WATCH
Achaval Ferrer
Amalaya
Belasco de Baquedano
Altos Las Hormigas
Bodega El Esteco/Michel
Bodega Aleanna
Bressia
Torino
Bodega del Río Elorza
Casarena
Broquel (Trapiche)
El Porvenir de Cafayate
Catena Zapata
Catena
Familia Schroeder
Chacra
Chakana
Finca Decero
Colomé
Clos de los Siete
Finca El Origen
De Angeles
Coquena
Gauchezco
Doña Paula
Domaine Bousquet
Lagarde
Fabre Montmayou
Dominio del Plata
Lariviere Yturbe
Mendel
El Portillo (Salentein)
La Giostra del Vino (Bácan)
Noemía
Etchart
La Revancha
Norton
Felino (Viña Cobos)
Manos Negras
O Fournier
Finca Flichman
Mariano di Paola
Passionate Wine
Finca Las Moras
Mater Vini
Piedra Negra
Graffigna
Montechez
Pulenta Estate
Humberto Canale
Mythic Estate
Riglos
Masi
Ojo de Vino
Rutini
Mauricio Lorca
Per Se
Salentein
Norton
Recuerdo
Trapiche
Piedra Negra
TintoNegro
Viña Alicia
Santa Julia
Tres 14
Viña Cobos
Terrazas de los Andes
Valle de la Puerta
Zorzal
Trumpeter (Rutini)
Viña Vida
Zuccardi
Urban Uco (O Fournier)
Vinorum
Viñalba
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tim atkin argentina 2014 Special Report
A Personal
Selection of
Argentina’s
Best Wines
Malbec
Other Reds
2011 Achaval Ferrer Finca Bella Vista
2012 Altos Las Hormigas Appellation Vistaflores
2011 Casarena Lauren’s Vineyard
2010 Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard
2011 Cobos
2011 De Angeles Viña 1924 Single Vineyard
2010 Doña Paula Los Indios Parcel
2011 Noemía
2010 Trapiche Terroir Series, Finca Ambrosia
2011 Zuccardi Aluvional, La Consulta
2009 Andeluna Pasionado Cabernet Franc
2010 Bressia Monteagrelo Cabernet Franc
2010 Bodega Aleanna Gran Enemigo Cabernet Franc
2011 Chacra Treinta y Dos Pinot Noir
2012 Passionate Wine Punta Negra Pinot Noir
2010 Pulenta Estate Gran Cabernet Franc
2011 Riglos Gran Cabernet Franc
2011 Salentein Single Vineyard Pinot Noir, Plot No. 1
2007 Viña Alicia Nebbiolo
2012 Zuccardi Emma Zuccardi Bonarda
Red Blends
2008 Andeluna Pasionado Cuatro Cepas
2008 Bressia Conjuro
2010 Fabre Montmayou Grand Vin
2011 Tres 14 Imperfecto
2011 Mendel Unus
2010 Nicolás Catena Zapata
2008 Norton Gernot Langes
2012 Per Se La Craie
2011 Riglos Gran Corte
2010 Rutini Encuentro Barrel Blend
Whites
2011 Bacán Sauvignon Blanc Reserva
2010 Bressia Lágrima Canela
2010 Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Bones
Chardonnay
2013 Doña Paula Chardonnay
2013 Mendel Semillon
2013 Dominio del Plata Benmarco Torrontés
2012 Rutini Chardonnay
2011 Salentein Single Vineyard Chardonnay, Plot No. 2
2010 Terrazas de los Andes Petit Manseng
2013 Zorzal Eggo Sauvignon Blanc
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tim atkin argentina 2014 Special Report
A short guide to
Argentina’s
Growing Regions
Argentina’s vineyards stretch from 22° to 42°
La Rioja
latitude. Most are planted within sight of the
Vineyard area: 7,067 hectares
Andes, although altitudes vary considerably,
Main varieties: Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon,
from 250m to just over 3,100m. Here are the
Chardonnay, Malbec, Syrah, Torrontés
most important details about each of the wine
In a nutshell: The site of Argentina’s first
regions. Grape varieties of particular interest are
vineyards. Some good wines here – the Fairtrade
highlighted in bold.
and organic projects are particularly interesting
– while the La Riojana co-operative is one of the
Catamarca
Vineyard area: 2,539 hectares
country’s best. An area with as yet unrealised
potential, although the wines from Valle de la
Puerta are worth looking out for.
Main varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec,
Syrah, Torrontés
In a nutshell: Isolated, mountainous and
Mendoza
generally less well developed, wine-wise than
Vineyard area: 154,215 hectares
neighbouring Salta. The centre of the wine
Main varieties: Bonarda, Cabernet Franc,
industry is the Fiambala Valley, but this is one
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chenin,
Argentina’s least well-visited regions. Recent
Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon
plantings in the Santa Maria district by Michel
Blanc, Syrah, Tempranillo, Tocai Friulano,
Torino are promising.
Torrontés, Semillon, Viognier
In a nutshell: The hub of the Argentinean wine
industry. A large and varied area that produces
most of the country’s best wines. Maipú,
East Mendoza and San Rafael tend to produce
cheaper styles than the best sub-regions:
traditional Luján de Cuyo (which includes
Agrelo, Perdriel, Lunlunta, Ugarteche and
Vistalba) and the cooler, higher altitude Uco
Valley (see separate entry).
La Pampa
Vineyard area: 211 hectares
Main varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon,
Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Viognier
Mostly known for the production of a single
winery (Bodega del Desierto), this is a new,
isolated vineyard area that has been making
wine since 2004. The initial results are
promising, made with help from American guru,
Paul Hobbs.
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tim atkin argentina 2014 Special Report
Neuquén
San Juan
Vineyard area: 1,656 hectares
Vineyard area: 47,227 hectares
Main varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon,
Main varieties: Bonarda, Cabernet Franc,
Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Noir,
Cabernet Sauvignon, , Chardonnay, Malbec,
Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon.
Merlot, Moscatel, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah,
In a nutshell: Comparatively new, low-lying
Torrontés, Ugni Blanc, Viognier
(for Argentina) area created thanks to a large
In a nutshell: A large, mostly hot area that is
irrigation dam less than a decade ago. Quality
second only to Mendoza in size. Produces a
is good rather than spectacular, as this is quite
lot of basic, quaffing wine, much of destined
a warm area. But the wines are improving with
for domestic consumption, but more recent
every year, as the vines get older. The red, iron-
plantings in the higher, cooler Pedernal and
rich soils of Añelo are very promising.
Calingasta Valleys are promising. Makes some of
Argentina’s best Syrahs.
Tucumán
Vineyard area: 89 hectares
Main varieties: Chardonnay, Cabernet
Sauvignon, Malbec, Tannat, Torrontés, Syrah
In a nutshell: Best known for its share of the
Calchaquí Valley (with neighbouring Catamarca
and Salta). Plantings are comparatively small
and are mostly located in the sparsely populated
Tafí del Valle department. High altitude
viticulture (starting at 1,800m) is the theme here
Río Negro
in a region that has real promise.
Vineyard area: 1,733 hectares
Main varieties: Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot,
Uco Valley
Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon,
Vineyard area: 25,000 hectares
Ugni Blanc
Main varieties: Cabernet Franc,
In a nutshell: The oldest vine-growing region
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay,
in Patagonia and the source of most of its best
Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon
wines, with greater freshness and longevity than
Blanc, Syrah, Tempranillo
those of Neuquén to the west. Marked diurnal
In a nutshell: Currently the most exciting
temperature swings and old vines make this an
region in Argentina, thanks to a combination
area to watch for everything from Pinot Noir to
of foreign investment, high altitudes, the
Malbec, via Merlot and Riesling.
proximity of the Andes, old vines (especially in
La Consulta) and new plantings in Gualtallary.
Salta
The potential of Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc
and Malbec (especially if it’s grown on limestone)
Vineyard area: 2,552 hectares
is enormous, especially as some of the new
Main varieties: Bonarda, Cabernet
vineyards mature.
Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chenin, Malbec,
Merlot, Tannat, Syrah, Torrontés
In a nutshell: Contains the highest vineyards
in the world (at 3,111), framed by a dry, cactusstrewn desert. Some increasingly good red
blends here, but only a handful of really good
producers. Still best known for its Torrontés
Riojano, but plantings are now shared equally
between reds and white.
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A note
about scoring
The wines for this report were tasted in
Talking to winemakers and viticulturists is
Argentina and London over a period of two
the best way to understand local conditions,
months in November and December 2013. Some
vintage variations and stylistic nuances. I am a
were tasted at individual wineries, but many
sufficiently experienced taster to judge a wine for
were assessed at bespoke blind and sighted
what it is, warts, beauty spots and all.
tastings organised by Winifera and Wines of
This report runs to more than 25,000 words.
Argentina in Mendoza and Buenos Aires. I tasted
Rather than provide a tasting note for every one
many of these wines on more than one occasion.
of the 500+ wines I sampled, I have concentrated
If significant discrepancies occurred in my
on those that scored 90 points or more. It is a
scores, I tried another sample back in London.
measure of the improvements in Argentinean
wine that there were 161 of these in my 2012
Almost all of the wines I assessed were
report and more than twice that number here.
bottled, but there were a few wines that I
I’ve suggested a drinking window for each wine
tasted as (nearly) finished samples from tank
and, where appropriate, provided its varietal
or barrel. It would be a shame to deprive you of
make up.
the outstanding wines from Per Se or the new,
terroir-based Malbecs from Altos Las Hormigas
by being too prescriptive.
Have a look at the example below to see how
I’ve organised the information for each wine
When I taste at a winery, I am more than
happy to discuss the wines (but not my final
score or tasting note) with the person who made
them. Some critics would argue that this exerts
an influence on the taster, but I see it differently.
Wine name
score
Alcohol level, Region
A short tasting
Drinking window
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Tasting notes
Recommended
wines
Reds
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2010 Trapiche Malbec Terroir Series Finca Ambrosía
15.5%, Gualtallary
These are the youngest vines of the three Terroir Series Malbecs from 2010, but this
amazing wine is my favourite of the trio, partly because I love the freshness and minerality
that the Gualtallary region confers. This is like a cross between a Malbec and a northern
Rhône Syrah, with white pepper and clove spice mingling with sweet raspberry, plum
and red cherry fruit. Long and very satisfying, it has lovely, clean acidity and wonderfully
transparent flavours. The best Terroir Series Malbec Daniel Pi has ever made, this is a
remarkable wine, which will only improve with age.
Drink: 2015-25
2011 Zuccardi Aluvional
15%, La Consulta
The 2010 La Consulta Aluvional was impressive, but this wine is in another league entirely
and deserves to take its place among the Southern Hemisphere’s best red wines. The
grapes are sourced from a vineyard planted in 1974 (not as old as some in La Consulta) and
has immense power and density of fruit. Densely coloured, plush and intense, it shows a
seamless integration between oak and blackberry and raspberry fruit, fine acidity and a long,
tapering finish. Sublime winemaking from Sebastián Zuccardi, whose wines just get better
and better.
Drink: 2015-25
2011 Achaval Ferrer Finca Bella Vista Malbec
14%, Perdriel
Bella Vista in Perdriel makes Malbecs that are equally delicious young as they are with five
to ten years’ bottle age. This is a stunning wine: mineral and fresh, with rose petal and violet
perfume, slinky tannins, subtle oak and a finish that lingers on the palate. Winemaking of
the highest order from Santiago Achaval.
Drink: 2014-20
2012 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Altamira
14%, Altamira
The single vineyard releases from Altos won’t hit the market for another year or so, but they
are so good that I can’t resist writing about them now. This is hauntingly perfumed and fresh
with violets and spices on the nose, deftly integrated oak, flavours of liquorice, damson and
blackberry and a zesty, chalk-infused tang.
Drink: 2015-22
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2012 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary
13.9%, Gualtallary
Wilder and more herbal than the Altamira bottling from Altos, this has a garrigue-like
perfume of wild herbs that wouldn’t look out of place in the south of France. Extreme and
almost austere on the palate, this has acidity, minerality and palate length in abundance.
Drink: 2015-22
2012 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Vistaflores
14%, Vistaflores
The richest and most powerful of the three terroir bottlings from Altos (as you’d expect from
Vistaflores), this has added weight and sweetness as well as limestone-derived freshness
from the Arroyo Grande. It’s a Vistaflores wine, but with elements of Gualtallary, too. These
are still comparatively young vines. Imagine how good this wine will be in 20 years’ time...
Drink: 2015-22
2010 Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Malbec
13.9%, Tupungato
My favourite of the Catena Malbecs, this is a classic high altitude style, showing intense
colour and wonderfully vibrant aromas and flavours that are so typical of the variety. Supple
tannins, deft use of oak and freshness and minerality balances the depth and power of the
fruit, with 30% whole bunch adding an appealingly spicy twist.
Drink: 2014-20
2011 De Angeles Viña 1924 Single Vineyard Gran Malbec
14.9%, Vistalba
This famous vineyard has been in the same family since 1924. The fruit used to be sold
to Terrazas but now goes to De Angeles among others. It’s a venerable parcel that yields
incredible grapes. Showing effortless concentration, it’s remarkably floral and perfumed,
with sweetness, texture and old vine concentration on the palate, fine tannins and subtle oak.
The essence of modern Malbec from an old source.
Drink: 2014-20
2010 Doña Paula Los Indios Parcel Malbec
14%, Altamira
It’s surprising how young are the vines for this top end Malbec (they were planted in 2006)
given the quality of what’s in the bottle. It’s very perfumed, with aromas of rosemary and
violets, backed up by understated oak (none of it new) and subtle blackberry and plum fruit.
Fresh and mineral, the wine lingers teasingly on the palate. And the vines were only
four years old.
Drink: 2014-20
2010 Nicolás Catena Zapata
13.7%, Mendoza
The blend of Catena’s top red wine has changed a bit since the first vintage in 2001, with a
move away from Malbec towards Bordeaux varieties. The impressive 2010 combines 75%
Cabernet with 25% Malbec and is a wine that, based on its predecessors, will keep and
develop for a decade or more. Savoury, aromatic and complex, this still-youthful wine has
remarkable weight and intensity of flavour, combining notes of violet, rose petal, sweet Asian
spices and a core of red and black fruits. Tuck a bottle away for a decade.
Drink: 2016-22
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95
95
2011 Trapiche Terroir Series Malbec Cristina y Bibiana Coletto
15%, Tupungato
This exceptional terroir series Malbec comes from one of the cooler areas in the Uco
Valley, with a marked influence from the Andes. Old vines and minerality are a winning
combination, and that is the case here: dense, aromatic, sweet and structured with
remarkable focus and length. The alcohol is integral to the wine here, which is not always so
in Argentina.
Drink: 2014-22
2011 Tres 14 Imperfecto
14.7%, Gualtallary
Daniel Pi’s top wine is a blend of mostly Malbec with (guess what?) 3% Cabernet Franc, all
from high altitude Gualtallary. Pepper spice, minerality and freshness combine beautifully
with new French oak here to produce a wine that is as complex as it is exciting. There’s not
much of it, but this is a modern style, terroir-focused Malbec that belongs among the finest
examples in the country. A brilliant effort.
Drink: 2014-20
2011 Viña Cobos Malbec
14.9%, Perdriel
Cobos has come from the same vineyard block in Perdriel since 1999 and the old vine
concentration is a large part of its appeal. It’s built for the long haul, with lashings of oak,
plush tannins and a tightly-wound core of sweet black fruits embellished by Asian spices.
Dense, yet somehow vibrant and refreshing at the same time, it’s a stunning wine.
Drink: 2016-20
2011 Zuccardi Aluvional
14%, Altamira
Made from a blend of grapes from a grower in Altamira and the Zuccardis’ own vineyards,
this is an abundantly perfumed wine, with hints of ginger and Asian spices as well as violets.
On the palate it’s textured, polished and very smooth, with abundant red fruits, bright
acidity and a long, chalky aftertaste. An exceptional Malbec.
Drink: 2015-25
2011 Achaval Ferrer Finca Altamira Malbec
14.5%, Uco Valley
This excellent La Consulta Malbec has focused attention on the brilliance of this Uco Valley
sub-region, such is its fame and reputation. It’s generally more ethereal than Bella Vista, at
least in its youth, and that’s the case here. It’s perfumed, mineral and refined with red fruits’
flavours that nod towards red Burgundy. Subtle and elegant with a long, tapering finish.
Drink: 2014-18
2008 Bressia Conjuro
14.5%, Uco Valley
Released late with some bottle age to allow the wine to express its nuances, this blend of
mostly Malbec with 30% Cabernet and 20% Merlot comes from purchased Uco Valley grapes.
It’s riper than the 2006, but equally refined, with filigree tannins, red fruits’ sweetness, some
clove spice and a bright, tapering finish. A wine that ages effortlessly.
Drink: 2014-20
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2008 Bressia Profundo
14%, Luján de Cuyo
The two bottles of the 2009 Profundo that I tasted in Argentina showed a little cork taint, so
I sampled the 2008 back in London. This profound blend of Malbec with 30% Cabernet and
10% each of Merlot and Syrah does what it says on the label. It’s still quite young, with lots of
oak and structure, but it will develop in bottle. Pure, silky and well balanced, with a volatile
lift, sweet plum, cherry and raspberry fruit, a touch of spice and a fresh, lingering finish. The
2009 will have to wait for my next visit.
Drink: 2014-18
2011 Casarena Lauren’s Vineyard Malbec
14.9%, Agrelo
The sort of wine that you could sniff for hours on end, this Agrelo Malbec smells of ginger,
vanilla and baking spices. On the palate, it’s silky and well balanced with oak adding a
delicious backdrop. Bramble fruit, silky tannins and a savoury tang all give this wine
complexity. I look forward to future releases from this very impressive winery.
Drink: 2014-19
2012 Mariano di Paola Malbec
14.5%, Mendoza
One of four wines that appear under Mariano di Paola’s own label. I haven’t tasted the others,
but if they are as good as this, I suggest you rush to get hold of them. Focused and perfumed,
this is a classic Altamira style with notes of rose petal and violet, orange zest and plush red
and black fruits. Long and satisfying, it’s a delicious Malbec.
Drink: 2015-20
2010 Mater Vini Alteza Malbec
14%, Argentina
Santiago Achaval, who makes this wine with the Italian oenologist, Roberto Cipresso, calls
this a “mad wine”, as it’s an equal blend of Malbecs from Salta and La Consulta, with the
former portion fermenting in a refrigerated truck as it head south to Mendoza. The result
combines the wildness of Salta with the freshness of La Consulta and it’s delicious. Complex
and mineral with attractive oak and polished tannins. An auspicious first release.
Drink: 2014-20
2011 Mendel Unus
14.5%, Mendoza
This is slightly superior to the 2010 Unus in my view, both of which are on the market at the
moment, and so reviewed here. A blend of Malbec with 25% Cabernet and 10% Petit Verdot,
it’s a dense, focused wines that needs time in bottle. Sweet oak, good structure, ginger spice,
fresh acidity and a peppery flourish from the cooler climate Malbec make this an outstanding
red blend.
Drink: 2016-22
2011 Noemía Malbec
14%, Río Negro
The top wine from this outstanding Río Negro winery comes from a gnarled, ungrafted
1.5 hectare vineyard planted in 1932. It’s still youthful, but already a very impressive wine
that numbers among the best the winery has released. The combination of subtle oak, fine
tannins, partial whole bunch fermentation and old vine concentration is very appealing, as
are the flavours of orange peel, red and black fruits and subtle cinnamon spice.
Drink: 2015-20
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2008 Norton Gernot Langes
15.2%, Mendoza
The icon red wine from Norton is produced in fairly small quantitites (5,000 bottles) and
only in certain years: 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2008 to date. It’s a blend of Malbec with 20%
each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. And pretty impressive it is, too: ripe,
smooth, plummy, chocolatey and sweetly oaked with fine-grained tannins and a fresh finish
from the Cabernet Franc.
Drink: 2015-22
2012 Per Se La Craie
14%, Gualtallary
La Craie - French for chalk - gives you some clues about the dominant soil type in this part
of Gualtallary. Cabernet Franc adds 30% to the blend here, producing a wine that is almost
Cheval Blanc-like in its intensity and poise. Very fine and mineral, this combines notes of
green pepper and graphite with a chalky, refreshing finish. In time, I think this producer will
be regarded as one of the very best in Argentina.
Drink: 2015-20
2011 Riglos Gran Corte
15%, Tupungato
Riglos’ top wine combines Malbec with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc to
impressive effect. It’s certainly more than the sum of its parts, although the Malbec comes
from a different vineyard to the Gran Malbec. Textured, fine and well balanced, this has
polished tannins, layers of complexity and the potential to age.
Drink: 2015-20
2009 Trapiche Iscay
14.5%, Mendoza
Iscay is Trapiche’s icon blend, made from a combination (this year) of Malbec with 30%
Cabernet Franc, mixing fruit from Gualtallary and Maipú. Made with native yeasts and
whole bunches for the Malbec, it’s poised and well balanced with plenty of colour, well
integrated oak, some Asian spices and a seam of pepper freshness. Complex, concentrated
and long, it’s another winner from Daniel Pi.
Drink: 2015-22
2010 Trapiche Malbec Terroir Series Finca Orellana de Escobar
15.5%, La Consulta
One of three single-grower Malbecs released each year by Trapiche, this comes entirely from
60-year-old vines in La Consulta. Orellana de Escobar has been selected three times since
the project began in 2003 and this is another very impressive bottling. Sweet, elegant and
balanced with effortless old vines concentration and savoury tannins, it’s a brilliant wine
that will age well for at least a decade.
Drink: 2015-25
2010 Trapiche Malbec Terroir Series Finca Suarez Lastra
15.5%, Altamira
Made from younger vines than the Orellana de Escobar bottling (as you’d expect from a
vineyard in Altamira) but this is no less exciting, if different in style. Floral and violetperfumed, this is a much more mineral wine with chalky acidity cleaning the palate. Fresh
and nuanced with fine tannins and a brightness that belies its 15.5% alcohol, this is the latest
in a series of very successful Trapiche releases.
