Bodega Elena de Mendoza, Red Blend 2013, Argentina
Tasting Note: A soft expression of grapey malbec typical of the region matches nicely with ruby bonarda which outshines the syrah.[Read more]
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Viu Manent Gran Reserva Carmenere 2011 – It Gets Better Upstream
Viu Manent, Gran Reserva Carmenere 2011, Colchagua Valley, Chile
Tasting Note: This wine tastes as though it were the spawn of a chance-night meeting of pinot noir and cabernet grape.
A musty nose gives way to green pepper, [Read more]
Carinae Malbec 2012 – A French-Styled Malbec from Argentina
Carinae, Malbec 2012, Mendoza, Argentina
Tasting Note: This malbec tastes purple.
I wondered why this winery, owned by a cute French couple who run it in mom-and-pop style, seemed so popular when I visited Argentina. Now I taste and understand why it so revered among malbec styles produced in Mendoza.[Read more]
Standing Stone Vineyards Riesling 2014 – Just-Ripened Peaches Kissed by Lazy Summer Afternoon Sun
Standing Stone Vineyards, Riesling 2014, Finger Lakes, New York
Tasting Note: Golden in color, this off-dry Riesling has the nose of a basket of fresh-picked green apples and just-ripened peaches kissed by lazy summer afternoon sun.
These aromas are followed by the gentle essences of baking spices dipped in chalk (this is a good thing- trust me).[Read more]
Cuvelier Los Andes Coleccion 2010 – The Definition of Fruity Elegant Aromas
Cuvelier Los Andes, Coleccion 2010, Mendoza, Argentina
Tasting Note: If “fruity elegant aromas” needed a definition, the nose of this malbec provides ample explanation.
The red fruit in this malbec blend melds together so that no individual one is distinguishable and such that the wine presents as a unique whole. Acid? In perfect balance with the tannin.[Read more]
FourBreezes Malbec 2014 Vista Flores – Middle of the Pack
FourBreezes, Malbec 2014, Vista Flores, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
Tasting Note: Perfect for a Monday, this wine isn’t a complex beast.
This malbec is soft and tender with a faint taste of green pepper. Though pleasant it is middle of the pack. [Read more]
Ampakama Syrah 2009 – No Push Over
Ampakama, Syrah 2009, San Juan, Argentina
Tasting Note: This syrah is like a parodied TV version of a high school football player – it’s no push over, not complex and occasionally a slight bit bitter.
Inky and strong, black currant is the overwhelming taste. There is no finish to this wine. It is at the beginning of the taste what it is at the end. And for the record this can be a good thing.