Drink: 2015-25
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2009 Viña Alicia Brote Negro Malbec
14%, Mendoza
The vineyard that supplies the grapes for this wine is approximately 150 years old, producing
some of the most venerable Malbecs in Mendoza. Made by Mauricio Lorca (who also has his
own range of wines) it’s a stunning red. Serious, with lots of backbone, well integrated oak
and flavours of plum and Asian spices.
Drink: 2015-22
2010 Achaval Ferrer Temporis
14%, Mendoza
Temporis is a blend of each of the three Achaval Ferrer fincas and is priced slightly above
them for some reason. The three certainly work well together, although I don’t think this will
make old bones, possibly because of the Finca Mirador component. Spicy, subtle aromas and
flavours with an undertone of dill and a volatile lift. Complex stuff.
Drink: 2014-17
2012 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve
14.5%, Uco Valley
The 2012 release of this wine is bottled, but not yet on the market. It’s still a little closed, but
it takes the minerality in the Reserve bottling to another level of intensity. Tangerine and
Asian spices on the nose and palate, with well-integrated oak and a very chalky finish.
Drink: 2015-19
2011 Altos Las Hormigas Single Vineyard Malbec
14.5%, Vistaflores
This may not have the complexity of the 2012 (and you’ll have to wait for that to be released)
but it’s not far behind and is an interesting case of a work in progress. Floral, red fruits,
bright acidity and well integrated oak combine with firm, ageworthy tannins here, showing
the power and structure of Vistaflores.
Drink: 2014-20
2008 Andeluna Pasionado Cuatro Cepas
15%, Tupungato
The four “cepas” in question are Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
and they work very well together. This is green and herbal with marked pyrazine notes, but
the freshness, drive and structure of the wine are impressive, as is the mid-palate sweetnees
from Malbec. On past performance, this is a wine that ages well.
Drink: 2014-19
2010 Bodega Aleanna El Gran Enemigo Cabernet Franc
13.2%, Gualtallary
A wine that demonstrates the remarkable potential of Cabernet Franc in the upper reaches
of the Uco Valley, picked at seven different harvest dates for varying levels of ripeness and
flavour. Chalky, stony and very fine, this is like a mini Cheval Blanc with subtle, filigree
tannins, some whole bunch spiciness and understated oak.
Drink: 2014-20
2010 Bodega Aleanna El Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard
13%, Agrelo
The wines that Alejandro Vigil makes under his own label are very different from those he
makes at Catena Zapata: drier and more mineral in style. This varietal Cabernet Franc is
spicy and very perfumed, with aromas of incense and black plums. The palate is fine and
refreshing, the oak suitably restrained. Plusher than the Gualtallary release.
Drink: 2014-20
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2010 Bressia Monteagrelo Cabernet Franc
14%, Vistaflores
A varietal Cabernet Franc that demonstrates (yet again) the grape’s remarkable potential in
Argentina. Sourced entirely from Vistaflores, it’s fresh, nuanced and grassy with impressive
underlying concentration, sweet tannins, appealing use of oak and a chalky, minerally finish.
2014-20
2011 Bressia Monteagrelo Malbec
14.5%, Mendoza
Walter Bressia uses fruit both from Agrelo and the Uco Valley here to give the wine more
complexity and nuance. The result is a subtle, understated Malbec that seduces rather than
confronts you. Balanced, spicy and marked by the presence of limestone, this is a wine that
will age in bottle but is delicious to drink now, too.
Drink: 2014-20
2010 Casarena Jamilla’s Vineyard Malbec
14.9%, Perdriel
One of the big discoveries of my trip, Casarena’s single vineyard wines taste as good as
they look. This has notes of orange peel and liquorice on the nose, which segue into leafy,
refreshing flavours of spice, fruitcake and red fruits. Supple and subtle winemaking of the
highest order from Bernardo Bossi.
Drink: 2014-19
2011 Chacra Pinot Treinta y Dos Pinot Noir
13.7%, Río Negro
The oldest vines at Chacra produce - surprise, surprise - the most profound of the trio of
Pinot Noirs, with more depth, concentration and complexity. This spends 24 months in
French oak, but it’s not obvious on the nose and palate. Sweet, nuanced and compelling with
savoury, supple tannins, a herbal undertone and silky red fruits. One of South America’s best
Pinot Noirs.
Drink: 2014-18
2010 Colomé Auténtico Malbec
14.5%, Colomé
Made for the first time in 2011, this is only produced with old vine fruit, grown at 2,300
metres, picked late and showing plenty of ripeness. It’s unoaked, as the wines were
historically at Colomé, with flavours of plum and spice, a green herbal undertone and plenty
of concentration.
Drink: 2014-18
2011 Colomé Estate Malbec
14.5%, Colomé
Winemaker Thibaut Delmotte blends Malbecs from different altitudes up to 2,600 metres for
his estate Malbec. The new oak component is small at 10%, which allows the distinctive, high
altitude fruit to express itself. Spicy, textured and aromatic, with a peppery bite, minerally
acidity and sweet, savoury blackberry flavours, it has an element of Syrah about it.
Drink: 2014-19
2012 Doña Paula 1100
14.1%, Altamira
Another wine that’s new to the range at Doña Paula, this is an Altamira blend of Malbec with
30% Syrah and 10% Cabernet. It’s another high quality red, with Syrah adding acidity and a
spicy note to the cassis and blackberry fruit of the other two varieties. Balanced, complex and
underpinned by minerality, this is a very modern style.
Drink: 2015-20
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2012 El Porvenir de Cafayate Laborum Malbec, Finca Río Seco
14.5%, Cafayate
Winemaker Mariano Quiroga has really improved the quality of this estate’s reds since he
joined in 2011, picking earlier to keep more freshness in the wines. This has flavours of black
cherry, Asian spices and tangerine, with plenty of oak but more than enough weight for
balance. An estate to watch in Cafayate.
Drink: 2014-19
2010 Fabre Montmayou Grand Vin
14.5%, Vistalba
A wine that is consistently among the best blends in Argentina, this is based on a vineyard
that was planted in 1908. The old vine Malbec is blended with 10% Cabernet and 5% Merlot
and it’s a delicious assemblage. Polished, structured and built to last, it’s fresh and well
defined with sweetness supported by a backbone of tannin and acidity.
Drink: 2015-20
2009 Luigi Bosca Icono
14%, Mendoza
An ambitiously-priced blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon that delivers in the bottle.
It’s less alcoholic than many icon wines, but it’s certainly not short of flavour. Balanced
and poised, with a subtle interplay between the two varieties, nuanced tannins and a long,
satisfying finish, this is a classy red.
Drink: 2014-20
2011 Mendel Finca Remota Malbec
14.4%, Altamira
The grapes for this impressive Malbec all come from a 65-year-od parcel in Altamira. The
result is suitably fresh, aromatic and vibrant, with a delicious interplay between fruit, oak
and acidity, a very mineral finish and effortless balance. The 2010 and 2012 releases are
equally good.
Drink: 2014-20
2010 Mendel Unus
14.5%, Mendoza
The Malbec in this vintage of Unus is combined with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit
Verdot. Another wine that needs time, it’s a little lighter than the 2011 with more acidity and
floral perfume. That’s not to say that it lacks intensity, however, as this is minerally, fresh and
well balanced with oak woven into the wine and a long, satisfying finish.
Drink: 2015-20
2012 Noemía J Alberto Malbec
13.5%, Río Negro
Hans Vinding-Diers blend of Malbec with 5% Merlot comes from ungrafted vines planted
in 1955. Unfined and unfiltered, it’s a scented, sensuous, appealing wine with clove and
violets on the nose. The palate is elegant and refined, with subtle oak (only second fill used
here, along with 15% concrete eggs) and a lift of refreshing acidity. The restrained alcohol
contributes to the success of the wine.
Drink: 2014-20
2009 Norton Lote A109 Malbec
14.9%, Agrelo
A is for Agrelo in this instance. This comes from the oldest vines among the three “lote”
wines and it’s also the most exciting. Very perfumed and attractive with notes of wild herbs,
medium weight tannins, deftly handled oak and a pure, elegant finish.
Drink: 2014-19
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2007 O Fournier A Crux Blend
15%, Uco Valley
The 2006 A Crux Blend is also on the market, but this is a much better wine, blending
Tempranillo with 35% Malbec and 15% Cabernet. Fresher and better balanced than its richer
predecessors, it’s got a touch of whole bunch spiciness, bright acidity and a mix of cherry,
raspberry and blackberry fruit, alongside notes of dried herbs and sweet vanilla oak.
Drink: 2014-17
2012 Per Se Iubileus Malbec
14.5%, Gualtallary
Per Se is a new, personal project from Edy del Popolo (of Dominio del Plata) and what a debut
it is. This high altitude Malbec has 5% Cabernet Franc for added perfume and freshness.
It’s a very fine wine indeed: mineral and sappy with a chalky undertone and beautifully
delineated fruit flavours. The oak is stylishy integrated, the wine long on the palate.
Drink: 2014-19
2008 Piedra Negra Chacayes
15.1%, Uco Valley
François Lurton’s top red wine is built to age and does so with considerable grace and charm.
It combines Malbec with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing all that is best about the Uco
Valley, filtered through French know how and flair. Finely balanced, complex and nuanced
with savoury tannins, subtle oak, hints of fresh tobacco and red fruits and a long, tapering
finish. Impressively judged.
Drink: 2014-18
2010 Pulenta Estate Gran Cabernet Franc
14.5%, Agrelo
One of my favourite South American reds (and one that ages well, too) this is essence of
Cabernet Franc, showing flavours of green pepper, graphite and sweet fruit backed up by
supple, grassy tannins and a touch of spice. As ever, the oak is deftly handled at Pulenta.
Drink: 2014-18
2009 Pulenta Estate Gran Corte
14.5%, Mendoza
There’s no Cabernet Franc in this blend, unlike the 2008 Gran Corte. Instead, it’s made up of
mostly Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with a little Petit Verdot and Tannat for good
measure. Showing aromas of rosemary and thyme, it’s almost Mediterranean in style. Ripe
and sweet, with good structure and acidity, this always ages well.
Drink: 2014-20
2011 Recuerdo Gran Corte
14.7%, Uco Valley
This winery is part of the Vines of Mendoza project, where the wines are made at a central
winery with the consultancy of Santiago Achaval. It’s a Malbec-based blend with lesser
amounts of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. It’s very much a Vistaflores style,
combining perfume with fruit weight and concentration, but there’s spiciness, freshness and
appealing oak adding to the layers of flavours, too.
Drink: 2014-19
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2010 Rutini Apartado Gran Malbec
14.5%, Uco Valley
A Gran Malbec it is indeed, using fruit from Tupungato, La Consulta and Altamira to
impressive effect. As ever with Mariano di Paola’s top reds, there’s a lovely interplay
between texture, sweetness, oak and acidity. Complex and spicy with fine tannins and
crunchy black fruit.
Drink: 2014-19
2010 Rutini Encuentro Barrel Blend
14.5%, Mendoza
This stylish, 100% new oak-aged blend of mostly Cabernet and Malbec with Merlot, Cabernet
Franc and Petit Verdot in supporting roles is built to last. It’s a little oak-dominated at the
moment, but the underlying fruit is superb, with the freshness and graphite-like notes of
Cabernet Sauvignon to the fore. Balanced, minerally and poised, this is a blend that is greater
than the sum of its parts.
Drink: 2016-22
2011 Salentein Numina Gran Corte, Spirit Vineyard
14.5%, Uco Valley
The blend from this atmospherically-named vineyard is Malbec with 21% Cabernet
Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc and it’s a winner. Dense,
deeply coloured, yet nuanced on the nose and palate, it’s smooth and silky, with notes of
mint, green pepper, violets and sweet vanilla oak. Savoury and very long.
Drink: 2015-22
2011 Salentein Primus Pinot Noir
14%, Uco Valley
The grapes for Salentein’s top Pinot Noir come from a variety of sources and altitudes
between 1,300 and 1,500m. There’s greater clonal diversity too, with 667, 777, 103, 115 and
R4 all contributing to the blend. The result is very classy indeed, all velvet and red fruits,
with deftly handled oak and a minerality that is rare in Argentinean Pinot.
Drink: 2014-19
2011 Salentein Single Vineyard Pinot Noir, Plot No. 1
14%, Uco Valley
Pinot Noir does best in cooler climates, and this is among the freshest in the Uco Valley,
situated at 1,400 metres. Made with the R4 clone and benefiting from 15 days of cold
maceration, it’s aromatic and pure, with notes of wild strawberry and pomegranate and good
texture and weight. The oak is subtle, the finish crisp and refreshing.
Drink: 2014-19
2013 Zorzal Eggo Pinot Noir
14.5%, Tupungato
No oak, 100% carbonic maceration and (as the name suggests) fermentation in concrete
eggs, this is one of the top Pinots in the country. Perfumed, fresh and nuanced with hints of
pomegranate and red cherry, it’s driven by acidity and minerality, not oak or over-ripeness.
Drink: 2014-17
2012 Zuccardi Tito
14%, Uco Valley
This blend of 70% Malbec with smaller amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Caladoc and
Ancelotta is a step up from the excellent 2011. Intense and appealingly herbal (from 30%
whole bunch fermentation), it’s vibrant and aromatic with chalky minerality and a long,
tapering finish.
Drink: 2015-25
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2011 Alta Vista Alizarine Single Vineyard Malbec
15%, Luján de Cuyo
The best of Alta Vista’s single vineyard wines comes from a well-drained vineyard planted
in Las Compuertas in 1929. It’s much fresher than its stablemates, with sappy fruit flavours,
tangy acidity, subtle oak and a core of sweetness. This is often the base of Alto, the winery’s
icon wine, and you can see why.
Drink: 2014-20
2011 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve
14.5%, Uco Valley
There was no Reserve Malbec in 2010, but this release more than makes up for the absence,
as the wine is back with a bang, with toned down oak and the same fruit definition. It’s yet
another outstanding Malbec from this Chilean/Italian team. Classy winemaking.
Drink: 2014-19
2009 Andeluna Pasionado Cabernet Franc
15.2%, Tupungato
This is not a shy and retiring Cabernet Franc (and it undergoes reverse osmosis to get it down
from 16% alcohol) but it’s a fantastic expression of the grape, with plush chocolate and green
pepper flavours, fine tannins and a fresh, minerally burst of acidity on the finish. The 2009
and 2010 (tasted at the winery, but not released yet) are great, too.
Drink: 2014-19
2009 Bodega Aleanna El Gran Enemigo
14.5%, Gualtallary
Another impressive, Argentina-meets-Bordeaux-style blend of 80% Cabernet Franc
and 10% each of Malbec and Petit Verdot from cool climate Gualtallary. Deeply coloured,
very aromatic and silky with subtle oak, fresh acidity and classic green pepper Cabernet
Franc notes.
Drink: 2014-18
2010 Catena Zapata Argentino Malbec
14%, Uco Valley
Combining fruit from two of the best Uco Valley sub-regions (Altamira and Gualtallary) this
is a rich, ripe, even heady style of Malbec with lots of new French oak but plenty of fruit to
soak it up. Spicy and soft with rich, liquorice and blackberry flavours and smooth tannins.
Drink: 2014-18
2012 Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard Malbec
14%, La Consulta
This single vineyard Malbec hails entirely from Altamira and it’s typical of the Catena style,
albeit with the addition of 3% Viognier for extra perfume. Vibrant, juicy and plush with lots
of sweet new oak, but showing enough acidity and freshness for balance, it has the structure
and tannins to develop further in bottle.
Drink: 2014-20
2012 Chacra Cincuenta y Cinco Pinot Noir
12.9%, Río Negro
The name of the wine refers to the year the vines were planted (1955, for non Spanish
speakers). There’s also 2% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, which adds a green pepper
undertone. But it’s the quality of the Pinot that shines through, along with the restrained
alcohol and refined, herbal flavours. A wine that grows and develops in the glass.
Drink: 2014-18
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2008 Cheval des Andes
14%, Mendoza
2008 was a cooler vintage than 2009, which may be why I prefer the Cheval des Andes from
the former year. It’s a blend of mostly Malbec with 35% Cabernet and a touch of Merlot and
Petit Verdot. It’s intense and typically compact and well structured, showing more freshness
than the chewier, more extracted 2009. Cheval typically needs time, so be prepared to wait
for this to develop in bottle.
Drink: 2014-18
2010 Cuvelier de Los Andes Colección
14.5%, Uco Valley
I often find the Cuvelier de los Andes wines to be the most European of those produced at
Clos de los Siete. This blend of Malbec with Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit
Verdot is supple and spicy, with savoury, dried herbs notes, elegant oak integration and a
mineral finish. No one seems to be trying too hard to make a statement wine here.
Drink: 2014-19
2009 DiamAndes de Uco Gran Reserva
14.5%, Uco Valley
Made by Fecundo Pereira before he left in 2010, this blend of Malbec with 30% Cabernet is
still very much alive, which is not something that can be said of some Argentinean reds of
this age. It’s a big, bold, oaky wine, but the tannins are velvety and fine, the fruit ripe rather
than pruney, the acidity fresh and bright. Impressive winemaking.
Drink: 2014-17
2010 Dominio del Plata Nosotros Malbec
14.5%, Agrelo
A wine that has improved (at least to my taste) since 2010, showing much defter use of oak
and less extraction and over-ripeness, this is appealingly aromatic and stylish with lovely use
of oak, plush flavours of chocolate and fig and a tangy, refreshing finish.
Drink: 2015-19
2011 Fabre Montmayou Grande Réserve Cabernet Sauvignon
14.8%, Mendoza
Hervé Joyaux’s Bordeaux background is apparent in this wine because it’s one of the best
Cabernet Sauvignons in Argentina. Sourced from Perdriel and Agrelo, it’s a classy, polished
Cab, with fine-grained tannins, ripe cassis fruit and bright, tangy acidity. It ages well, too.
Drink: 2014-19
2009 Finca El Origen Phi Single Vineyard
15%, Vistaflores
Produced in Argentina by Chilean winery, Santa Carolina, this is the first release of a high
quality Uco Valley blend of mostly Malbec with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and
Petit Verdot in supporting roles. It’s a very impressive, densely concentrated wine with
stylish vanilla and mocha oak, ripe, textured tannins and powerful, aromatic black fruits.
Drink: 2015-20
2008 Kaikén Mai Malbec
15%, Mendoza
This is the third vintage of Chilean winemaker Aurelio Montes’ icon Malbec and it’s the best
yet. Sourced from a range of sites in Agrelo, Vistalba and the Uco Valley this is an impressive
red, offering the concentration of vineyards close to Mendoza with the freshness and
perfume of higher altitude fruit. Richy oaked, but with more than enough black fruits and
savoury tannins for balance, it should age well, too.
Drink: 2014-19
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2009 Lagarde Henry Gran Guarda No. 1
14%, Mendoza
An impressive blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Syrah from a winery that is in an
impressive run of form at the moment. It’s a ripe, oaky, but well-balanced style, trading fruit
concentration and acidity. There’s enough weight and backbone here to see the wine through
at least another five years in bottle.
Drink: 2014-20
2011 Lagarde Primeras Viñas Malbec
14%, Luján de Cuyo
Based for the most part on a parcel that was planted in 1906, this has remarkable finesse
and fruit purity, especially given the low yields in the vineyard. Deeply coloured, textured
and sweet with quite a bit of oak, but plenty of tannin, concentration and acidity for support.
Another wine that will reward cellaring.
Drink: 2014-19
2010 Lariviere Yturbe Partida Limitada Malbec
14.7 %, Luján de Cuyo
Lariviere Yturbe is a Franco-Argentinean winery based in Luján de Cuyo. It’s tempting to see
a French influence in the winemaking, too. This is certainly very floral and harmonious with
violets and red fruits on the nose and palate. Complete and well balanced with a fresh finish.
Drink: 2014-19
2011 Mariflor Malbec
14.5%, Uco Valley
Made for the first time in 2009, the third vintage of Michel Rolland’s own wine at Clos
de los Siete is very impressive. It’s dense, rich and profoundly perfumed with masses of
concentration and compact flavours. But the thickness of the wine is balanced by well-judged
oak and refreshing acidity. Ripe, but not over-ripe, this should age well.
Drink: 2015-20
2011 Michelini Brothers Super Uco
14.3%, Gualtallary
There are four Michelini Brothers in all and they all seem to be involved in making this wine.
In the future, they will make one wine from each of the three sub-regions of the Uco Valley,
but this is from Gualtallary alone. A co-fermented Malbec and Cabernet Franc, made in a
chalky, refreshing style with medium weight tannins, black fruits and much more oak than
one is used to from the Michelinis. But it works!
Drink: 2015-20
2011 Montechez Edición Limitada Malbec
14.5%, Mendoza
This the top Malbec from this comparatively new bodega, established in 2005. It’s a very
serious, compact Malbec that is made to age in bottle, rather than for immediate pleasure.
The tannins are present, but harmonious, balanced by dense, plummy fruit and a lift of
minerality on the finish. Another winery to keep an eye on.
Drink: 2014-19
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2010 Noemía 2
12.5%, Río Negro
Produced for the first time in 2007, and not made again until 2010, this is Hans VindingDiers’ homage to Bordeaux, where he grew up, with mostly Cabernet Sauvignon supported
by 8% Merlot, 2% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot. The vines are old (from the 1940s and 1955)
and the wine is suitably ageworthy. It’s a classy, polished, Médoc-meets-Patagonia style with
flavours of mint, cassis and dried herbs and fine, graphite-infused tannins. Its finish is long
and refreshing.
Drink: 2014-20
2010 Norton Privada Malbec
14.5%, Mendoza
Blended across Mendoza, but focusing on vineyards in the various sub-regions of Luján de
Cuyo, this is the third release of a Privada Malbec. It’s rich, sweet and ambitiously oaked
with ageworthy tannins and plush underlying fruit. This needs time to settle into itself.
Drink: 2015-19
2011 Ojo de Vino Malo
15.3%, Agrelo
How can you fail to respond to a wine with such an evocative name? But there’s nothing bad
about Swiss artist Dieter Meier’s red blend, made with the help of star oenologist, Marcelo
Pelleriti. It’s a rich aromatic blast of a wine with notes of liquorice and Asian spices, velvety
tannins, stylish oak integration and a ripe, palate-warming finish.
Drink: 2014-18
2008 Piedra Negra Malbec Reserva
13.9%, Mendoza
François Lurton isn’t as flamboyant as some of his colleagues, but this focused Frenchman
makes exceptional wines in Argentina. This is a blend of grapes from mostly Vistaflores with
10% from Santa Rosa in the east. Very mineral, with good structure, succulent red and black
fruits, some violets and a long finish.
Drink: 2014-18
2010 Pulenta Estate Gran Malbec
14.5%, Mendoza
Combining fruit from Agrelo (60%) and the Uco Valley (40%) this is serious stuff, with
effortless concentration supported by 100% new oak. Sweet and brambly with subtle oak
integration and a fresh, sappy, lively finish from the higher altitude grapes. Very drinkable.
Drink: 2014-18
2011 Riglos Gran Cabernet Franc
15%, Tupungato
Often my favourite of the single varietal wines from Riglos (as opposed to the Gran Corte)
this is only the second release of Cabernet Franc. It’s as good as ever here, with very deep
colour, ripe, balanced, green pepper, liquorice and fresh tea flavours, bright acidity and
succulent tannins.
Drink: 2014-18
2011 Riglos Gran Cabernet Sauvignon
15%, Tupungato
This is both a good expression of the variety and of the place in which it is grown. It’s sappy
and medium weight, despite the 15% alcohol, with cassis and dried herb flavours, attractive
oak and a fine, nuanced finish.
Drink: 2015-19
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2010 Rutini Antología Pinot Noir XXXVI
14.3%, Mendoza
This is the top Pinot from Rutini, released for the first time in 2010 and given the full, 100%
new oak treatment. It’s a definite step up from the bodega’s more commercial release with
more concentration, some subtle spice from whole bunch fermentation and refreshing
acidity. Among the best Pinots in the country - and at the first attempt.
Drink: 2014-17
2011 Salentein Numina Cabernet Franc
14.5%, Uco Valley
Put the higher reaches of the Uco Valley together with Cabernet Franc and you have a
winning formula. This is typically leafy and fine with tangy acidity and notes of fresh green
herbs. Texture and subtle oak integration are a hallmark of Pepe Galante’s wines.
Drink: 2014-19
2011 San Pedro de Yacochuya
15.4%, Cafayate
The second wine from this famous estate is made with “younger” vines than the grand vin
(they are 50 years old). It’s released earlier and has less oak as a rule, expressing the flavours
of Malbec and the 15% Cabernet that completes the blend. It’s pretty ripe, but balanced with
notes of Asian spices and green herbs.
Drink: 2014-18
2009 Terrazas de los Andes Single Parcel Los Castaños Malbec
14.5%, Altamira
Terrazas’ vineyard source is located in Altamira, next to Achaval Ferrer. Planted in 1945,
it’s another impressive vineyard, with stony soils and some limestone. Firm and even a
little austere, this is a dense, aromatic, ambitiously oaked red with the concentration and
structure to age.
Drink: 2015-20
2009 Terrazas de los Andes Single Parcel Los Cerezos Malbec
15%, Las Compuertas
You can’t accuse the team at Terrazas of not focusing on the long term in their winemaking.
This Single Parcel release from 80-year-old vines is oaky and quite firm at the moment, but
has the underlying texture and fruit concentration to reward patience.
Drink: 2014-18
2010 Terrazas de los Andes Single Vineyard Los Aromos
Cabernet Sauvignon
14.5%, Perdriel
Another example of top notch, French-influenced winemaking from Terrazas’ Nicolas
Audebert. It’s a Bordeaux-meets-Argentina style with appealing fruit sweetness supported by
firm tannins, deftly handled oak integration and fresh acidity.
Drink: 2014-18
2007 Viña Alicia Cuarzo
14%, Lunlunta
An unusual blend of mostly Petit Verdot with 2.5% each of Grenache and Carignan, all
grown in Lunlunta, this Bordeaux meets the Rhône Valley style is intriguing. It’s very floral
and perfumed, but dense and ageworthy on the palate with sweet oak and blueberry and
raspberry fruit. The wine glides across the palate.
Drink: 2014-20
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2007 Viña Alicia Morena
13.8%, Luján de Cuyo
Combining Cabernet Sauvignon with 12% Cabernet Franc, this wouldn’t look out of place in
the Médoc. Subtle oak, some dried herbs and fresh mint on the nose, elegant tannins, dark
plum and damson fruit and a long, tapering finish.
Drink: 2014-20
2007 Viña Alicia Nebbiolo
15%, Luján de Cuyo
The best Nebbiolo in Argentina (and by some distance), Viña Alicia’s red is a blend of three
different clones. It’s very true to the variety, with rose petal aromas, flavours of wild herbs
and spices and firmish, tealeafy tannins offset by sweet French oak.
Drink: 2014-18
2011 Viña Cobos Bramare Marchiori Vineyard Malbec
14.7%, Perdriel
Sourced from the Marchiori family’s own vineyards close to the winery in Perdriel, this is
like a mini Cobos in many ways. It’s a profound, super-concentrated Malbec, with plenty of
oak and intense, chocolatey tannins and plummy fruit sweetness. Slightly pruney, but still
very impressive.
Drink: 2014-18
2011 Viña Cobos Bramare Rebon Vineyard Malbec
14.9%, La Consulta
Thick, rich and flavoursome, this Uco Valley Malbec from 20-year-old vines in La Consulta
wears its heart and flavours on its sleeve. The oak is subtly integrated here, adding a
sheen of vanilla to the notes of violet and bramble. It’s high-octane stuff, but with good
balancing acidity.
Drink: 2014-18
2011 Viña Cobos Volturno Marchiori Vineyard
14.9%, Mendoza
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with 19% Malbec, this has changed its varietal make up (and
name) over the years. It’s a very ripe, almost Amarone style, showing a little bit of residual
sugar and marked alcohol on the nose and palate. Thick and super ripe, it’s the sort of wine
that’s impressive rather than a pleasure to drink.
Drink: 2014-16
2011 Viña Vida Malbec Gran Reserva
15%, Uco Valley
From a comparatively new operation in the heart of the Uco Valley, with an unusual approach
to growing grapes in a circular vineyard layout, this is a rich yet well balanced style of
Malbec. Deeply coloured, supple and stylishly oaked, this has enough acidity to balance the
15% alcohol.
Drink: 2014-18
2011 Viña Vida Petit Verdot Gran Reserva
14.4%, Uco Valley
Varietal Petit Verdots are still comparatively rare in Argentina, but the best of them (and this
is one) are very promising indeed. It’s herbal and aromatic, with notes of Asian spices and
blackberry, good freshness, subtle oak and filigree tannins. A winery to keep an eye on.
Drink: 2014-19
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2011 Vinorum Victorio Altieri Gran Reserva Malbec
14%, Luján de Cuyo
There’s actually 14% Cabernet in this Luján de Cuyo Malbec from a boutique winery that
deserves to be better known. Herbal, savoury and refreshing, this is a wine with subtlety,
line and length. Refined oak, polished tannins and a finish that lingers on the palate. I’m very
keen to taste more wines from this bodega.
Drink: 2014-19
2012 Zorzal Gran Terroir Pinot Noir
14%, Tupungato
Made by Jaun Pablo Michelini, this sticks to the brothers’ “less is more” philosophy, despite
being aged in 30% new oak. It speaks of its place (the high Uco Valley), showing freshness
and balance. Subtle and light, it’s an Argentinean homage to Volnay or Chambolle-Musigny.
Drink: 2014-17
2011 Zorzal Piantao
14.5%, Tupungato
I can’t see what crazy (“piantao”) about this blend of mostly Cabernet Franc with Malbec,
Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, but who cares? It’s a fresh, minerally wine with marked
chalkiness, supple tannins, understated oak and effortless balance.
Drink: 2014-18
2012 Zuccardi Emma Zuccardi Bonarda
13.5%, Mendoza
Bonarda is rarely treated as a serious, high quality grape in Argentina, but this one,
combining the richness of Santa Rosa and the cool, aromatic elegance of the Uco Valley, is
an ambitious wine. Focused, minerally and rich, with notes of plum and dried herbs and
sweet oak.
Drink: 2014-20
2011 Zuccardi Finca Los Membrillos
14.5%, La Consulta
Sourced from four different soil types in La Consulta (each vinified separately), this varietal
Cabernet is one of the best in Argentina. Aromatic, structured and appealingly ripe, this has
fine-grained tannins and plush flavours of black fruits underpinned by acidity.
Drink: 2014-22
2011 Zuccardi Tito
14%, Uco Valley
The blend of Tito changes every year. In 2011, it was a co-fermentation of Malbec and
Cabernet Sauvignon, with a little Anchelotta for added interest. Pepper spice, a hint of
chalky minerality and flavours of blackcurrant and blueberry, with a sappy undertone
from whole bunches.
Drink: 2014-22
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2011 Achaval Ferrer Finca Mirador Malbec
14%, Medrano
On paper, this is the least distinguished of Achaval Ferrer’s three single vineyard sites (being
based in warmer Medrano). It doesn’t always age as well as the other two, but is still very
appealing in its youth. Subtle and almost Burgundian, with sweet and savoury flavours,
understated oak and a soft, fruitcake-like undertone.
Drink: 2014-17
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2012 Achaval Ferrer Malbec
14.5%, Mendoza
Achaval’s “entry point” Malbec is never that far behind the single vineyards in quality, which
is not to take anything away from Fincas Altamira and Bella Vista. Combining fruit from
all over Mendoza, it’s all about fruit, rather than oak. Beautifully aromatic, youthful and
intense, it’s one of the best value Malbecs in Argentina.
Drink: 2014-17
2010 Alta Vista Alto
15%, Mendoza
The 2010 Alto is a blend of 75% Malbec and 25% Cabernet and it’s an improvement on
the slightly heavier-boned 2009. It’s an ambitious wine, picked late and given the full oak
treatment. The result is impressive enough but that lacks a little freshness and joie de vivre.
But give it time for its tannins to soften in bottle.
Drink: 2015-19
2011 Alta Vista Serenade Single Vineyard Malbec
15%, Luján de Cuyo
The fruit for this Malbec comes from Luján (the vineyard is next to Cobos, no less) and is
suitably plush and textured. Plums, violet, sweet oak and some strawberry syrup are all
appealingly blended here. The alcohol is high but works in the context of the wine.
Drink: 2014-19
2011 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir
14.5%, Uco Valley
A big step up from the “classic” Malbec, this represents a quantum leap in quality from 2011,
with evident freshness and finer fruit flavours. Very aromatic yet winningly understated at
the same time, it’s one of the best commercial Malbecs on the market, made in a new and
welcome style.
Drink: 2014-17
2012 Amalaya Gran Corte
14%, Cafayate
The Gran Corte is picked almost three weeks later than the same winery’s Tinto de Corte,
with the grapes drawn from higher altitudes, too. The blend here is Malbec with 7.5% each
of Tannat and Cabernet Franc. Made with natural acidity and aged in 30% new oak, it’s spicy
and herbal with good extract, concentration and length.
Drink: 2014-17
2011 Belasco de Baquedano Swinto Malbec
15.5%, Luján de Cuyo
Yes, this is a bold, strapping Malbec that flirts with over-ripeness (at least for me) but it’s still
in balance. Aromatic, plush and palate warming, this is complex, rich and flavoursome with
plenty of black fruits surrounded and supported by oak sweetness.
Drink: 2014-18
2010 Bodega El Esteco Altimus
15%, Cafayate
The top wine from this impressive Cafayate operation is a Malbec-based blend, with
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and the local speciality, Tannat, for support. It’s an
ambitious, structured, ageworthy wine with lots of colour and oak, a touch of leafiness from
the Cabernets, a herbal undertone and a long, refreshing finish.
Drink: 2014-20
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2012 Bodega El Esteco Don David Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
14%, Cafayate
I’m not normally a fan of American oak on Cabernet (although it’s combined with 50%
French oak) but the winemaking and the age of the barrels have resulted in a delicious wine
here. There are notes of chocolate, cassis and green pepper, with a touch of spice and a fresh,
tangy finish. One of my favourite Cafayate reds.
2011 Casarena Lauren’s Vineyard Cabernet Franc
14.7%, Agrelo
Another wine to add to the list of delicious Argentinean Cabernet Francs, this is very true to
the varietal: green pepper, some graphite and smooth tannins, with refreshing acidity on the
back palate. Like all Casarena’s top wines, this is supremely drinkable and appealing.
Drink: 2014-17
2010 Cavas La Capilla Templum Gran Reserva Malbec
14%, Altamira
Floral, elegant and appealing, this Uco Valley Malbec is very much part of the new wave,
with well-integrated oak, ripe (rather than over-ripe) fruit, fresh minerality and a balanced,
defined finish. A green, herbal undertone adds complexity on the palate.
Drink: 2014-18
2012 Chacra Barda Pinot Noir
13.3%, Patagonia
The cheapest wine from this vaunted Río Negro property is often the best value of the three
releases. And that’s the case here. Very pale and hauntingly aromatic, with balsamic, red
fruits aromas and flavours, a dab of oak, filigree tannins and a subtle, faintly gamey finish.
Drink: 2014-16
2012 Chakana Estate Ayni Malbec
14.5%, Uco Valley
Selected from the bodega’s best Malbec vineyards, this is a relatively restrained style from
Chakana. Smooth and polished with good black-fruited concentration, fine tannins and a
fresh, elegant finish. The sort of wine that’s easy to drink by the bottle, not just the glass.
Drink: 2014-18
2012 Chakana Estate Selection Red Blend
14.5%, Mendoza
Too often in Argentina, a heavy bottle signifies an over-oaked, overblown wine, but that’s
not the case with this blend of Malbec with 20% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
Plum, bramble and damson fruit are nicely intertwined here, with smooth tannins and deftly
handled oak.
Drink: 2014-18
2011 Clos de los Siete
14.5%, Uco Valley
Clos de los Siete has done an enormous amount to promote the Uco Valley on overseas
markets. Michel Rolland’s good value blend of Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet, Syrah and Petit
Verdot is one of the best he’s made. Sweet and perfumed with well integrated oak, bright
acidity and subtle interplay between the five grape varieties.
Drink: 2014-17
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2011 DiamAndes Malbec
14.5%, Uco Valley
Deeply coloured, super concentrated Malbec at the plusher end of the spectrum. The wine
flirts with over-ripeness, but it’s got good energy and acidity beneath the slightly jammy
flavours. A thick, dense, powerful red with lots of oak, substantial tannins and bags of
flavour to match. I slightly prefer this to the 2011, which is also on the market.
Drink: 2014-19
2011 Domaine Bousquet Malbec Grande Reserve
15.7%, Tupungato
A bold, sumptuously-oaked Malbec with bags of ripe plum, blackberry and bramble
fruit, sweet, succulent tannins and quite a bit of alcohol. What elevates the wine above
many similarly concentrated styles of Malbec is its minerality, which gives the wine length
and balance.
Drink: 2014-18
2010 Dominio del Plata Susana Balbo Brioso
14.3%, Mendoza
A Bordeaux style blend dominated by Cabernet, Merlot and Malbec, this has welcome
freshness and brightness of flavour underpinning the sweet fruit. Co-fermentation with a
little Viognier adds another dimension to the wine. Mint and fresh herbs on the palate with
bright acidity.
Drink: 2014-18
2012 Doña Paula Estate Black Edition
14.1%, Luján de Cuyo
Black Edition is the first release of a new blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit
Verdot from Luján de Cuyo. It’s a very attractive trio, favouring elegance and freshness on the
nose and palate, with red as well as black fruits, filigree tannins and sensitively used oak.
Drink: 2014-19
2012 Doña Paula Estate Malbec
14%, Uco Valley
The team at Doña Paula blends Malbecs from two Uco Valley sources - Gualtallary and
Altamira - to make this reliable estate red. It’s aromatic and well balanced, with very subtle
oak handling, flavours of blackberry and blackcurrant, fine tannins and fresh, chalky finish.
Drink: 2014-18
2012 El Porvenir de Cafayate Amauta
14.5%, Cafayate
A blend of Malbec with 30% Cabernet and 10% Syrah, this is less oaky than it has been in
the past and much more balanced as a result. Aromatic and savoury, with a spiciness that’s
typical of Cafayate, bright acidity and polished, fine-grained tannins.
Drink: 2014-19
2011 Fabre Montmayou Grande Réserve Malbec
15%, Mendoza
Sourced from Luján de Cuyo (the vineyard is close to the Mendoza River) and partly made
with vines that were planted between 1908 and 1915, this is a classic Malbec from the
warmer zone near Mendoza. Floral, sweet and concentrated with ripe, figgy fruit flavours and
real intensity.
Drink: 2014-19
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2011 Fabre Montmayou Grande Réserve Merlot
15%, Río Negro
The source of this Merlot is Patagonia rather than Mendoza and it shows the freshness of its
southerly latitude, despite the high alcohol. Subtle and nuanced, it’s silky and smooth with
good length, some mint and dried herbs and a core of fruit sweetness.
Drink: 2014-16
2011 Finca Decero A Mano Remolinos Vineyard
14.5%, Agrelo
A stylish blend of mostly Malbec with 30% Cabernet, 4% Petit Verdot and 2% Tannat, this
is a very harmonious red, showing aromatic red fruits, silky tannins and deftly integrated
oak. The comparatively high altitude of the vineyards (for Agrelo) confers welcome
freshness here.
Drink: 2014-18
2011 Finca Decero Malbec Remolinos Vineyard
14.5%, Agrelo
The name Decero (from scratch) gives you some idea of how young this estate in Agrelo
is, having made its first wines in 2006. This wine is typical of the house style: floral, yet
restrained with understated oak, supple tannins and fine raspberry fruit, finishing with
a fresh flourish.
Drink: 2014-19
2010 Finca La Luz Callejón del Crimen Gran Reserva
14%, Uco Valley
A stylish Uco Valley blend of Malbec with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot,
this has the perfume, high altitude aromas and flavours that distinguish the region at its
best. Fresh and perfumed, with well-integrated oak, good minerality and an appealing,
volatile lift. Balanced and long on the palate.
Drink: 2014-18
2009 Gauchezco Oro Malbec
14.2%, Mendoza
This is the flagship wine from this Barrancas-based operation. It’s a bold statement of a red,
with plenty of oak and concentration and flavours of vanilla, plum and prune balanced by
good freshness and zip. Complex, smoky and long, this is a wine to enjoy now.
Drink: 2014-17
2010 Hand of God, Sobremesa Vineyard
14.5%, Uco Valley
Made at Achaval Ferrer for owner Jon Steinberg, this is a wine that’s more likely to sell well
in Scotland than England, given its name. It’s a blend of Malbec with 35% Syrah and 10%
Petit Verdot. It’s grainy and compact with sweet oak, refreshing acidity and impressive
complexity.
Drink: 2014-18
2011 La Giostra del Vino Bacán Malbec Reserva
14.5%, Agrelo
Giuseppe Franceschini only released his first wines in 2007, but his reds and whites are
among my most exciting new discoveries this year. This is a very expressive wine, showing
excellent oak integration, floral aromas, plenty of weight on the palate, plush tannins and a
chalky freshness that lingers on the palate. Nuanced winemaking.
Drink: 2014-19
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2011 La Revancha, La Gran Revancha
14.5%, Mendoza
The third release of a joint venture between Roberto de la Mota of Mendel and his son,
Rodrigo. This is a blend of Malbec, Cabernet, Petit Verdot and a little Cabernet Franc
(although the idea is to increase that proportion in future). This shows appealing spice and
orange peel aromas with focused tannins and a refreshing finish.
Drink: 2014-19
2009 Lindaflor Malbec
16%, Uco Valley
The alcohol may seem a little high to some (above most Fino Sherry) and there’s no denying
that this is a very, very ripe style. But given that, it’s a well made wine with sweet tannins,
plush, slightly figgy fruit and good concentration. I just wish it had a little more lift and
minerality.
Drink: 2014-16
2010 Luigi Bosca Finca Los Nobles Malbec
13%, Mendoza
Sourced from a single vineyard in Las Compuertas (one of the best sub-zones of Luján de
Cuyo), this is made from 80-year-old vines and it shows in the concentration and intensity
of the fruit. The oak is a little heavy handed perhaps, but this is made to age: dense and
compact.
Drink: 2015-20
2011 Luigi Bosca Malbec
13%, Uco Valley
A new wine from the Los Miradores Vineyard in Tupungato, this is made with Malbec
from a single massal selection. It’s an intense wine with ambitious tannins and a
corresponding amount of oak, but there’s plenty of ripe plum and blackberry fruit
and a violet fragrance, too.
Drink: 2014-19
2010 Manos Negras Red Soil Select Pinot Noir
13.9%, Neuquén
The name tells you what you need to know about the iron-rich soils, but not about the
corresponding structure of the wine. Dense and concentrated, this is like a mini-Pommard
in some respects, with muscular tannins, a touch of reduction and rich, flavoursome fruit. A
label to watch if you’re a Pinotphile.
Drink: 2014-18
2011 Marcelo Pelleriti Malbec Reserva
14.5%, Uco Valley
Marcelo Pelleriti makes wines under his own label as well as being in charge of Monteviejo.
This blend of Malbec and 20% Cabernet Franc is fresher and better balanced than what
he tends to produce at the latter winery. Aromatic and dense with old vine fruit providing
concentration as well as balance, this has fine tannins and a long, tapering finish.
Drink: 2014-18
2010 Masi Corbec
14.5%, Uco Valley
Corbec, like the same winery’s Passo Doble, combines Malbec with much rarer Corvina,
imported from northern Italy and planted by Masi. There are some dried grapes included
here, Amarone style, giving the wine figgy concentration, but not too much alcohol. Supple,
long and floral, it’s a well-balanced and appealingly unusual wine.
Drink: 2014-18
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2010 Mendel Cabernet Sauvignon
14.5%, Mendoza
Made using the French 337 clone from youngish vineyards in Perdriel, this demonstrates
Roberto de la Mota’s skill with Cabernet, honed in France and at Terrazas de los Andes. Fine,
elegant and well balanced, it’s fragrant and silky with notes of mint and blackcurrant leaf.
The 2012 is worth waiting for, too.
Drink: 2014-18
2010 Nieto Senetiner Cadus Single Vineyard Finca
Las Tortugas Malbec
14.9%, Luján de Cuyo
Nieto is one of the few wineries that takes Bonarda seriously as a grape with the potential to
make high-end wines. But its best reds are, understandably, made from Malbec. This Agrelo
example is rich, deeply coloured and concentrated. It’s a serious, ageworthy wine with lots of
tannin and profound black fruits supported by acidity and oak.
Drink: 2014-20
2009 Norton Lote L109 Malbec
14.8%, Mendoza
The name isn’t the sexiest thing about this new series of “lote” wines from Norton. This
one comes from old vines in Lunlunta and has bags of bramble fruit underpinned by oak,
structure and some minerality. There’s an appealing core of fruit sweetness, too.
Drink: 2015-20
2009 Norton Lote LC109 Malbec
14.9%, Luján de Cuyo
This release comes from La Colonia in Alto Agrelo, from a vineyard planted in 1997. It’s more
aromatic than the L109, but also showed a little reduction when I tasted it. Liquorice, sweet
plums, good acidity and textured tannins are appealingly intermingled here.
Drink: 2015-20
2011 Passionate Wine Demente
13.9%, Gualtallary
Co-fermented Malbec and Cabernet Franc are the two varieties given the Michelini
treatment here. There’s a green, almost grassy undertone to the wine, with no obvious oak,
fine tannins and beautiful balance and length on the palate. Understated winemaking.
Drink: 2014-18
2013 Passionate Wine Inéditos Bonarda
11%, Uco Valley
A wine that dares to be different, this is Argentina’s answer to a good Beaujolais. Drink
it well chilled on a summer evening in Buenos Aires or Mendoza and revel in its juicy,
refreshing exuberance and modest alcohol levels. Bonarda as you’ve never tasted it before.
Drink: 2014-16
2012 Passionate Wine Montesco Parral
14%, Tupungato
As the label suggests, this comes from traditional, pergola-trained vineyards in Tupungato.
It’s a blend of Malbec with 30% each of Cabernet and Bonarda, with deep colour, subtle oak,
plum and damson fruit, appealing sweetness and a tang of mineral acidity.
Drink: 2014-18
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2012 Passionate Wine Montesco Punta Negra Pinot Noir
12.8%, Tupungato
Light on alcohol and colour, but not on flavour (or passion for that matter), the Michelinis’
Tupungato Pinot is all about subtlety and freshness not oak or power. Elegant and refined
with subtle cherry and pomegranate fruit, attractive reduction and a mineral bite.
Drink: 2014-17
2011 Pulenta Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
14.5%, Agrelo
Of the basic red varieties at Pulenta Estate, this one (somewhat surprisingly perhaps) stands
out. It’s a very pure expression of the grape: leafy and elegant with an undertone of dried
herbs, sweet cassis fruit and very subtle, even-handed use of oak.
Drink: 2014-17
2011 Riglos Gran Malbec
15%, Tupungato
Sourced from the Las Divas Vineyard, this is typical of the Riglos style, combining ripe,
textured fruit with underlying elegance and appealing use of oak. You don’t taste the alcohol
here, such is the minerality beneath it. The tannins are particularly fine.
Drink: 2014-18
2011 Rutini Malbec
13.9%, Mendoza
Blended across two Uco Valley sub-regions (La Consulta and Tupungato), this is a very dense,
concentrated Malbec with alluring aromas of orange peel and Asian spices, soft tannins,
well- integrated oak and a fresh, palate-cleansing finish. My kind of Malbec.
Drink: 2014-17
2010 Salentein Single Vineyard Malbec, Plot No. 21
14.5%, Uco Valley
Sourced from Salentein’s Finca La Pampa vineyards at 1,300 metres, this is the highest
Malbec on the estate. The oak is a little prominent at the moment, but should fold into
the wine over time. There’s a nice tension here between ripe, juicy fruit and underlying
minerality.
Drink: 2014-18
2010 Terrazas de los Andes Single Vineyard Malbec
15%, Las Compuertas
This low-yielding parcel is ungrafted and was planted in 1929. The resulting wine is rich and
concentrated with good backbone and structure. There’s a lift of fresh acidity and dense,
almost chewy black fruit fruit. Serious stuff that’s made to age.
Drink: 2014-18
2011 TintoNegro 1955 Vineyard Malbec
14%, La Consulta
TintoNegro is one of several brands that combine the marketing skills of Jeff Mausbach
and the winemaking talents of Alejandro Sejanovich and is focused exclusively on old
vine Mendoza Malbec. This one comes from La Consulta and is less oaky and structured
than some of their wines, favouring finesse, perfume and balance over extraction. Floral,
refreshing and long on the palate, with a chalky bite.
Drink: 2014-18
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2011 TintoNegro Finca La Escuela Malbec
14%, Altamira
There’s a slight departure from the “Malbec only” rule at TintoNegro for this wine, which
was co-fermented with 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. Aged in older barrels (and
all the better for it) it’s a limestone-influenced blend that combines fresh minerality with fine
tannins and sweet red fruits.
Drink: 2014-19
2011 Trapiche Gran Medalla Cabernet Sauvignon
14.5%, Uco Valley
Every bit as good as the Gran Medalla Malbec, but sourced from La Consulta, this is among
the best expressions of the grape in Argentina, especially at this price. Minerally, fresh and
limestone-etched, it’s sappy and mouth-watering with complex, leafy, blackcurrant fruit.
Drink: 2014-18
2011 Trapiche Gran Medalla Malbec
14.5%, Uco Valley
The grapes for this Uco Valley Malbec all come from vineyards in Los Arboles at 1,380
metres, hence the marked freshness and minerality in the wine: peppery, savoury and bright,
this carries its 14.5% alcohol with ease. Great value at under £20.
Drink: 2014-18
2009 Trapiche Iscay Syrah/Viognier
14.5%, Mendoza
A high altitude Syrah/Viognier blend from Los Arboles, with just enough of the latter grape
(3%) for complexity rather than intrusion. Savoury, sweet, dense and aromatic, with notes of
iodine and woodsmoke, this is a very classy addition to the Iscay range, showing Daniel Pi’s
understanding of the Côte Rôtie formula.
Drink: 2014-19
2011 Tres 14 Tinto de Garage
14.5%, Lunlunta
Tres 14 is the personal project of Daniel Pi, the long-time winemaker at Trapiche and the
man behind some of Argentina’s best reds. This garage Malbec from Lunlunta is made from
very old vines and shows plenty of ripe, textured fruit, supported by acidity and subtle oak.
Drink: 2014-18
2009 Viña Alicia Paso de Piedra Malbec
14.5%, Luján de Cuyo
Made from 150-year-old Malbec vines, this is a lighter style than the same winery’s Brote
Negro, with 50% of the ageing done in stainless steel for more freshness. Pepper and
liquorice notes combine attractively with the plummy fruit and supple tannins.
Drink: 2014-17
2011 Viña Cobos Bramare Malbec
14.8%, Uco Valley
Dense, rich and aromatic, with plenty of chocolatey oak, saturated colour and masses of
sweet plummy fruit. This flirts with over-ripeness, but has serious ageworthy tannins, hints
of pepper spice and a lift of acidity, arriving like the Seventh Cavalry in the nick of time.
Drink: 2014-18
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2011 Zorzal Climax Malbec
14.3%, Gualtallary
The oak is a little prominent on this red, especially for a wine made by one of the Michelini
brothers (Juan Pablo), but this is still a very faithful to its cool, high altitude terroir. Pure
violets on the nose, with orange peel and plum and blackberry sweetness on the palate. The
oak just dries the fruit a little on the finish.
Drink: 2014-19
2012 Zorzal Eggo Malbec
14.5%, Gualtallary
Eggo is a blend of 90% Malbec with a little Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon for
good measure, aged in concrete eggs and reflecting the “ego of the oenologist”, according to
Gerardo Michelini. Typically fine and well balanced with fresh flavours of blackcurrant and
black cherry and vibrant acidity. A wine to drink by the bottle.
Drink: 2014-18
2009 Zorzal Field Blend Reserve
14.1%, Gualtallary
You’ve got to be bold to make a wine with 70% Cabernet Sauvignon (and 30% Malbec) in cool
climate Gualtallary, just in case the tannins don’t ripen, but this field blend is very classy
indeed. Fresh, chalky and refined, it’s minty and fresh with lovely balance and length.
Drink: 2014-19
2012 Zuccardi Q Malbec
14.5%, Mendoza
A densely coloured blend of grapes from Vistaflores and La Consulta, both in the Uco Valley,
this is the Zuccardis’ mid-priced Malbec. It’s a big step up on the 2011, showing brighter
flavours and aromas and appealing blackberry fruit supported by acidity.
Drink: 2014-18
2011 Achaval Ferrer Quimera
13.9%, Mendoza
Quimera is generally the least exciting wine from this outstanding winery, but it’s still an
impressive blend of the five red Bordeaux varieties. Soft, sweet and supple with a green
undertone from Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon, it’s fresher and more mineral than
the Malbecs.
Drink: 2014-18
2012 Alta Vista Atemporal Malbec/Touriga Nacional
Limited Edition
13.5%, Uco Valley
One of a growing number of wines with a little Touriga Nacional in their blends, this shows
why the grape is an ideal foil for Malbec, so aromatic are the two varieties. Ginger
and Asian spices on the nose, with understated oak, good acidity and succulent fruit flavours.
Drink: 2014-17
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2011 Alta Vista Temis Single Vineyard Malbec
15%, El Cepillo
From the southern end of the Uco Valley, this is a deeply coloured Malbec that’s at the riper
extreme of the flavour spectrum. Structured and quite firm, it’s got good underlying plum
and blackberry fruit and an upper cut of acidity that slightly takes you by surprise.
Drink: 2015-19
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2011 Altos La Hormigas Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda Reserve
14.3%, Medrano
This wine is one of only two exceptions to the almost fanatical focus on Malbec here. (The
other is the straight Bonarda.) It’s worth paying more for the Reserve bottling, aged in
foudres for a year, because it’s got more structure and tannin, with black fruits supported by
acidity, too.
Drink: 2014-17
2012 Amalaya Tinto de Corte
14%, Cafayate
Winemaker Francisco Puga makes his supple, well balanced red from Malbec blended with
20% Cabernet and 10% Syrah. It’s a soft, aromatic style with lots of red fruits, a touch of new
oak and a refreshing, sappy finish. It also sells surprisingly well in France.
Drink: 2014-16
2011 Andeluna Altitud Cabernet Sauvignon
14%, Tupungato
The vines for this varietal Cabernet were planted in 1993, so they’ve got some age to them.
It’s quite a green, herbal style (as you’d expect from this part of the Uco Valley) but it’s well
done, with some mint, well-integrated oak, refreshing acidity and a mineral tang.
Drink: 2014-18
2010 Bodega Aleanna El Enemigo Malbec
14%, Mendoza
A high altitude blend of mostly Malbec with 11% Cabernet Franc, this is the mid-priced
wine from Alejandro Vigil and Adrianna Catena’s exciting Mendoza winery. Sweet and ripe,
yet refreshing at the same time, with haunting perfume and a spicy note from whole bunch
fermentation.
Drink: 2014-16
2011 Bodega del Desierto Cabernet Franc
14%, La Pampa
This is the best of the recent vintages of Cabernet Franc (a grape variety that’s something of
a speciality in the wilds of La Pampa). It’s floral, leafy and well balanced with fine-grained
tannins, subtle oak and an undertone of green pepper.
Drink: 2014-17
2011 Bodega del Río Elorza Verum Cabernet Franc
14%, Río Negro
Made at a promising new boutique winery in Río Negro, which released its first wines
as recently as 2007, this is a Cabernet Franc that wouldn’t look out of place in the Loire
Valley. Balanced and grassy with appealing freshness and subtle oak intergration.
A winery to watch.
Drink: 2014-17
2011 Bodega El Esetco Chañar Punco Malbec
15%, Cafayate
This is a big wine, especially for Cafayate, which doesn’t always achieve the depth and power
that Mendoza does in its Malbecs. There’s also the herbal, green tea notes that are typical
of the region, but it’s the concentration of the fruit and the amount of oak that dominate
the wine.
Drink: 2015-19
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2012 Bodega El Esteco Don David Malbec Reserve
14%, Cafayate
Showing the green, herbal note that’s often a feature of wines from Cafayate, Alejandro
Pepa’s Malbec is savoury and spicy with well-integrated oak, velvety tannins and a fresh,
lingering finish. Very different from the sort of wines you find in Mendoza.
Drink: 2014-18
2011 Bodega Iaccarini Cavas Don Nicasio Bonarda
14%, San Rafael
This old San Rafael winery was modernised in 2009 and the results are worth keeping an
eye on. Very much at the ambitious end of the Bonarda market, this densely oaked example
shows flavours of black plum and black cherry, with a waft of dried herbs, a touch of violet
and rose petal, medium weight tannins and mineral freshness on the finish.
Drink: 2014-18
2005 Carmelo Patti Cabernet Sauvignon
13.8%, Luján de Cuyo
Carmelo Patti’s wines are spoken of with awe by some Argentineans. They are very much of
the old school - released late and made in a traditional style - but they have a certain appeal.
His Cabernet is the one I like most, partly because it has more freshness, but also because it’s
less dry and feral. This is leafy and sweet, with supple tannins, nice texture and a savoury,
supple finish. Drink up.
Drink: 2014-15
2010 Catena Alta Historic Rows Malbec
14%, Mendoza
The grapes for this well-made Malbec come from six different Mendoza sources, ranging in
altitude from 920m to 1,450m. It’s quite a commercial style, showing sweet, soft ripe fruit
flavours, aromatic oak and fine tannins. To my palate, it could do with a little more acidity.
Drink: 2014-17
2012 Chakana Estate Selection Malbec
14.5%, Mendoza
A very modern style of Malbec that’s aimed fairly and squarely at the mass market. Vibrant,
juicy and appealing this has smooth tannins, understated oak, classic violet aromas, a touch
of aniseed and tangy, refreshing finish.
Drink: 2014-16
2009 Cheval des Andes
14.5%, Luján de Cuyo
I have to admit to finding this a little disappointing in 2009. It’s almost as if it’s trying
too hard to be serious and forgetting to express the fruit exuberance that characterises
Argentinean reds. It’s firm, compact and bold, with a lot of structure and power, plenty of
ambition but not quite enough charm. Maybe it just needs time in bottle.
Drink: 2014-18
2012 Domaine Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
14.5%, Tupungato
A Cabernet that declares its cool climate origins on the nose and palate, this has the chalky
minerality that is so typical of wines from Gualtallary. It’s youthful, fresh and aromatic, with
subtle oak, cassis and blackcurrant leaf flavours and a long, mineral finish.
Drink: 2014-18
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2012 Dominio del Plata Susana Balbo Signature Cabernet
14.3%, Mendoza
Susana Balbo’s signature Cabernet contains 5% Malbec for added complexity, blending
sources across Mendoza, too. It’s true to the variety, with flavours of mint and cassis, smooth
tannins and appealing use of oak. The move away from US barrels is welcome here.
Drink: 2014-17
2012 Familia Schroeder Alto Limay Pinot Noir Select
14%, Neuquén
A blend of clones 777 and R4 (reflecting the improved plant material available in Argentina),
this is a fruit-dominated style of Pinot with the faintest hint of oak. Bramble jelly and red
fruits are supported by tangy acidity and a hint of tannin. Very drinkable.
Drink: 2014-16
2012 Familia Schroeder Saurus Malbec Barrel Fermented
14.5%, Neuquén
Familia Schroeder is emerging as one of the best wineries in Neuquén. This barrel-fermented
Malbec is less oaky than it sounds (thank goodness). It’s smoky and sweet with medium
weight tannins and palate-caressing black fruits. Long and refreshing, too.
Drink: 2014-17
2010 Finca Decero Cabernet Sauvignon Remolinos Vineyard
14.3%, Agrelo
This isn’t quite as fine as the Malbec from the same vineyard, close to the Ruta 7 highway,
but it’s still impressive. Subtle, restrained and sensitively oaked, with classic blackcurrant
flavours, medium weight tannins and very good balance, especially for young vines.
Drink: 2014-18
2011 Finca Decero Petit Verdot Remolinos Vineyard
14%, Agrelo
There aren’t enough varietal Petit Verdots in Argentina, given how well the grape performs.
As the vines mature, this example is getting better and better. Floral, savoury and dense,
with impressive structure and restrained power, it’s what you expect from Petit Verdot.
Drink: 2014-18
2011 Finca La Celia Heritage
15%, Uco Valley
A single vineyard Malbec from La Consulta, this isn’t short of oak or flavour, but it’s not an
overpowering wine. Rose petal aromas combine with the oak-derived vanilla notes, supple
red fruits, softish tannins and a fresh finish. The wine looks impressive, too.
Drink: 2014-18
2010 Finca Las Moras Gran Syrah
15%, San Juan
A blend of 70% fruit from the high altitude Pedernal Valley with 30% from the Zonda
and Tulum Valleys, this is often among the best value Syrahs in Argentina, with a touch
of Viognier for Côte Rôtie-like authenticity. Spice, texture and appealing oak all add to
the mix here.
Drink: 2014-16
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2011 Gimenez Riili Gran Familia Syrah Limited Edition
14.5%, Uco Valley
Made under the umbrella of the Vines of Mendoza operation, this is the first Syrah from the
Gimenez Riili family. It’s very dense, oaky and concentrated, but that’s partly a reflection of
the wine’s youth. Muscular and structured, it has a core of sweet plum and blackberry fruit,
well judged oak and good acidity. A wine (and winery) to watch.
Drink: 2015-19
2010 Hand of God Old Vine Malbec, Stolen Horse Vineyard
14.5%, Maipú
Clearly a name to keep an eye on, given the winemaker behind it, this is quite a ripe, forward
style of Malbec from old vines in Maipú. The alcohol is a little too marked, but there’s plenty
of oak, structure and fruit weight here. Not one to keep, but a very commercial style.
Drink: 2014-16
2011 Lagarde Malbec
14.4%, Mendoza
This isn’t as expensive as the Primeras Viñas bottling from the same winery, but you can see
the hand of oenologist Juan Roby (and the expression of the grape) in both wines. The oak is
quite prominent, but this has density and fruit concentration underpinned by acidity.
Drink: 2014-18
2010 Luigi Bosca De Sangre
13.5%, Mendoza
Made for the first time in 2008, this wine combines Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% each of
Merlot and Syrah, all from Lunlunta. It’s made in a restrained style, showing subtle oak,
leafy, berry fruit, a touch of mint and refreshing acidity on the finish.
Drink: 2014-18
2012 Melipal Cabernet Franc
14%, Mendoza
One of a growing number of good Cabernet Francs in Mendoza, this is a very serious red.
Grassy, sweet and intense, it’s good the tannic structure to develop in bottle, with minty,
earthy notes and palate-cleansing acidity.
Drink: 2014-18
2011 Mendel Malbec
14.3%, Mendoza
I’m more of a fan of the two vintages on other side of this one (the 2012 Malbec, which is still
in barrel, is superb) but this is still a good wine: muscular, dense and quite firm with tannins
that are a little chewy and rustic. There’s plenty of ripe, figgy fruit, too, but make sure you
decant this before you serve it.
Drink: 2014-17
2011 Mythic Estate Icono Malbec
14.7%, Luján de Cuyo
There’s a spicy, herbal note to this wine that’s a little Syrah like. On the palate, it’s got
something of the same flavours, too, with supple, textured fruit, hints of liquorice and
bramble, well-integrated oak and an elegant refreshing finish. A wine that wears its
alcohol lightly.
Drink: 2014-18
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2011 Norton Privada
14.5%, Mendoza
Privada is a blend of Malbec with 30% each of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s a very
ambitious wine, which ages well too. Dense, oaky and plush, with smoky, bacon fat, liquorice
and blackberry flavours, it needs another year or two in bottle to approach its best.
Drink: 2015-20
2009 O Fournier B Crux Blend
15%, Uco Valley
B Crux always combines Tempranillo and Merlot, but the other elements have changed over
the years and include Touriga Nacional for the first time in 2009. This is a little developed on
the nose, but is fresher on the palate, with Touriga adding extra perfume and a savoury note.
Plum, liquorice and ripe tannins add to the appeal of the wine.
Drink: 2014-16
2010 Pascal Toso Magdalena Toso
14.5%, Mendoza
The icon red wine from Pascal Toso is a blend of mostly Malbec with 20% Cabernet
Sauvignon that’s just getting into its stride. Showing restraint and ageing potential, with
firmish tannins and ripe, figgy fruit, it’s a serious wine that will reward further ageing.
Drink: 2014-19
2012 Passionate Wine Diverso Syrah
11%, Gualtallary
Fermented in concrete eggs, this is a daringly light and elegant Syrah from the high Uco
Valley, with freshness and focus, rather than power to the fore. Red fruits, some clove spice
and elegant tannins make this a very welcome and drinkable red.
Drink: 2014-18
2011 Riccitelli República del Malbec
15%, Vistalba
This is the most ambitious wine from Matías Riccitelli, made in a bold, strapping style from
ripe Perdriel fruit. The tannins are a little firm at the moment, and there’s plenty of oak, too,
but the fruit should integrate over the next year or two.
Drink: 2014-17
2009 Rutini Antología Merlot XXIX
14.5%, Mendoza
Mariano di Paola rates Merlot, not Malbec, as his favourite grape, supported in this example
by 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. It’s certainly an ambitious wine with plenty of
backbone and structure, bright, tangy acidity and plush, ripe, fruitcake flavours. The tannins
need time to soften in bottle.
Drink: 2015-18
2011 Rutini Cabernet Sauvignon
14%, Tupungato
The Cabernet grapes for this wine come from close to the winery in Tupungato and show
some of the freshness of the site. It’s a rich, compact style with appealing vanilla oak, firmish
tannins and grassy, yet full-flavoured fruit. Has the structure to age further.
Drink: 2015-18
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2011 Rutini Pinot Noir
14%, Mendoza
Made with Pinot Noir grapes from Altamira (an area that is better suited to Malbec in my
view) this is still a more than credible stab at this trickiest of varieties. It’s sweet and quite
forward, with raspberry and wild strawberry fruit, understated oak and a thrust of acidity.
Drink: 2014-17
2011 Salentein Numina Malbec
14.5%, Uco Valley
The higher altitudes of Salentein’s vineyards is apparent in all of its wines, not just Pinot and
Chardonnay. This refreshing Malbec is a case in point, showing bright acidity, fine tannins
and floral, almost leafy notes. Deeply coloured and intense, but still refreshing.
Drink: 2014-18
2010 Salentein Primus Malbec
14.5%, Uco Valley
This Malbec comes from a range of plots at Salentein, most of them on very poor, stony soils.
It’s on the oaky side, showing fruit that is at the riper end of the spectrum as well as notes of
wild herbs. Good enough, but doesn’t have quite the drive and expression of the other Primus
releases. The 2013 (tasted from barrel) is a big improvement.
Drink: 2014-17
2011 Terrazas de los Andes Cabernet Sauvignon
14%, Mendoza
The sources this time are Perdriel (close to the winery) and La Consulta. You’d expect a
French-owned company to be good at making Cabernet Sauvignon, and you’d be right. This
has a serious tannic backbone, with fresh acidity and green, leafy, minty flavours.
Drink: 2014-17
2011 Terrazas de los Andes Malbec
14%, Mendoza
Using fruit from Las Compuertas, La Consulta and Altamira, this is an appealing Malbec
aimed at the commercial end of the market without pandering to excessive sweetness in
the wine. It’s certainly got plenty of fruit, but there’s good support from oak and welljudged tannins.
Drink: 2014-16
2012 Trapiche Broquel Petit Verdot
14%, Mendoza
This is the best of the Broquel reds as well as a promising Petit Verdot in its own right,
showing that the grape (planted in Maipú on an old river bed) has real promise, retaining
acidity in warm conditions. Peppery and sweet, with good concentration and a savoury tang.
Drink: 2014-17
2011 Trumpeter Reserve Malbec
14%, Mendoza
There was a slight bit of reduction on this when I tasted it in November 2013, but it blew off
in the glass. Juicy, sweet and appealing, this has plenty of aromatic lift, seductive black fruits
and attractive oak. Definitely a step-up on the regular release.
Drink: 2014-17
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2007 Val de Flores
15%, Uco Valley
If you like the styles of wine that Michel Rolland makes in Argentina (and often elsewhere),
you’ll enjoy this wine. If you prefer your Malbec with a little more acidity and freshness
you may find it heavy going. I tend towards the latter view. It’s got nice sweetness and oak
integration, but the alcohol dominates the finish.
Drink: 2014-16
2007 Viña Alicia Paso de Piedra Cabernet Sauvignon
14%, Luján de Cuyo
For an entry level Cabernet (albeit at a retail price of £17.95), this is a European style, with
fine-grained tannins, fresh acidity and savoury, food-friendly flavours. The fruit is low key
rather than explosive, but none the worse for it.
Drink: 2014-18
2011 Viña Cobos Bramare Malbec
14.7%, Luján de Cuyo
Made with fruit from older vines than the Uco Valley (La Consulta) bottling, this is showing
a little more oak at the moment, but is richer and more concentrated, too, with plenty of
texture, dark black fruits and the structure to age further in bottle.
Drink: 2014-18
2011 Viña Cobos Bramare Marchiori Vineyard Cabernet
Sauvignon
14.7%, Mendoza
The soils in this part of the vineyard are slightly rockier and well suited to Cabernet,
according to Andrea Marchiori. Dense and oaky, with structured tannins, big bold flavours,
good texture and body and a sweet plum and blackcurrant core. Just a little too ripe for me.
Drink: 2014-19
2012 Viñalba Reservado Malbec
14.5%, Uco Valley
If you want to taste a Malbec that delivers authentic Gualtallary fruit at an affordable price,
this is it. Aromatic, refreshing and floral, this is lightly oaked, allowing the fruit to express
itself in the glass. Textured, long and wonderfully commercial.
Drink: 2014-16
2012 Viñalba Reserve 50/50
14.5%, Uco Valley
The 50/50 refers to the blend of grapes (a Bordeaux-influenced combination of Malbec and
Cabernet Sauvignon), all of it from the high altitude Uco Valley. Fresh, balanced and poised,
it’s a very drinkable red, with the oak integration that’s a hallmark of the winery.
Drink: 2014-18
2011 Zorzal Gran Terroir Malbec
14%, Gualtallary
Unlike the Terroir Unico Malbec, this is aged in oak (none of it new, of course). It’s deeper
in colour, but also more developed than the unoaked version. Less vibrant perhaps, but still
showing the acidity and brightness that’s a feature of the Zorzal style.
Drink: 2014-16
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2010 Zorzal Porfiado Pinot Noir
13%, Gualtallary
This doesn’t have the subtlety or complexity of the Gran Terroir Pinot from the same winery,
but it’s still an enjoyable expression of the variety, showing sweet red fruits, bright acidity
and lots of perfume, with some toasty oak on the finish.
Drink: 2014-16
2013 Zorzal Terroir Unico Malbec
14%, Gualtallary
The unique terroir is Gualtallary, where the Michelini brothers have made their home.
There’s no oak here, just gentle fruit expression and the stamp of the high Uco Valley.
Mineral and fresh, with a hint of reduction, supple red fruits and lovely persistence.
Drink: 2014-18
2012 Alta Vista Atemporal Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc
Limited Edition
14%, Mendoza
Philippe Rolet’s French origins show through in some of his winemaking, as he favours
longevity and structure in his reds over easy-drinking fruit. This has quite a bit of oak and
tannin at the moment, but the underlying fruit - grassy and refreshing with a graphite-like
note - is promising.
Drink: 2015-18
2010 Alta Vista Malbec Terroir Selection
15.5%, Mendoza
There are several vineyard sources for this wine, two of them in Luján de Cuyo and two in
the Uco Valley. It’s a rich, even flamboyant style that’s a little marked by high alcohol, but has
underlying mineral freshness.
Drink: 2014-18
2011 Anko Flor de Cardon Malbec
13.5%, Cafayate
Anko is the name given to the wines that Jeff Mausbach and Alejandro Sekanovich
produce in Salta. This structured, assertively oaked Malbec comes from grapes grown
in Tolombón on very stony, Châteauneuf-like soils. It’s a big, brooding wine, but has good
underlying freshness.
Drink: 2014-18
2009 Bodega del Desierto Pampa Malbec
15.2%, La Pampa
From an isolated vineyard surrounded by 160 kilometres of desert, this carries its alcohol
lightly. The vines are still young here, but this is a focused, textured Malbec with ripe,
plummy fruit and refreshing acidity. The oak is a little intrusive, but should integrate
in bottle.
Drink: 2014-18
2010 Caro
15%, Mendoza
I’d give this wine a higher mark if it weren’t undermined by gamey, brettanomyces-like
aromas and flavours. It’s a big, ripe, lavishly oaked blend, combining the winemaking knowhow of both Catena Zapata and Château Lafite, but it ought to be more exciting than it is.
Drink: 2014-18
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2010 Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon
14%, Mendoza
Blended and part co-fermented with 12% Cabernet Franc (one of winemaker Alejandro Vigil’s
favourite varieties), this is more of a dry red than a Cabernet Sauvignon in style. It’s soft, ripe
and appealingly oaked with supple plum and blackberry fruit.
Drink: 2014-16
2012 Chakana Estate Malbec
14.5%, Mendoza
Floral, soft and perfumed, with the emphasis on fruit rather than oak flavours, this is
juicy and appealing, with enough acidity on the finish to keep the wine bright and breezy.
Appealing stuff.
Drink: 2014-17
2012 Chakana Estate Syrah
14.5%, Mendoza
No one has really cracked Syrah yet in Argentina, but this one comes closer than a lot of
wineries. The oak is skilfully handled (as ever), the tannins smooth and supple, the fruit
sweet and juicy with an appealing fruit salad of red plum and strawberry and a meaty
undertone.
Drink: 2014-17
2012 Coquena Malbec
14.5%, Calchaqui Valley
Marcos Etchart’s unoaked Malbec is youthful and packed with fruit. It’s a highly drinkable
style, with some pepper spice, sweet raspberry fruit and a touch of clove. Malbec meets
Syrah or Pinot Noir? The absence of oak is most welcome, allowing the flavours to express
themselves.
Drink: 2014-17
2011 Domaine Bousquet Ameri
15.5%, Tupungato
The top red at this organic winery is a blend of Malbec with 30% Cabernet and 20% Syrah.
It’s richer and more alcoholic than most of the Bousquet wines, with a corresponding
increase in the percentage of new oak. Sweet and brambly with smoky, vanilla overtones.
Drink: 2014-17
2012 Domaine Bousquet Gaia
15.5%, Tupungato
An equal blend of Syrah and Malbec named after the Greek goddess of the earth. It’s more
of a masculine than feminine wine with bags of flavour, oak and concentration, but enough
underlying minerality and freshness for balance. The tannins are just a little dry.
Drink: 2014-18
2012 Domaine Bousquet Malbec Reserve
14.5%, Tupungato
A charming Malbec from the largest organic producer in Argentina, this is very perfumed
indeed. It’s well balanced and judiciously oaked with forward fruit flavours, tangy acidity and
a refreshing finish. A wine that converses rather than shouts at you.
Drink: 2014-17
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2011 Dominio del Plata Benmarco Expresivo
14.5%, Mendoza
An Uco Valley meets Luján assemblage of six varieties (Malbec, Cabernet, Syrah, Tannat,
Petit Verdot and Bonarda) this is slightly less than the sum of its parts. There’s plenty of
flavour on offer but the oak is a little too marked at present. It should integrate in bottle,
however.
Drink: 2015-19
2012 Dominio del Plata Benmarco Malbec
14%, Mendoza
There’s 5% Bonarda in the blend here, with most of the fruit coming from Agrelo. The fruit is
juicy and sweet, with good concentration and silky tannins, but I still find the oak a little too
intrusive on the palate, drying out the fruit on the finish. Nearly there...
Drink: 2014-19
2012 Dominio del Plata Vaglio
14.4%, Argentina
A cross-regional blend that combines Tannat from Salta with Petit Verdot from Agrelo and
Malbec from the Uco Valley, this is the first release of this wine. It’s dense and plummy with
sweet vanilla oak, a hint of liquorice and structured, if slightly firm tannins.
Drink: 2015-18
2011 El Porvenir de Cafayate Icon
14.7%, Cafayate
The blend here is based on Malbec with Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat and Syrah providing
the supporting cast. The sample I tasted was showing a little reduction, but the underlying
fruit is herbal and sweet, with fine tannins and bright acidity. The alcohol is on the high side.
Drink: 2014-18
2011 Familia Schroeder Alto Limay Pinot Noir Joven
14%, Neuquén
The percentage of new clones is smaller on this wine than on Schroeder’s Select Pinot,
but it’s still a very good drink, with attractive summer pudding flavours and gentle use
of oak. Winemaker Leonardo Puppato’s recent vintage experience working with Paul Hobbs
in California is bearing fruit.
Drink: 2014-16
2010 Finca Las Moras Mora Negra
14.5%, Pedernal
The Malbec and (15%) Bonarda grapes that make up this San Juan cuvée all come from the
Pedernal Valley. It’s got some appealing mineral freshness on the finish, despite the marked
alcohol, and oodles of supple, brambly fruit. One of San Juan’s more interesting reds.
Drink: 2014-16
2011 Humberto Canale Old Vineyard Pinot Noir
13.5%, Río Negro
There’s quite a bit of oak on this Río Negro Pinot Noir, but it’s backed up by fruit weight and
acidity. There’s almost a bloody, meaty note to this wine, giving it an extra dimension of
complexity. The oak should soak into the wine over the next six months or so.
Drink: 2014-16
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2001 La Revancha, La Primera Revancha
14.3%, Mendoza
A Malbec-dominated red with just a splash of Cabernet Franc, this has more obvious oak
than the Gran Revancha from the de la Motas. It’s firmer and chewier but still has attractive
blackberry and bramble fruit and tangy acidity on the finish.
Drink: 2014-18
2011 Lagarde Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc
14.1%, Mendoza
This isn’t the freshest or most aromatic of Mendoza Cabernet Francs, partly because it’s
intended to be a riper expression of the grape, but it’s still true to the variety, showing good
acidity, medium tannins and a hint of graphite and green pepper. The fruit is sweet and
concentrated.
Drink: 2014-18
2011 Manos Negras Pinot Noir
14%, Neuquén
Manos Negras is one of three projects run by Jeff Musbach and Alejandro Sejanovich,
producing two Pinots from Añelo in Neuquén. There’s no shortage of colour here, but the
wine has delicacy too, with gentle oak, juicy red fruit flavours and cool climate acidity.
Drink: 2014-17
2011 Manos Negras Zaha Cabernet Franc
14%, Altamira
Intensely coloured Cabernet Franc that conforms to what is something of a house style at
Manos Negras. It’s pretty oak and concentrated, but there’s plenty of rich, slightly jammy
fruit for balance.
Drink: 2014-17
2011 Masi Passo Doble
13.5%, Tupungato
Passo Doble has two meanings here. It’s made with the ripassimento technique that’s so
popular in Masi’s native Veneto and it’s a two step between a pair of grapes: Malbec and
Corvina. It’s quite Italian in style, with a combination of red fruits (cherry and raspberry),
medium tannins and bright acidity. The slight reduction disappears in the glass.
Drink: 2014-17
2010 Monteviejo Petite Fleur
14.5%, Uco Valley
Priced slightly above Clos de los Siete (which comes from the same set of vineyards) this is
a blend of mostly Malbec with Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s rich and ripe, but
the fruit is a little pruney. Picking earlier would confer much-needed freshness here.
Drink: 2014-15
2012 Nieto Senetiner Cadus Single Vineyard Bonarda
14.3%, Alto Agrelo
This is the vintage of Cadus that is on the market at the moment, but the arrival of
winemaker Santiago Mayorga from Mendel has had a very beneficial impact on the 2013, so
I’d wait for that instead. This is dark and brooding - almost monolithic - with notes of iodine
and incense and lashings of oak. The 2013 is better balanced.
Drink: 2014-18
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2011 Norton Winemaker’s Reserve Malbec
14.4%, Mendoza
Always very drinkable, especially given the volumes in which it’s produced, Norton’s midmarket Malbec mostly hails from Agrelo. Rose petal and violet aromas segue into a balanced,
supple, easy drinking style with well-judged oak.
Drink: 2014-16
2011 Passionate Wine Malbon
13.5%, Tupungato
There are surprisingly few blends of Malbec and Bonarda (the two most planted red grapes
in Argentina) especially at the top end. Matías Michelini has made an ambitious and, for him,
quite oaky blend that’s serious, dense and full of flavour, with notes of mint and black fruits.
Drink: 2014-17
2012 Passionate Wine Diverso Merlot
11%, Tupungato
Typically fresh and appealing, with the emphasis on acidity and drinkability, this is a leafy,
sappy Merlot from the northern Uco Valley. There’s a touch of smoky reduction at first, but it
dissipates in the glass. Balanced and nuanced with minerality and crunchy acidity.
Drink: 2014-17
2010 Pulenta Estate Malbec
14.5%, Mendoza
A blend of two vineyard sources in Agrelo, the Pulentas’ Malbec always delivers a lot of
flavour and complexity at an affordable price. Appealingly aromatic, with notes of black
cherry and sweet raspberry, a touch of oak and succulent tannins.
Drink: 2014-17
2008 Pulenta Estate Merlot
14.5%, Agrelo
A wine that is true to its variety (not always the case with Merlot in Argentina) this
is appealingly smooth, with notes of green pepper and fruitcake, supple tannins, wellintegrated oak and enough acidity and freshness to balance the ripe fruit flavours.
Drink: 2014-16
Renacer Malbec
15.2%, Luján de Cuyo
The top Malbec from this Perdriel-based winery combines fruit from Luján de Cuyo and
the Uco Valley. Consultant Alberto Antonini has made the most of the old vine material to
produce a super ripe, concentrated Malbec that is ageing gracefully. Dense and serious, with
flavours of black figs, sweet oak, liquorice and blackberry.
Drink: 2014-17
2012 Riccitelli The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From The Tree Malbec
14.5%, Mendoza
The cryptic label is a reference to Matías Riccitelli’s father, Jorge, who is the winemaker at
Norton. This is his entry point Malbec and it’s supremely drinkable, as well as less oaky than
his higher end reds. The emphasis is on juicy, supple, aromatic fruit here, with freshness and
medium-weight tannins.
Drink: 2014-16
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2012 Riccitelli Vineyard Selection Malbec
14.5%, Mendoza
As well as making the wines at Fabre Montmayou, the youthful Matías Riccitelli makes his
own reds. This is typical of the style: picked late, given the full oak treatment and packed
with flavour. This isn’t the most elegant Malbec in the world, but it has enough acidity
for balance.
Drink: 2014-17
2009 Rutini Antología Malbec XXVIII
14.3%, Mendoza
I like this blend of mostly Malbec with 15% Petit Verdot and 5% Syrah less than I do the
Apartado Gran Malbec, partly because it’s made in a riper, almost pruney style with a
volatile lift. Oaky and ripe, but lacks the freshness of the best Rutini reds.
Drink: 2014-16
2011 Rutini Syrah
13.4%, Mendoza
A profoundly coloured Syrah from Altamira, showing perfume and smoky flavours. The
tannins are a little dry here perhaps, but there’s plenty of black fruits and the acidity lifts
the wine on the finish. I feel this might be better as part of a blend.
Drink: 2014-18
2013 Trapiche Broquel Pinot Noir
14.5%, Agrelo
Daniel Pi seems to be able to turn his hand to any variety, including temperamental Pinot
Noir, and make very tasty mid-market wines out of them. This has some spice from 25%
whole bunch fermentation, juicy, red berry fruit and palate-cleansing acidity.
Drink: 2014-16
2011 Trapiche Finca la Palmas Malbec Gran Reserva
14.5%, Uco Valley
A Malbec sourced entirely from Altamira in the Uco Valley, this is another example of the
value for money provided under the Finca Las Palmas label. Deeply coloured and intensely
aromatic, it’s bursting with plummy fruit, but corseted by restraining acidity. Essence of
Uco Malbec.
Drink: 2014-17
2012 Trumpeter Malbec
13.6%, Mendoza
Rutini’s lower priced wines deliver a lot of flavour for your pesos, pounds and dollars. This
one has plenty of sweet fruit, some smoky oak and notes of pepper spice and chocolate. The
tannins, as ever, are supple and fine-grained, praiseworthy in such a big production wine.
Drink: 2014-16
2013 Urban Uco Tempranillo/Malbec
14.5%, Uco Valley
The Urban Uco range from O Fournier is commendably reliable and well priced. This is the
pick of the line up for me, combining Malbec with Tempranillo (a house speciality) in equal
proportions. It’s sappy, sweet and sensitively oaked with black and red fruit flavours in
harmony.
Drink: 2014-16
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2011 Valle de la Puerta La Puerta Malbec Reserva
14%, Famatina Valley
In a region that’s dominated by co-operatives and doesn’t always shine against the
competition, this shows good potential. Grown at 1,000 metres, the Malbec grapes have
produced a wine with red rather than black fruits, supple tannins and well-integrated oak.
Drink: 2014-16
2012 Viña Cobos Felino Cabernet Sauvignon
14.3%, Mendoza
Felino is the cheaper line from Viña Cobos, but it’s still a very good range at the price.
This Cabernet is aged with some inner staves, but the oak is well integrated. Textured and
smooth with soft tannins and flavours of blueberry and blackcurrant, with an appealing
herbal backnote.
Drink: 2014-16
2011 Viñalba Diane
15%, Luján de Cuyo
Named after Diane Joyaux, co-owner of the winery, and released for the first time in
2009, this is a blend of Malbec and 15% Cabernet Franc. It’s riper than the normal Fabre
Montmayou style, quite marked by oak, and destined to age in bottle. It needs time, but it’s
still a little on the extracted side.
Drink: 2015-19
2012 Viñalba Reservado Cuvée Couture
14.5%, Uco Valley
A comparatively unusual blend of Malbec with 20% Touriga Nacional (Portuguese oenologist
Rui Reguinga consults) with appealing pepper spice, highly aromatic fruit and deftly
integrated French oak. A blend to watch.
Drink 2014-18
2011 Zuccardi Q Cabernet Sauvignon
14.5%, Uco Valley
It’s not easy to find good Cabernets from the Uco Valley, especially at approachable prices.
This has some of the backbone you’d expect from the variety, as well as the green notes from
high altitude Gualtallary grapes, but has an appealing mid palate of cassis and plum.
Drink: 2014-18
2011 Zuccardi Q Tempranillo
14%, Mendoza
Tempranillo hasn’t achieved the success some thought it would in Argentina, but the
Zuccardis have a better handle on this early ripening grape than most other producers.
Sourced from Santa Rosa, this is soft and juicy with a hint of fresh tobacco. Less oaky than
in the past.
Drink: 2014-17
2012 Zuccardi Serie A Malbec
14.5%, Uco Valley
A blend of Malbecs from six different sources in the Uco Valley and Eastern Mendoza,
this includes purchased grapes as well as some from the Zuccardis’ vineyards. It’s a
commercial, but well made red, showing violets and red fruits underpinned by pepper
spice and attractive oak.
Drink: 2014-17
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2010 Zuccardi Zeta
15%, Uco Valley
Zeta is a blend of 87% Malbec with 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, entirely from the Uco Valley.
This is a little over-ripe for me, with some jammy, cooked fruit notes but is balanced by fresh
acidity and a twist of the pepper grinder. It would taste better picked earlier, in my view.
Drink: 2014-16
Whites
94
90
94
94
93
93
2010 Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Bones Chardonnay
13%, Uco Valley
The soils in this part of the Adrianna Vineyard have a far higher percentage of limestone
than in the White Stones site. But otherwise, the vinification and grape handling are very
similar. This is crisper and more focused with subtle oak, and bright, chalky fruit flavours.
Argentina’s answer to Puligny-Montrachet.
Drink: 2014-18
2012 Rutini Chardonnay
13.6%, Mendoza
Mariano di Paola has a special touch with Chardonnay, making delicious wines at every price
level. This cool climate, top end example is one of Argentina’s best: minerally, subtly-oaked
and refined with 50% malolactic adding just enough texture and weight to the citrus, peach
and oatmeal flavous. Long, nuanced and very well balanced.
Drink: 2014-17
2011 Salentein Single Vineyard Chardonnay, Plot No. 2
13.5%, Uco Valley
This unirrigated single vineyard Chardonnay comes from one of the highest spots in the
Uco Valley (a vey chilly 1,605 metres) and is planted with a quasi-Burgundian density. It’s
very mineral and taut, despite its 100% malolactic fermentation. Long and savoury, with
understated oak and a complex, refreshing finish.
Drink: 2014-18
2010 Bressia Lágrima Canela
14.1%, Uco Valley
A wine that ages impressively well (I know, I’ve done the vertical), this blend of Chardonnay
with 30% Semillon is among Argentina’s most complex whites. Creamy and refreshing, it can
seem backward in its youth, but this has enticing herb and honeysuckle notes, citrus fruit
acidity and well integrated vanilla oak.
Drink: 2014-20
2010 Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Stones Chardonnay
13%, Uco Valley
As its name suggests, this high altitude Gualtallary Chardonnay comes from poor soils
covered with white gravel. It’s a cool site, and the freshness shows in the wine: citrus allied to
notes of honey and a touch of grapeskin-like texture. The oak is very subtle here, adding an
extra dimension to the flavours of oatmeal and lemon rind.
Drink: 2014-18
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2013 Dominio del Plata Benmarco Torrontés
14%, Uco Valley
An ambitious take on Torrontés, giving it 50% new oak fermenation and some time on lees.
First made in 2012, the wine is even better in 2013. It’s a little white Graves-like in style, with
notes of grapefruit and struck flint, good minerality and subtly-oaked usage.
Drink: 2014-17
2013 Doña Paula Estate Chardonnay
14.3%, Uco Valley
The best Chardonnay David Bonomi has made yet and that’s high praise. Pale in colour and
produced without malolactic fermentation to retain freshness, it’s a mealy, subtly-oaked
white with appealing stone and citrus fruit flavours and a touch of minerally, struck match.
Drink: 2014-18
2012 Escorihuela Gascón Pequeñas Produccíones Chardonnay
13.9%, Mendoza
Winemaker Gustavo Marín has clearly been influenced by Alejandro Vigil of Catena Zapata
(part of the same group) when it comes to making tasty Chardonnay. This is fresh and
minerally with oak folded into the wine and delicious flavours of pear, citrus fruit and
baking spices.
Drink: 2014-17
2011 La Giostra del Vino Bacán Sauvignon Blanc Reserva
13%, Mendoza
One of two vintages of Sauvignon Blanc that are currently on the market from Giuseppe
Franceschini, this wouldn’t look out of place in Pessac-Léognan. Toast from ageing in 600
litre barrels combines with a creamy mid palate, subtle, gunflint and grapefruit flavours and
a pithy, refeshing finish. One of Argentina’s very best Sauvignons.
Drink: 2014-17
2013 Mendel Semillon
13.3%, Mendoza
Why don’t more people make varietal Semillons in Argentina? This wine should surely be an
inspiration to them, as it’s the best release yet from Mendel. Fresh and almost saline on the
palate, with some waxy, leesy notes, a hint of gunflint and delicate oak integration.
Drink: 2014-17
2011 Salentein Primus Chardonnay
14%, Uco Valley
Priced above the single vineyard Chardonnay and fatter and broader in style, this comes
from two different vineyard sites within the Salentein estate. Cream, oatmeal and honey are
complemented by toasty, well-seasoned oak. Meursault to the Plot 2’s Puligny perhaps?
Drink: 2014-17
2013 Zorzal Eggo Sauvignon Blanc
12%, Tupungato
Unfiltered and aged on its lees for extra weight and concentration, this is one of the best
Sauvignon Blancs in South America. It’s got some skin tannins too, as well as struck match
aromas, crunchy acidity and layers of flavours. Mineral and smoky, it’s a wine that lingers on
the palate.
Drink: 2014-17
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2013 Alta Vista Premium Torrontés
14%, Salta
Alta Vista consistently makes one of the best Torrontés in Argentina and that’s the case
again in the very good 2013 vintage. Unoaked, but picked on three different dates for
flavour complexity, it’s perfumed but not coarse in any way, with tangy acidity and no
botrytis this year.
Drink: 2014-16
2013 Colomé Torrontés
13.5%, Salta
The style of this wine changed in 2011 towards a fresher expression of Torrontés, with
the grapes chosen from three different altitudes for added complexity. It’s still got good
texture, however, wth bright acidity to balance the glycerol sweetness and flavours of lime
and orange zest.
Drink: 2014-15
2013 Doña Paula Sauvignon Blanc
13%, Tupungato
David Bonomi has always been good at making Sauvignon Blanc and this conforms to his
usual high standards. It has no press wine, but undergoes ten hours of skin contact at low
temperatures. Fresh, leafy and grapefruity, it’s a crunchy delight of a wine.
Drink: 2014-16
2013 El Porvenir de Cafayate Oak-Fermented Torrontés
13.5%, Cafayate
This expression of Torrontés gets four hours of skin contact as well as 50% barrel
fermentation and the result is appealingly complex: vanilla spice, some marmalade and
orange zest and a subtle interplay between oak, fruit and acidity.
Drink: 2014-17
2012 Finca Sophenia Synthesis Sauvignon Blanc
12%, Tupungato
Made from selected parcels picked over a period of six weeks to achieve different levels of
ripeness and flavour, this lees-aged Sauvignon Blanc is one of Argentina’s best. Natural
yeasts add to the complexity here. Tangy, focused and very mineral, with notes of oyster shell
and elderflower.
Drink: 2014-16
2012 La Giostra del Vino Bacán Sauvignon Blanc Reserva
13%, Mendoza
Italians aren’t best known for making really good Sauvignon Blancs, but Giuseppe
Franceschini seems to have a fine touch with this variety. This is more closed (and younger)
than the 2011, showing more oak at this stage, but has lovely flavours of clove and cinnamon
spice that marry beautifully with the subtle citrus and oyster shell notes.
Drink: 2014-17
2011 O Fournier A Crux Sauvignon Blanc
13%, Uco Valley
O Fournier tends to be thought of as a red wine producer, but this barrel-fermented
Sauvignon Blanc shows that winemaker José Spisso can turn his hand to whites as well.
Smoky, Graves-like and complex this shows appealing vanilla spice and notes of grapefruit
and gunflint.
Drink: 2014-17
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92
91
91
91
91
2013 Passionate Wine Montesco Agua de Roca Sauvignon Blanc
9.5%, Tupungato
The lowest alcohol wine in Argentina, but none the worse for it, this is an exciting expression of
Sauvignon from Matías Michelini, who knows the variety better than anyone. Salty, crunchy
and high in acidity, it’s a mouthwatering wine with notes of oyster shell and green fig.
Drink: 2014-16
2010 Passionate Wine Paso del Sapo Vino de Lejos Chardonnay
12.5%, Chubut
Matías Michelini’s Chardonnay (made with sommelier Paz Levinson) pushes boundaries in a
number of ways. First, it’s from Chubut, the most southerly region in Patagonia, and second
it’s fermented with skins and bottled unfiltered. Honey, spice and some phenolics add to the
interest of the wine.
Drink: 2014-16
2012 Viña Cobos Bramare Marchiori Vineyard Chardonnay
14.4%, Mendoza
Deliberately aimed at the US market with lots of colour, wild yeasts and 100% malolactic,
this shows sweet oak, supported by toffee fudge, some spice and plenty of stone fruit
richness. There’s enough acidity on the finish for balance, however, giving the wine a long,
stylish finish.
Drink: 2014-17
2012 Andeluna Altitud Chardonnay
14.5%, Tupungato
Made with a combination of barrel and stainless steel fermentation (with malolactic
fermentation on the 70% that is oaked) this is a very drinkable Chardonnay with some toast
and oatmeal supported by citrus fruit freshness and a touch of cream.
Drink: 2014-16
2013 Bodega El Esteco Ciclos Torrontés
14%, Cafayate
Always among the best and most refreshing Torrontés in Cafayate, this comes from old vine,
pergola-trained vines. It’s floral and citrus-tinged with good balance and none of the oiliness
that can marr the variety at times. A very tasty aperitif.
Drink: 2014-15
2011 Catena Alta Historic Rows Chardonnay
14%, Mendoza
The rows in question are to be found in the Catenas’ Adrianna and Domingo Vineyards, both
of which have some limestone deposits. The peachy, melony ripeness is nicely integrated with
toasty vanilla oak and refreshing acidity. Unfined and unfiltered.
Drink: 2014-16
2012 DiamAndes de Uco Chardonnay
14.5%, Uco Valley
Reflecting a shift to fresher styles at this Uco Valley bodega, this is pale and even a little
closed at the moment, showing subtle barrel-fermented characters, flavours of pear and
oatmeal, good focus and refreshing acidity. The alcohol is in balance, too.
Drink: 2014-16
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2012 DiamAndes de Uco Viognier
13.5%, Uco Valley
One of the better Viogniers in Argentina, there’s no mistaking the variety on the nose or
palate here. Mixing stainless steel and barrel fermentation, it’s soft and apricotty, with
appealing vanilla oak, a creamy mid-palate and a fresh, well balanced finish.
Drink: 2014-15
2013 El Porvenir de Cafayate Laborum Single Vineyard Torrontés
13.2%, Cafayate
Picked in three phases to achieve more complexity, this single vineyard white comes from
50-year-old pergola-trellised vines. It’s racy and refreshing, with subtle lemon and orange
peel notes, a dry finish and a touch of grapeskin tannin.
Drink: 2014-15
2012 Finca Agostino Agostino Familia
13.7%, Mendoza
An all too rare (in Argentina) blend of mostly Semillon with 20% Sauvignon Blanc, this oakfermented white ought to encourage more people to follow suit. It’s a little soft perhaps, but
with attractive herbal notes, some vanilla spice and a smoky finish.
Drink: 2014-16
2013 Norton Perdriel Colección Sauvignon Blanc
12.7%, Perdriel
Using 10% barrel fermentation to add an extra dimension, Jorge Riccitelli and his team have
made a Sauvignon that’s more interesting than many Argentinean examples. Smoky and
pithy with tangy acidity and a touch of struck match-like complexity.
Drink: 2014-16
2013 Passionate Wine Montesco Verdes Cobardes
11%, Tupungato
There’s nothing cowardly about this wine, but it’s certainly on the green side, with only 11%
alcohol. Combining Sauvignon, Semillon, Chardonnay and a splash of Viognier, it’s subtle
and bright with complex flavours of grapefruit, green herbs and honeysuckle.
Drink: 2014-16
2013 Trapiche Broquel Torrontés
13.5%, Cafayate
Containing 5% of Sauvignon Blanc and showing a little bit of gunflint-like aromas on the
nose this is a very drinkable Torrontés from Cafayate. Bright and aromatic, with flavours of
grapefruit and fresh grapes. Unusual and none the worse for that.
Drink: 2014-15
2012 Trapiche Finca Las Palmas Grand Reserve Chardonnay
14%, Uco Valley
The fruit for this well-priced Chardonnay comes from Los Arboles in the Uco Valley and has
more weight, oak and lees influence than the Broquel release. Toasty oak, some stone fruit, a
touch of crème fraîche and a focused, refreshing finish.
Drink: 2014-16
2013 Trumpeter Chardonnay
13.7%, Tupungato
Made in a style that combines elements of both New and Old World approaches, this
Tupungato Chardonnay from Rutini is lead by tropical fruit but supported by acidity, a
touch of oak and some malolactic for mid-palate weight. Very drinkable at the price.
Drink: 2014-16
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2013 Zorzal Terroir Unico Sauvignon Blanc
11.8%, Tupungato
Like the Passionate Wine Agua de Roca, this is a daring, pared back version of Sauvignon
Blanc made in a deliberately restrained, almost chiselled style. Gunflint aromas and notes
of grapefruit and mangetout, with tangy, mouthwatering acidity.
Drink: 2014-17
2013 Amalaya White Blend
13.5%, Cafayate
An unoaked blend of Torrontés and 15% Riesling, made in Cafayate but overseen by
the winemaking team from Colomé. It’s a refreshing, grapey blend with appealing
lemon and lime fruit and tangy, green apple acidity. Always a welcome drink in the heat
of Cafayate desert.
Drink: 2014-15
2013 Bodega El Esteco Don David Torrontés Reserve
13.9%, Cafayate
I slightly prefer the unoaked Torrontés from this winery. There’s only 10% barrel
fermentation, but it’s surprising how much it marks the wine. The fruit is crisp and
aromatic, with fresh limes and some boiled sweets, fresh acidity and some baking spices
from the oak barrels.
Drink: 2014-16
2011 Bressia Monteagrelo Chardonnay
13.5%, Mendoza
Walter Bressia’s blend of Chardonnay and Semillon is better than his straight Chardonnay,
but this is still an attractive wine. Typically restrained, it’s subtly oaked, savoury and
refreshing with 50% malolactic adding a creamy note to the mid palate.
Drink: 2014-17
2012 Chakana Estate Selection Chardonnay
14%, Mendoza
Made in a fairly rich, lees-influence style with sweet peach and apricot flavours, subtle oak
and good texture this is a Chardonnay with lots of commercial appeal. Concentrated, yet also
bright and refreshing, it’s an appealing modern Chardonnay.
Drink: 2014-16
2012 Coquena Torrontés
13.3%, Calchaqui Valle
A wine that comes from Tolombón, this is the cheaper line from San Pedro de Yacochuya.
It’s a perfumed yet balanced style with crisp, lime and apple flavours that hint at Riesling
and Albariño as much as Torrontés. Eminently drinkable.
Drink: 2014-15
2013 Dominio del Plata Crios Torrontés
13.9%, Argentina
Susana Balbo’s tasty Torrontés comes from the Uco Valley as well as Salta (hence its
Argentina appellation) and it’s always a very good example of the variety with flavours of
lychee, citrus fruit and orange zest and and tangy, refreshing finish.
Drink: 2014-15
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2013 Doña Paula Riesling
12.5%, Gualtallary
Rieslings are few and far between in the near-desert conditions of Argentina, but Doña
Paula’s interpretation of the grape, made from two clones and grown at 1,300 metres, is the
best by far. Fresh, floral and zesty with the acidity and the breed you expect from Riesling.
Drink: 2014-17
2013 Finca Sophenia Altosur Sauvignon Blanc
12%, Tupungato
Priced at a point where it competes with mass market New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, this
is always a very reliable expression of the variety. Crunchy and fresh, with a hint of gunflint
and pink grapefruit and a long, tangy finish. Just the thing on a hot Mendoza afternoon.
Drink: 2014-16
2012 Lindaflor Chardonnay
15%, Uco Valley
This is an ambitious, flavoursome Chardonnay from Marcelo Pelleriti, with classic,
Burgundian-style notes of struck match, sweet caramel and toffee flavours and enough
acidity and brightness to balance the high alcohol. Likely to appeal to the American market
in particular.
Drink: 2014-16
2013 O Fournier B Crux Sauvignon Blanc
12%, Uco Valley
Unlike the A Crux release, there’s no oak on this Sauvignon Blanc from the Uco Valley
sub-regions of El Cepillo and Vistaflores. It’s herbal and refreshing with tangy acidity and
flavours of dill and gooseberry. Crunchy and well made.
Drink: 2014-16
2013 Zuccardi Serie A Torrontés
14%, Salta
The only Zuccardi wine that is sourced from outside Mendoza, this is vinified in Tolombón,
close to Salta. It’s couched in quite a restrained style for Torrontés with zesty acidity and
notes of fresh grapes and citrus fruit. Serie A stands for Argentina, by the way.
Drink: 2014-16
Sweet
94
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2010 Terrazas de los Andes Single Vineyard El Yaima
Petit Manseng
14%, Mendoza
Petit Manseng in Argentina? You bet. This is my favourite sweet wine in the country.
It’s not overly sticky (with only 80 grams of residual sugar) but it’s perfectly balanced.
Entirely barrel-fermented, it blends exotic fruit flavours of pineapple and guava with
grapefruity acidity.
Drink: 2014-17
2010 Dominio del Plata Late Harvest Torrontés
12.5%, Altamira
A small percentage of this wine receives three months in new French oak. Otherwise, it’s the
fruit that does the talking. Complex and sweet, with grapey, jasmine-like flavours, a touch of
honey and spice, some tropical fruit succulence and refreshing acidity.
Drink: 2014-15
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2012 Salentein Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Plot No. 24
12.5%, Uco Valley
Made for the first time in 2010, this is a botrytis-affected Sauvignon Blanc with 25% barrel
fermentation and 120 grams of residual sugar. It’s exotic and suitably sweet with flavours of
apricot and grapefruit and a hint of quince-like acidity. A tasty sticky.
Drink: 2014-16
2013 Bodega del Desierto Late Harvest Viognier
10.7%, La Pampa
French oak fermented and showing 120 grams of sugar, this pear and quince-scented dessert
wine has elements of Riesling as much as Viognier, although the peachy fruit builds on the
palate. The oak is well integrated here, the finish citrus peel fresh.
Drink: 2014-16
Sparkling
91
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2011 Zuccardi Alma 4 Pinot Rosé
12%, Uco Valley
The Zuccardi sparkling wines (which is where Sebastián Zuccardi made his name) tend to get
overlooked at the moment, but they are still very tasty. This pale, strawberry-like rosé shows
appealing red fruits, fine bubbles and a dry, lingering finish.
Drink: 2014-16
2011 Domaine Bousquet Brut
11.8%, Tupungato
A blend of Chardonnay with 25% Pinot Noir, this is one of Argentina’s better sparkling wines.
It has small bubbles, subtle red fruits, a taut mineral core from the Chardonnay and some
creamy notes from lees ageing. Tangy and refreshing.
Drink: 2014-16
Page 67
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ABV
SCORE
COLOUR
VINTAGE
Wine name
Producer
Complete
scores A-Z
Achaval Ferrer Finca Altamira Malbec
Uco Valley
2011
Red
95
14.5
Achaval Ferrer Finca Bella Vista Malbec
Perdriel
2011
Red
96
14
Achaval Ferrer Finca Mirador Malbec
Mendoza
2011
Red
92
14
Achaval Ferrer Malbec
Mendoza
2012
Red
92
14.5
Achaval Ferrer Quimera
Mendoza
2011
Red
91
13.9
Achaval Ferrer Temporis
Mendoza
2010
Red
94
14
Algodón Malbec/Bonarda
Mendoza
2009
Red
86
14.6
Alpasión Malbec Crianza
Mendoza
2012
Red
86
15.4
Alpasión Private Selection
Mendoza
2011
Red
83
16.3
Alta Vista Alizarine Single Vineyard Malbec
Luján de Cuyo
2011
Red
93
15
Alta Vista Alto
Mendoza
2010
Red
92
15
Alta Vista Atemporal Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc Limited Edition
Mendoza
2012
Red
90
14
Alta Vista Atemporal Malbec/Touriga Nacional Limited Edition
Uco Valley
2012
Red
91
13.5
Alta Vista Malbec Terroir Selection
Mendoza
2010
Red
90
15.5
Alta Vista Premium Cabernet Sauvignon
Mendoza
2012
Red
87
14.5
Alta Vista Premium Chardonnay
Mendoza
2012
White
86
14
Alta Vista Premium Malbec
Mendoza
2012
Red
87
14.5
Alta Vista Premium Torrontés
Salta
2013
White
92
14
Alta Vista Serenade Single Vineyard Malbec
Luján de Cuyo
2011
Red
92
15
Alta Vista Temis Single Vineyard Malbec
El Cepillo
2011
Red
91
15
Altocedro Malbec
La Consulta
2012
Red
87
14.5
Altocedro Select
La Consulta
2012
Red
86
14.8
Altos La Hormigas Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda
Medrano
2012
Red
89
13.7
Altos La Hormigas Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda Reserve
Medrano
2011
Red
91
14.3
Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Altamira
Altamira
2012
Red
96
14
Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary
Gualtallary
2012
Red
96
13.9
Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Vistaflores
Vistaflores
2012
Red
96
14
Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clásico
Luján de Cuyo
2012
Red
89
14.2
Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve
Uco Valley
2012
Red
94
14.5
Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve
Uco Valley
2011
Red
93
14.5
Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir
Mendoza
2011
Red
92
14.5
Altos Las Hormigas Single Vineyard Malbec
Vistaflores
2011
Red
94
14.5
Amalaya Gran Corte
Cafayate
2012
Red
92
14
Amalaya Tinto de Corte
Cafayate
2012
Red
91
14
Amalaya White Blend
Cafayate
2013
White
90
13.5
Andeluna Altitud Cabernet Sauvignon
Tupungato
2011
Red
91
14
Andeluna Altitud Chardonnay
Tupungato
2012
White
91
14.5
Andeluna Altitud Malbec
Tupungato
2011
Red
88
14.5
Andeluna Cabernet Sauvignon
Tupungato
2011
Red
87
13
Andeluna Malbec
Tupungato
2012
Red
87
14
©2014 Tim Atkin
Page 68
ABV
SCORE
COLOUR
VINTAGE
Wine name
Producer
tim atkin argentina 2014 Special Report
Andeluna Malbec Rosé
Tupungato
2013
Rosé
86
13.5
Andeluna Pasionado Cabernet Franc
Tupungato
2009
Red
93
15.2
Andeluna Pasionado Cuatro Cepas
Tupungato
2008
Red
94
15
Andeluna Pasionado Malbec
Mendoza
2008
Red
88
14.8
Andeluna Torrontés
Uco Valley
2013
White
86
13.5
Anko Flor de Cardon Malbec
Cafayate
2011
Red
90
13.5
Anko Torrontés
Cafayate
2012
White
89
12.5
Argenceres Vertical XXI
Mendoza
2013
Red
87
14.5
Atamisque Assemblage
Mendoza
2009
Red
89
14.7
Belasco de Baquedano Swinto Malbec
Luján de Cuyo
2011
Red
92
15.5
Benegas Lynch Meritage
Mendoza
2007
Red
87
14.5
Benegas Sangiovese
Mendoza
2008
Red
86
14.5
Benvenuto de la Serna Trisagio
Uco Valley
2009
Red
87
14.5
Bodega Aleanna El Enemigo Malbec
Mendoza
2010
Red
91
14
Bodega Aleanna Gran Enemigo
Gualtallary
2009
Red
93
14.5
Bodega Aleanna Gran Enemigo Cabernet Franc
Gualtallary
2010
Red
94
13.2
Bodega Aleanna Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard
Agrelo
2010
Red
94
13
Bodega Atamisque Catalpa Chardonnay
Uco Valley
2011
White
87
14.5
Bodega del Desierto 25 Chardonnay
La Pampa
2012
White
87
14
Bodega del Desierto Cabernet Franc
La Pampa
2011
Red
91
14
Bodega del Desierto Late Harvest Viognier
La Pampa
2013
Sweet
90
10.7
Bodega del Desierto Pampa Blend
La Pampa
2009
Red
88
14.8
Bodega del Desierto Pampa Malbec
La Pampa
2009
Red
90
15.2
Bodega del Río Elorza Verum Cabernet Franc
Río Negro
2011
Red
91
14
Bodega del Río Elorza Verum Chardonnay
Río Negro
2012
White
87
14
Bodega del Río Elorza Verum Pinot Noir
Río Negro
2012
Red
88
14
Bodega El Esteco Altimus
Cafayate
2010
Red
92
15
Bodega El Esteco Chañar Punco Malbec
Cafayate
2011
Red
91
15
Bodega El Esteco Ciclos Malbec
Cafayate
2011
Red
89
14
Bodega El Esteco Ciclos Torrontés
Cafayate
2013
White
91
14
Bodega El Esteco Don David Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Cafayate
2012
Red
92
14
Bodega El Esteco Don David Malbec Reserve
Cafayate
2012
Red
91
14
Bodega El Esteco Don David Torrontés Reserve
Cafayate
2013
White
90
13.9
Bodega Iaccarini Cavas Don Nicasio Bonarda
San Rafael
2011
Red
91
14
Bressia Conjuro
Mendoza
2008
Red
95
14.5
Bressia Lágrima Canela
Uco Valley
2010
White
93
14.1
Bressia Monteagrelo Cabernet Franc
Agrelo
2010
Red
94
14
Bressia Monteagrelo Cabernet Sauvignon
Agrelo
2010
Red
89
14.5
Bressia Monteagrelo Chardonnay
Mendoza
2011
White
90
13.5
Bressia Monteagrelo Malbec
Agrelo
2011
Red
94
14.5
Bressia Monteagrelo Syrah
Agrelo
2010
Red
89
14
Bressia Piel Negra Pinot Noir
Uco Valley
2010
Red
88
14
Bressia Profundo
Luján de Cuyo
2008
Red
95
14
Bressia Royale Brut Nature
Mendoza
2012
Sparkling
87
12.5
Bressia Sylvestra Malbec
Mendoza
2013
Red
88
14.5
Bressia Sylvestra Pinot Noir Rosé
Mendoza
2013
Rosé
89
14
Bressia Sylvestra Sauvignon Blanc
Mendoza
2013
White
86
13
Bressia Sylvestra Torrontés
Cafayate
2013
White
88
13.5
Carinae
Mendoza
2008
Red
86
15
©2014 Tim Atkin
Page 69
ABV
SCORE
COLOUR
VINTAGE
Wine name
Producer
tim atkin argentina 2014 Special Report
Carmelo Patti Cabernet Sauvignon
Luján de Cuyo
2005
Red
91
13.8
Carmelo Patti Gran Assemblage
Luján de Cuyo
2004
Red
89
14
Carmelo Patti Malbec
Mendoza
2008
Red
87
13.8
Caro
Mendoza
2010
Red
90
15
Caro Amancaya Gran Reserva Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon
Mendoza
2011
Red
87
15
Caro Aruma Malbec
Mendoza
2012
Red
87
14
Casarena Jamilla's Vineyard Malbec
Perdriel
2010
Red
94
14.9
Casarena Lauren's Vineyard Cabernet Franc
Agrelo
2011
Red
92
14.7
Casarena Lauren's Vineyard Malbec
Agrelo
2011
Red
95
14.9
Casarena Malbec Winemaker Selection
Luján de Cuyo
2012
Red
88
14.5
Casarena Roble
Mendoza
2012
Red
87
14.5
Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon
Mendoza
2010
Red
90
14
Catena Alta Historic Rows Chardonnay
Mendoza
2012
White
91
14
Catena Alta Malbec
Mendoza
2010
Red
91
14
Catena Chardonnay
Tupungato
2012
White
89
13.5
Catena Malbec
Mendoza
2012
Red
88
13.5
Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Malbec
Uco Valley
2010
Red
96
14
Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Bones Chardonnay
Uco Valley
2010
White
94
13
Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Stones Chardonnay
Uco Valley
2010
White
93
13
Catena Zapata Argentino Malbec
Uco Valley
2010
Red
93
14
Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard Malbec
La Consulta
2012
Red
93
14
Cavas del 23 Beviam Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Uco Valley
2012
Red
83
14.1
Cavas La Capilla Templum Gran Reserva Malbec
Altamira
2010
Red
92
14
Chacra Barda Pinot Noir
Patagonia
2012
Red
92
13.3
Chacra Cincuenta y Cinco Pinot Noir
Río Negro
2012
Red
93
12.9
Chacra Pinot Treinta y Dos Pinot Noir
Río Negro
2011
Red
94
13.7
Chakana Estate Ayni Malbec
Uco Valley
2012
Red
92
14.5
Chakana Estate Bonarda
Mendoza
2012
Red
89
14.5
Chakana Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Mendoza
2012
Red
89
14.5
Chakana Estate Malbec
Mendoza
2012
Red
90
14.5
Chakana Estate Selection Chardonnay
Mendoza
2012
White
90
14
Chakana Estate Selection Malbec
Mendoza
2012
Red
91
14.5
Chakana Estate Selection Red Blend
Mendoza
2012
Red
92
14.5
Chakana Estate Syrah
Mendoza
2012
Red
90
14.5
Chakana Estate White Blend
Mendoza
2012
White
89
14
Chaman
La Consulta
2011
Red
89
13.9
Cheval des Andes
Mendoza
2008
Red
93
14
Cheval des Andes
Luján de Cuyo
2009
Red
91
14.5
Clos de Chacras Gran Estirpe Malbec
Mendoza
2010
Red
88
14.5
Clos de los Siete
Uco Valley
2011
Red
92
14.5
Colomé Auténtico Malbec
Colomé
2010
Red
94
14.5
Colomé Estate Malbec
Colomé
2011
Red
94
14.5
Colomé Torrontés
Salta
2013
White
92
13.5
Coquena Malbec
Calchaqui Valley
2012
Red
90
14.5
Coquena Torrontés
Calchaqui Valley
2012
White
90
13.3
Cuarto Dominio Chento Vineyard Selection
Uco Valley
2012
Red
84
13.9
Cuvelier de Los Andes Colección
Uco Valley
2010
Red
93
14.5
Cuvelier de Los Andes Grand Vin
Uco Valley
2008
Red
89
15
De Angeles Viña 1924 Single Vineyard Gran Malbec
Vistalba
2011
Red
96
14.9
©2014 Tim Atkin
Page 70
ABV
SCORE
COLOUR
VINTAGE
Wine name
Producer
tim atkin argentina 2014 Special Report
DiamAndes de Uco Chardonnay
Uco Valley
2012
White
91
14.5
DiamAndes de Uco Gran Reserva
Uco Valley
2009
Red
90
14.5
DiamAndes Malbec
Uco Valley
2011
Red
92
14.5
DiamAndes Viognier
Uco Valley
2012
White
91
13.5
Domaine Bousquet Ameri Malbec
Tupungato
2011
Red
90
15.5
Domaine Bousquet Brut
Tupungato
2011
Sparkling
90
11.8
Domaine Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon
Tupungato
2013
Red
88
14
Domaine Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Tupungato
2012
Red
91
14.5
Domaine Bousquet Chardonnay Grande Reserve
Tupungato
2010
White
89
13.5
Domaine Bousquet Chardonnay
Tupungato
2013
White
86
14
Domaine Bousquet Chardonnay Reserve
Tupungato
2012
White
88
14
Domaine Bousquet Gaia
Tupungato
2012
Red
90
15.5
Domaine Bousquet Malbec
Tupungato
2013
Red
89
14.5
Domaine Bousquet Malbec Grande Reserve
Tupungato
2011
Red
92
15.7
Domaine Bousquet Malbec Reserve
Tupungato
2012
Red
90
14.5
Dominio del Plata Benmarco Expresivo
Mendoza
2011
Red
90
14.5
Dominio del Plata Benmarco Malbec
Mendoza
2012
Red
90
14
Dominio del Plata Benmarco Torrontés
Uco Valley
2013
White
93
14
Dominio del Plata Crios Limited Edition Red Blend
Mendoza
2012
Red
89
13.9
Dominio del Plata Crios Malbec
Mendoza
2013
Red
88
13.9
Dominio del Plata Crios Torrontés
Argentina
2013
White
90
13.9
Dominio del Plata Late Harvest Torrontés
Altamira
2010
Sweet
92
12.5
Dominio del Plata Nosotros Malbec
Agrelo
2010
Red
93
14.5
Dominio del Plata Susana Balbo Brioso
Mendoza
2010
Red
92
14.3
Dominio del Plata Susana Balbo Signature Cabernet
Mendoza
2012
Red
91
14.3
Dominio del Plata Vaglio
Argentina
2012
Red
90
14.4
Don Cristobal Triana
Luján de Cuyo
2010
Red
87
14.5
Doña Paula 1100
San Carlos
2012
Red
94
14.1
Doña Paula Estate Black Edition
Luján de Cuyo
2012
Red
92
14.1
Doña Paula Estate Chardonnay
Uco Valley
2013
White
93
14.3
Doña Paula Estate Malbec
Uco Valley
2012
Red
92
14
Doña Paula Los Indios Parcel Malbec
Altamira
2010
Red
96
14
Doña Paula Riesling
Gualtallary
2013
White
90
12.5
Doña Paula Sauvignon Blanc
Tupungato
2013
White
92
13
El Porvenir de Cafayate Oak-Fermented Torrontés
Cafayate
2013
White
92
13.5
El Porvenir de Cafayate Amauta
Cafayate
2012
Red
92
14.5
El Porvenir de Cafayate Icon
Cafayate
2011
Red
90
14.7
El Porvenir de Cafayate Laborum Malbec, Finca Río Seco
Cafayate
2012
Red
94
14.5
El Porvenir de Cafayate Laborum Single Vineyard Torrontés
Cafayate
2013
White
91
13.2
El Porvenir de Cafayate Single Vineyard Tannat
Cafayate
2012
Red
87
14.5
Escorihuela 1884 Cabernet Sauvignon Limited Production
Mendoza
2009
Red
87
15
Escorihuela 1884 Malbec Limited Production
Mendoza
2009
Red
87
15
Escorihuela Don Miguel Malbec
Mendoza
2008
Red
86
15
Escorihuela Gascón Pequeñas Producciones Barbera
Mendoza
2009
Red
88
15
Escorihuela Gascón Pequeñas Produccíones Cabernet Franc
Mendoza
2010
Red
85
15
Escorihuela Gascón Pequeñas Produccíones Chardonnay
Mendoza
2012
White
93
13.9
Etchart Arnaldo B
Cafayate
2010
Red
89
14.5
Etchart Cabernet Sauvignon
Cafayate
2013
Red
86
14.5
Etchart Torrontés
Cafayate
2012
White
88
13.5
©2014 Tim Atkin
Page 71
ABV
SCORE
COLOUR
VINTAGE
Wine name
Producer
tim atkin argentina 2014 Special Report
Fabre Montmayou Chardonnay Reserva
Mendoza
2013
White
86
14.5
Fabre Montmayou Grand Vin
Vistalba
2010
Red
94
14.5
Fabre Montmayou Grande Réserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Mendoza
2011
Red
93
14.8
Fabre Montmayou Grande Réserve Malbec
Mendoza
2011
Red
92
15
Fabre Montmayou Grande Réserve Merlot
Río Negro
2011
Red
92
15
Familia Schroeder Alpataco Pinot Noir
Neuquén
2012
Red
88
14
Familia Schroeder Alto Limay Pinot Noir Joven
Neuquén
2011
Red
90
14
Familia Schroeder Alto Limay Pinot Noir Select
Neuquén
2012
Red
91
14
Familia Schroeder Saurus Barrel Fermented Pinot Noir
Neuquén
2012
Red
87
14.5
Familia Schroeder Saurus Barrel Fermented Malbec
Neuquén
2012
Red
91
14.5
Fin del Mundo Malbec
Neuquén
2010
Red
87
14.1
Fin del Mundo Pinot Noir Reserva
Neuquén
2011
Red
86
14.3
Fin del Mundo Special Blend
Neuquén
2008
Red
89
14
Finca 8 Reserva Malbec
La Consulta
2009
Red
87
14
Finca Agostino Agostino Familia
Mendoza
2012
White
91
13.7
Finca Decero A Mano Remolinos Vineyard
Agrelo
2011
Red
92
14.5
Finca Decero Cabernet Sauvignon Remolinos Vineyard
Agrelo
2010
Red
91
14.3
Finca Decero Malbec Remolinos Vineyard
Agrelo
2011
Red
92
14.5
Finca Decero Petit Verdot
Agrelo
2011
Red
91
14
Finca El Origen Phi Single Vineyard
Vistaflores
2009
Red
93
15
Finca Flichman Dedicado
Uco Valley
2011
Red
89
14.5
Finca La Celia Heritage
Uco Valley
2011
Red
91
15
Finca La Luz Callejón del Crimen Gran Reserva
Uco Valley
2010
Red
92
14
Finca Las Moras Finca Pedernal Malbec
Pedernal
2011
Red
89
14.5
Finca Las Moras Gran Syrah
San Juan
2010
Red
91
15
Finca Las Moras Mora Negra
Pedernal
2010
Red
90
14.5
Finca Las Moras Paz
San Juan
2011
Red
86
14
Finca Sophenia Altosur Cabernet Sauvignon
Tupungato
2013
Red
85
14
Finca Sophenia Altosur Malbec
Tupungato
2013
Red
86
14
Finca Sophenia Altosur Sauvignon Blanc
Tupungato
2013
White
90
12
Finca Sophenia Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Tupungato
2012
Red
86
14
Finca Sophenia Reserve Malbec
Tupungato
2012
Red
84
14.5
Finca Sophenia Sophenia 2
Tupungato
2012
White
88
13
Finca Sophenia Synthesis Malbec
Tupungato
2011
Red
86
14.5
Finca Sophenia Synthesis Sauvignon Blanc
Tupungato
2012
White
92
12
Finca Sophenia Synthesis The Blend
Tupungato
2010
Red
88
14.5
Finca Sophenia Viognier
Tupungato
2012
White
86
14.5
Fincas de la Juanita Juana del Sol Gran Reserva Malbec
Mendoza
2010
Red
78
14
Flechas de los Andes Gran Corte
Uco Valley
2010
Red
89
14.5
Gauchezco Oro Malbec
Mendoza
2009
Red
92
14.2
Gimenez Riili Gran Familia Malbec
Altamira
2010
Red
89
14.8
Gimenez Riili Gran Familia Syrah Limited Edition
Uco Valley
2011
Red
91
14.5
Gimenez Riili Padres Dedicados Cabernet Franc
Uco Valley
2012
Red
87
14.6
Graffigna Centenario Malbec Reserva
San Juan
2010
Red
86
14.5
Graffigna Elevation Red Blend Reserve
San Juan
2011
Red
86
14
Graffigna Torrontés
Cafayate
2012
White
85
13.5
Hand of God Old Vine Malbec, Stolen Horse Vineyard
Maipú
2010
Red
91
14.5
Hand of God, Sobremesa Vineyard
Uco Valley
2010
Red
92
14.5
Humberto Canale Cabernet Franc Selección de Familia
Río Negro
2010
Red
88
13.7
©2014 Tim Atkin
Page 72
ABV
SCORE
COLOUR
VINTAGE
Wine name
Producer
tim atkin argentina 2014 Special Report
Humberto Canale Merlot Selección de Familia
Río Negro
2011
Red
89
14
Humberto Canale Old Vineyard Pinot Noir
Río Negro
2011
Red
90
13.5
Humberto Canale Old Vineyard Riesling
Río Negro
2012
White
87
13.5
Kaikén Mai Malbec
Mendoza
2008
Red
93
15
La Fracción Malbec
Mendoza
2011
Red
87
14
La Giostra del Vino Bacán Malbec
Mendoza
2010
Red
86
13.5
La Giostra del Vino Bacán Malbec Reserva
Agrelo
2011
Red
92
14.5
La Giostra del Vino Bacán Sauvignon Blanc Reserva
Mendoza
2011
White
93
13
La Giostra del Vino Bacán Sauvignon Blanc Reserva
Vistaflores
2012
White
92
13
La Giostra del Vino Bacán White Blend
Mendoza
2012
White
89
14
La Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon
Mendoza
2011
Red
88
14
La Mascota Malbec
Mendoza
2011
Red
87
14.5
La Mascota Unanime
Mendoza
2009
Red
86
14.5
La Revancha, La Gran Revancha
Mendoza
2011
Red
92
14.5
La Revancha, La Primera Revancha
Mendoza
2001
Red
90
14.3
Lagarde Blanc de Noir
Mendoza
2013
Rosé
88
13
Lagarde Chardonnay
Mendoza
2013
White
86
14.3
Lagarde Henry Gran Guarda No. 1
Mendoza
2009
Red
93
14
Lagarde Malbec
Mendoza
2011
Red
92
14.4
Lagarde Primeras Viñas Malbec
Luján de Cuyo
2011
Red
93
14
Lagarde Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc
Mendoza
2011
Red
90
14.1
Lagarde Viognier
Mendoza
2013
White
87
14.3
Lariviere Yturbe Partida Limitada Malbec
Luján de Cuyo
2010
Red
93
14.7
Lindaflor Chardonnay
Uco Valley
2012
White
90
15
Lindaflor Malbec
Uco Valley
2009
Red
93
16
Luigi Bosca De Sangre
Mendoza
2010
Red
91
13.5
Luigi Bosca Finca Los Nobles Malbec
Mendoza
2010
Red
92
13
Luigi Bosca Grand Pinot Noir
La Consulta
2012
Red
88
13.5
Luigi Bosca Icono
Mendoza
2009
Red
94
14
Luigi Bosca Malbec
Uco Valley
2011
Red
92
13
Luigi Bosca Malbec/Petit Verdot/Tannat
Mendoza
2011
Red
88
14.5
Luigi Bosca Riesling
Las Compuertas
2012
White
87
13
Manos Negras Atrevida Malbec
Mendoza
2010
Red
89
14
Manos Negras Pinot Noir
Neuquén
2011
Red
90
14
Manos Negras Quimay Malbec
Neuquén
2011
Red
89
14
Manos Negras Red Soil Select Pinot Noir
Neuquén
2010
Red
92
13.9
Manos Negras Zaha Cabernet Franc
Altamira
2011
Red
90
14
Marcelo Pelleriti Cuvée Especial
Uco Valley
2011
Red
89
15
Marcelo Pelleriti Malbec Reserva
Uco Valley
2011
Red
92
14.5
Marcelo Pelleriti Selection Grand Reserve Malbec
Uco Valley
2011
Red
89
14.5
Mariano di Paola Malbec
Mendoza
2012
Red
95
14.5
Mariflor Malbec
Uco Valley
2011
Red
93
14.5
Masi Corbec
Uco Valley
2010
Red
92
14.5
Masi Passo Doble
Tupungato
2011
Red
90
13.5
Mater Vini Alteza Malbec
Argentina
2010
Red
95
14
Mauricio Lorca Gran Lorca Poético
Uco Valley
2008
Red
89
14.5
Mauricio Lorca Gran Lorca Poético Cabernet Franc
Uco Valley
2009
Red
88
14.5
Mauricio Lorca Opalo Malbec
Uco Valley
2010
Red
88
14.5
Mauricio Lorca Poético Syrah
Uco Valley
2008
Red
87
14.5
©2014 Tim Atkin
Page 73
ABV
SCORE
COLOUR
VINTAGE
Wine name
Producer
tim atkin argentina 2014 Special Report
Mauricio Lorca Sin Madera Blend
Uco Valley
2009
Red
87
14.5
Mauricio Lorca Viognier
Uco Valley
2012
White
84
14
Melipal Cabernet Franc
Mendoza
2012
Red
91
14
Melipal Family Signature Malbec
Luján de Cuyo
2010
Red
86
16
Mendel Cabernet Sauvignon
Mendoza
2010
Red
92
14.5
Mendel Finca Remota Malbec
Altamira
2011
Red
94
14.4
Mendel Malbec
Mendoza
2011
Red
91
14.3
Mendel Semillon
Mendoza
2013
White
93
13.3
Mendel Unus
Mendoza
2011
Red
95
14.5
Mendel Unus
Mendoza
2010
Red
94
14.5
Mendoza Vineyards Gran Reserva Malbec
Mendoza
2010
Red
88
14
Michelini Brothers Super Uco
Uco valley
2011
Red
93
14.3
Montechez Edición Limitada Malbec
Mendoza
2011
Red
93
14.5
Monteviejo Petite Fleur
Uco Valley
2010
Red
90
14.5
Mythic Estate Blanc de Blancs Gran Reserva
Mendoza
2012
White
88
14.5
Mythic Estate Icono Malbec
Luján de Cuyo
2011
Red
91
14.7
Nicolás Catena Zapata
Mendoza
2010
Red
96
13.7
Nieto Senetiner Cadus Single Vineyard Bonarda
Alto Agrelo
2012
Red
89
14.3
Nieto Senetiner Cadus Single Vineyard Finca Las Tortugas Malbec
Luján de Cuyo
2010
Red
92
14.9
Noemía 2
Río Negro
2010
Red
93
12.5
Noemía A Lisa Malbec
Río Negro
2012
Red
89
13.5
Noemía J Alberto Malbec
Río Negro
2012
Red
94
13.5
Noemía Malbec
Río Negro
2011
Red
95
14
Norton Cosecha Especial Brut
Mendoza
2010
Sparkling
87
12.9
Norton Gernot Langes
Mendoza
2008
Red
95
15.2
Norton Lote A109 Malbec
Agrelo
2009
Red
94
14.9
Norton Lote L109 Malbec
Mendoza
2009
Red
92
14.8
Norton Lote LC109 Malbec
Luján de Cuyo
2009
Red
92
14.9
Norton Perdriel Colección Cabernet Sauvignon
Perdriel
2010
Red
89
14.5
Norton Perdriel Colección Malbec
Luján de Cuyo
2010
Red
88
14.5
Norton Perdriel Colección Sauvignon Blanc
Perdriel
2013
White
91
12.7
Norton Perdriel Extra Brut
Mendoza
NV
Sparkling
87
12.7
Norton Perdriel Vineyard Selection
Perdriel
2007
Red
89
14.8
Norton Privada
Mendoza
2011
Red
91
14.5
Norton Privada Malbec
Mendoza
2010
Red
93
14.5
Norton Winemaker's Reserve Malbec
Mendoza
2011
Red
90
14.4
NQN Malma Universo Blend
Neuquén
2009
Red
87
14.5
NQN Malma Universo Malbec
Neuquén
2009
Red
85
14.3
NQN Pinot Noir Reserva de la Familia
Neuquén
2011
Red
83
14.3
O Fournier
Uco Valley
2006
Red
87
14.5
O Fournier A Crux Blend
Uco Valley
2007
Red
94
15
O Fournier A Crux Malbec
Uco Valley
2009
Red
89
15
O Fournier A Crux Sauvignon Blanc
Uco Valley
2011
White
92
13
O Fournier B Crux Blend
Uco Valley
2009
Red
91
15
O Fournier B Crux Sauvignon Blanc
Uco Valley
2013
White
90
12
O Fournier Malbec
Uco Valley
2007
Red
88
15
O Fournier Urban Uco Chardonnay
Uco Valley
2013
White
87
13.5
O Fournier Urban Uco Malbec
Uco Valley
2013
Red
87
14.5
O Fournier Urban Uco Sauvignon Blanc
Uco Valley
2011
White
86
12
©2014 Tim Atkin
Page 74
ABV
SCORE
COLOUR
VINTAGE
Wine name
Producer
tim atkin argentina 2014 Special Report
O Fournier Urban Uco Tempranillo
Uco Valley
2013
Red
87
14.5
O Fournier Urban Uco Tempranillo/Malbec
Uco Valley
2013
Red
90
14.5
O Fournier Urban Uco Torrontés
Salta
2013
White
89
13.5
Ojo de Vino Malo
Agrelo
2011
Red
93
15.3
Pascal Toso Magdalena Toso
Mendoza
2010
Red
91
14.5
Passionate Wine Demente
Gualtallary
2011
Red
92
13.9
Passionate Wine Diverso Merlot
Tupungato
2012
Red
90
11
Passionate Wine Diverso Syrah
Gualtallary
2012
Red
91
11
Passionate Wine Eterno Retorno Bonarda
Tupungato
2012
Red
87
13.7
Passionate Wine Inéditos Bonarda
Uco Valley
2013
Red
92
11
Passionate Wine Malbon
Tupungato
2011
Red
90
13.5
Passionate Wine Montesco Agua de Roca Sauvignon Blanc
Tupungato
2013
White
92
9.5
Passionate Wine Montesco Bonarda
Tupungato
2012
Red
86
14
Passionate Wine Montesco Parral
Tupungato
2012
Red
92
14
Passionate Wine Montesco Punta Negra Pinot Noir
Tupungato
2012
Red
92
12.8
Passionate Wine Montesco Verdes Cobardes
Tupungato
2013
White
91
11
Passionate Wine Paso del Sapo Vino de Lejos Chardonnay
Chubut
2010
White
92
12.5
Patritti Primogénito Blend
Neuquén
2009
Red
87
13.9
Patritti Primogénito Cabernet Sauvignon
Neuquén
2008
Red
86
14
Patritti Primogénito Chardonnay
Neuquén
2013
White
86
13.5
Patritti Primogénito Malbec
Neuquén
2008
Red
85
14.1
Patritti Primogénito Merlot
Neuquén
2011
Red
87
14.3
Patritti Primogénito Pinot Noir
Neuquén
2009
Red
86
13.5
Per Se Iubileus Malbec
Gualtallary
2012
Red
94
14.5
Per Se La Craie
Gualtallary
2012
Red
95
14
Piedra Negra Chacayes
Uco Valley
2008
Red
94
15.1
Piedra Negra Malbec Reserva
Mendoza
2008
Red
93
13.9
Proemio Wines Icon
Mendoza
2009
Red
88
14.6
Pulenta Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Agrelo
2011
Red
92
14.5
Pulenta Estate Chardonnay
Agrelo
2012
White
87
13.5
Pulenta Estate Gran Cabernet Franc
Agrelo
2010
Red
94
14.5
Pulenta Estate Gran Corte
Mendoza
2009
Red
94
14.5
Pulenta Estate Gran Malbec
Mendoza
2010
Red
93
14.5
Pulenta Estate La Flor Malbec Rosé
Mendoza
2013
Rosé
86
13
Pulenta Estate La Flor Sauvignon Blanc
Uco Valley
2013
White
86
13
Pulenta Estate Malbec
Mendoza
2010
Red
90
14.5
Pulenta Estate Merlot
Agrelo
2008
Red
90
14.5
Pulenta Estate Pinot Gris
Agrelo
2013
White
87
13.5
Raffy Grande Réserve
Luján de Cuyo
2010
Red
82
15
Rebelión Malbec
Uco Valley
2012
Red
87
14
Recuerdo Gran Corte
Uco Valley
2011
Red
94
14.7
Recuerdo Gran Corte
Uco Valley
2012
Red
88
15
Recuerdo Malbec
Uco Valley
2012
Red
87
14.2
Recuerdo Malbec Aliado Reserva Malbec
Uco Valley
2012
Red
87
14.5
Renacer Malbec
Luján de Cuyo
2008
Red
90
15.2
Riccitelli República del Malbec
Vistalba
2011
Red
91
15
Riccitelli The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree Malbec
Mendoza
2012
Red
90
14.5
Riccitelli Vineyard Selection Malbec
Mendoza
2012
Red
90
14.5
Riglos Gran Cabernet Franc
Tupungato
2011
Red
93
15
©2014 Tim Atkin
Page 75
ABV
SCORE
COLOUR
VINTAGE
Wine name
Producer
tim atkin argentina 2014 Special Report
Riglos Gran Cabernet Sauvignon
Tupungato
2011
Red
93
15
Riglos Gran Corte
Tupungato
2011
Red
95
15
Riglos Gran Malbec
Tupungato
2011
Red
92
15
RJ Viñedos Distinto
Mendoza
2005
Red
75
14.5
Ruca Malen Kinien Cabernet Sauvignon
Uco Valley
2008
Red
88
14.3
Ruca Malen Kinien Malbec
Uco Valley
2009
Red
89
14.5
Ruca Malen Petit Verdot
Mendoza
2011
Red
89
14.3
Rutini Antología Malbec XXVIII
Mendoza
2009
Red
90
14.3
Rutini Antología Merlot XXIX
Mendoza
2009
Red
91
14.5
Rutini Antología Pinot Noir XXXVI
Mendoza
2010
Red
93
14.3
Rutini Apartado Gran Malbec
Uco Valley
2010
Red
94
14.5
Rutini Cabernet Sauvignon
Tupungato
2011
Red
91
14
Rutini Chardonnay
Mendoza
2012
White
94
13.6
Rutini Encuentro Barrel Blend
Mendoza
2010
Red
94
14.5
Rutini Malbec
Mendoza
2011
Red
92
13.9
Rutini Pinot Noir
Mendoza
2011
Red
91
14
Rutini Syrah
Mendoza
2011
Red
90
13.4
Salentein Brut Nature NV
Uco Valley
NV
Sparkling
88
12.5
Salentein Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Selection
Uco Valley
2012
Red
87
14
Salentein Chardonay Reserve Barrel Selection
Uco Valley
2012
White
89
13.5
Salentein Malbec Barrel Selection
Uco Valley
2010
Red
89
14
Salentein Merlot Reserve
Uco Valley
2011
Red
89
14
Salentein Numina Cabernet Franc
Uco Valley
2011
Red
93
14.5
Salentein Numina Gran Corte, Spirit Vineyard
Uco Valley
2011
Red
94
14.5
Salentein Numina Malbec
Uco Valley
2011
Red
91
14.5
Salentein Numina Syrah
Uco Valley
2011
Red
89
14.5
Salentein Pinot Noir Reserve
Uco Valley
2011
Red
89
14.5
Salentein Portillo Malbec
Uco Valley
2012
Red
87
14
Salentein Portillo Sauvignon Blanc
Uco Valley
2013
White
84
13.5
Salentein Primus Chardonnay
Uco Valley
2011
White
93
14
Salentein Primus Malbec
Uco Valley
2010
Red
91
14.5
Salentein Primus Pinot Noir
Uco Valley
2011
Red
94
14
Salentein Sauvignon Blanc Reserve
Uco Valley
2013
White
89
13.5
Salentein Single Vineyard Chardonnay, Plot No. 2
Uco Valley
2011
White
94
13.5
Salentein Single Vineyard Malbec, Plot No. 21
Uco Valley
2010
Red
92
14.5
Salentein Single Vineyard Pinot Noir, Plot No. 1
Uco Valley
2011
Red
94
14
Salentein Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Plot No. 24
Uco Valley
2012
Sweet
91
12.5
San Pedro de Yacochuya
Cafayate
2011
Red
93
15.4
Santa Faustina Malbec
Mendoza
2010
Red
85
13.5
Santa Faustina Tardío Noble
Mendoza
2008
Sweet
85
12
Santa Faustina Tempranillo
Mendoza
2012
Red
86
14
Septima Gran Reserva
Mendoza
2010
Red
87
14.5
Sottano Judas Malbec
Perdriel
2011
Red
88
15.3
Sottano Reserva de Familia Malbec
Lujan de Cuyo
2010
Red
88
14.9
Structura Ultra
Uco Valley
2009
Red
85
15
Tapiz Black Tears Malbec
Uco Valley
2009
Red
89
14.5
Terrazas de los Andes Cabernet Sauvignon
Mendoza
2011
Red
91
14
Terrazas de los Andes Chardonnay Reserva
Mendoza
2012
White
89
13.5
Terrazas de los Andes Malbec
Mendoza
2011
Red
91
14
©2014 Tim Atkin
Page 76
ABV
SCORE
COLOUR
VINTAGE
Wine name
Producer
tim atkin argentina 2014 Special Report
Terrazas de los Andes Petit Manseng
Mendoza
2010
Sweet
94
14
Terrazas de los Andes Single Parcel Los Castaños Malbec
Altamira
2009
Red
93
14.5
Terrazas de los Andes Single Parcel Los Cerezos Malbec
Las Compuertas
2009
Red
91
15
Terrazas de los Andes Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Perdriel
2010
Red
93
14.5
Terrazas de los Andes Single Vineyard Malbec
Las Compuertas
2010
Red
93
15
Terrazas de los Andes Torrontés
Salta
2013
White
89
13.5
TintoNegro 1955 Vineyard Malbec
La Consulta
2011
Red
92
14
TintoNegro Finca La Escuela Malbec
Altamira
2011
Red
92
14
Trapiche Broquel Bonarda
Mendoza
2012
Red
89
14
Trapiche Broquel Cabernet Franc
Mendoza
2012
Red
86
14
Trapiche Broquel Cabernet Sauvignon
Mendoza
2012
Red
88
14
Trapiche Broquel Malbec
Mendoza
2012
Red
89
14.5
Trapiche Broquel Petit Verdot
Mendoza
2012
Red
91
14
Trapiche Broquel Pinot Noir
Agrelo
2013
Red
90
14.5
Trapiche Broquel Torrontés
Cafayate
2013
White
91
13.5
Trapiche Extravaganza Blend
Mendoza
2013
White
86
13.5
Trapiche Extravaganza Red Blend
Mendoza
2013
Red
82
13.5
Trapiche Finca la Palmas Malbec Gran Reserva
Mendoza
2011
Red
90
14.5
Trapiche Finca Las Palmas Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva
Mendoza
2011
Red
88
14.5
Trapiche Finca Las Palmas Grand Reserve Chardonnay
Uco Valley
2012
White
91
14
Trapiche Gran Medalla Cabernet Sauvignon
Uco Valley
2011
Red
92
14.5
Trapiche Gran Medalla Malbec
Uco Valley
2011
Red
92
14.5
Trapiche Iscay
Mendoza
2009
Red
95
14.5
Trapiche Iscay Syrah/Viognier
Mendoza
2009
Red
92
14.5
Trapiche Malbec Terroir Series Finca Ambrosia
Gualtallary
2010
Red
97
15.5
Trapiche Malbec Terroir Series Finca Orellana de Escobar
La Consulta
2010
Red
95
15.5
Trapiche Malbec Terroir Series Finca Suarez Lastra
Altamira
2010
Red
95
15.5
Trapiche Pure Malbec
Uco Valley
2013
Red
88
14.5
Trapiche Terroir Series Malbec Cristina y Bibiana Colettto
Tupungato
2011
Red
96
15
Tres 14 Imperfecto
Gualtallary
2011
Red
96
14.7
Tres 14 Tinto de Garage
Lunlunta
2011
Red
92
14.5
Trivento Eolo Malbec
Uco Valley
2010
Red
87
14
Trumpeter Cabernet Sauvignon
Mendoza
2012
Red
88
13.6
Trumpeter Chardonnay
Tupungato
2013
White
91
13.7
Trumpeter Malbec
Mendoza
2012
Red
90
13.6
Trumpeter Reserve Malbec
Mendoza
2011
Red
91
14
Val de Flores
Uco Valley
2007
Red
91
15
Valle de la Puerta La Puerta Malbec Reserva
Famatina Valley
2011
Red
90
14
Viña Alicia Brote Negro Malbec
Mendoza
2009
Red
95
14
Viña Alicia Cuarzo
Lunlunta
2007
Red
93
14
Viña Alicia Morena
Luján de Cuyo
2007
Red
93
13.8
Viña Alicia Nebbiolo
Luján de Cuyo
2007
Red
93
15
Viña Alicia Paso de Piedra Cabernet Sauvignon
Luján de Cuyo
2007
Red
91
14
Viña Alicia Paso de Piedra Malbec
Luján de Cuyo
2009
Red
92
14.5
Viña Cobos Bramare Cabernet Sauvignon
Luján de Cuyo
2011
Red
89
14.8
Viña Cobos Bramare Malbec
Uco Valley
2011
Red
92
14.8
Viña Cobos Bramare Malbec
Luján de Cuyo
2011
Red
91
14.7
Viña Cobos Bramare Marchiori Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Mendoza
2011
Red
91
14.7
Viña Cobos Bramare Marchiori Vineyard Chardonnay
Mendoza
2012
White
92
14.4
©2014 Tim Atkin
Page 77
ABV
SCORE
COLOUR
VINTAGE
Wine name
Producer
tim atkin argentina 2014 Special Report
Viña Cobos Bramare Marchiori Vineyard Malbec
Perdriel
2011
Red
93
14.7
Viña Cobos Bramare Rebon Vineyard Malbec
La Consulta
2011
Red
93
14.9
Viña Cobos Felino Cabernet Sauvignon
Mendoza
2012
Red
90
14.3
Viña Cobos Felino Chardonnay
Mendoza
2013
White
86
14
Viña Cobos Felino Malbec
Mendoza
2012
Red
89
14.3
Viña Cobos Felino Merlot
Mendoza
2012
Red
87
14.3
Viña Cobos Malbec
Perdriel
2011
Red
96
14.9
Viña Cobos Volturno Marchiori Vineyard
Mendoza
2011
Red
93
14.9
Viña Vida Malbec Gran Reserva
Uco Valley
2011
Red
93
15
Viña Vida Petit Verdot Gran Reserva
Uco Valley
2011
Red
93
14.4
Viñalba Diane
Luján de Cuyo
2011
Red
90
15
Viñalba Malbec/Syrah
Río Negro
2012
Red
89
14.5
Viñalba Reservado Cuvée Couture
Uco Valley
2012
Red
90
14.5
Viñalba Reservado Malbec
Uco Valley
2012
Red
91
14.5
Viñalba Reserve 50/50
Uco Valley
2012
Red
91
14.5
Viñalba Rosé
Mendoza
2013
Rosé
87
13
Viñalba Torrontés Selección
Uco Valley
2013
White
89
13.5
Vines of Mendoza Michael Evans Malbec/Cabernet Franc
Uco Valley
2012
Red
89
14.9
Vinorum Victorio Altieri Gran Reserva Malbec
Mendoza
2011
Red
93
14
Yacochuya Malbec
Salta
2010
Red
87
16
Zemlia Himno Malbec
Uco Valley
2010
Red
87
13.7
Zorzal Climax Malbec
Gualtallary
2011
Red
92
14.3
Zorzal Climax Owner's Blend
Tupungato
2010
Red
89
14.5
Zorzal Eggo Malbec
Gualtallary
2012
Red
92
14.5
Zorzal Eggo Pinot Noir
Tupungato
2013
Red
94
14.5
Zorzal Eggo Sauvignon Blanc
Tupungato
2013
White
93
12
Zorzal Field Blend
Uco Valley
2011
Red
89
14.5
Zorzal Field Blend Reserve
Gualtallary
2009
Red
92
14.1
Zorzal Gran Terroir Malbec
Gualtallary
2011
Red
91
14
Zorzal Gran Terroir Pinot Noir
Tupungato
2012
Red
93
14
Zorzal Piantao
Tupungato
2011
Red
93
14.5
Zorzal Porfiado Pinot Noir
Gualtallary
2010
Red
91
13
Zorzal Terroir Unico Malbec
Gualtallary
2013
Red
92
14
Zorzal Terroir Unico Pinot Noir
Tupungato
2013
Red
89
14
Zorzal Terroir Unico Sauvignon Blanc
Tupungato
2013
White
91
11.8
Zuccardi Alma 4 Pinot Rosé
Uco Valley
2011
Sparkling
91
12
Zuccardi Aluvional
La Consulta
2011
Red
97
15
Zuccardi Aluvional
Altamira
2011
Red
96
14
Zuccardi Emma Zuccardi Bonarda
Mendoza
2012
Red
93
13.5
Zuccardi Finca Los Membrillos
La Consulta
2011
Red
93
14.5
Zuccardi Q Cabernet Sauvignon
Uco Valley
2011
Red
90
14.5
Zuccardi Q Malbec
Mendoza
2012
Red
92
14.5
Zuccardi Q Tempranillo
Mendoza
2011
Red
90
14
Zuccardi Serie A Malbec
Uco Valley
2012
Red
90
14.5
Zuccardi Serie A Torrontés
Salta
2013
White
90
14
Zuccardi Tito
Uco Valley
2012
Red
94
14
Zuccardi Tito
Uco Valley
2011
Red
93
14
Zuccardi Zeta Malbec
Uco Valley
2010
Red
90
15
Zuccardi Zeta Malbec
Uco Valley
2010
Red
90
15
©2014 Tim Atkin
Page 78
tim atkin argentina 2014 Special Report
Recommended
restaurants
Buenos Aires
Aldo’s Vinoteca
Francis Mallmann (1884)
aldosvinoteca.com
www.1884restaurante.com.ar
Aramburu
María Antonieta
www.arambururesto.com.ar
www.mariaantonietaresto.com.ar
Casa Umare
Nadia O.F.
www.casaumare.com
www.nadiaof.com
Don Julio
Siete Cocinas
+ 54 11 4832 6058
www.sietecocinas.com.ar
El Obrero
www.bodegonelobrero.com.ar
Fierro Hotel
Neuquén
www.fierrohotel.com
Familia Schroeder
Four Seasons (Elena Restaurant)
www.saurus.com.ar
www.fourseasons.com/buenosaires
La Toscana
La Brigada
www.latoscanarestaurante.com
www.parrillalabrigada.com.ar
La Cabrera
www.parrillalacabrera.com.ar
Salta (Cafayate)
Oviedo
Terruño
www.oviedoresto.com.ar
www.terruno.todowebsalta.com.ar
Sucre
www.sucrerestaurant.com.ar
Uco Valley
Tegui
www.tegui.com.ar
Andeluna
Unik
www.andeluna.com.ar
www.unik.pro
El Cielo
+ 54 (0) 2622 470814
Mendoza
Ilo
Azafrán
La Juntada
www.azafranresto.com
www.almacendeuco.com
Bodega Ruca Malen
La Posada del Jamón
www.bodegarucamalen.com
www.laposadadeljamon.com.ar
Casa del Visitante (Familia Zuccardi)
Posada Salentein
www.casadelvisitante.com
www.bodegassalentein.com
Osadía de Crear (Dominio del Plata)
The Vines of Mendoza
www.dominiodelplata.com.ar
www.vinesofmendoza.com
Florentino Bistro
Urban (O Fournier)
+54 0261 4649077
www.ofournier.com
+ 54 (0) 2622 488323
Page 79
tim atkin argentina 2014 Special Report
Further reading
These are all books about Argentina that I have found both interesting and useful on my travels.
Andes by Michael Jacobs (Granta)
Buenos Aires: A Cultural and Literary History by Jason Wilson (Signal Books)
Descorchados 2013: Guía de Vinos de Argentina by Patricio Tapia (Simposium)
In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin (Picador)
The Penguin History of Latin America by Edwin Williamson (Penguin)
The Vineyard at the End of the World by Ian Mount (WW Norton)
Vino Argentino by Laura Catena (Chronicle Books)
I would also recommend the website of Wines of Argentina (www.winesofargentina.org) for
information on wineries, vintages, vineyard plantings and other news
Page 80
For tasting notes, articles, music and
wine matches & more special reports,
go to www.timatkin.com.
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All images and written content 2014 © Tim Atkin
Sub-editing by Sue Wixley
Layout by Jonathan McKay
I would like to acknowledge the help and support of Wines of
Argentina in funding a trip to Argentina in November 2013.
I would also like to think María Laura Ortiz of Winifera for
organising my tastings in Mendoza: a friendly, no nonsense
professional as well as a connoisseur of Argentinean wines.