($51, Kobrand Wine & Spirits): Like the unnecessarily heavy bottle, this stunning single-vineyard Malbec is a weighty bold wine but with remarkable balance for its size. This robust wine carries its 15 percent stated alcohol well. Suavely textured, it still has enough structure to counter the deep plum-like fruit and slightly alluring tarry elements. … Read more
Category Archives: Argentina
Pascual Toso, Mendoza (Argentina) Chardonnay 2020
($14, Quintessential Wines): On an absolute scale, this is not a 90-point wine. But — and I can hear my editor smoldering — it gets extra points for value. It is fruity, but not too. There’s a splash, not a tsunami, of oak. … Read more
Trapiche, Mendoza (Argentina) Malbec “Oak Cask” 2021
($10): Malbec, originally from Bordeaux and Cahors in southwest France, has become Argentina’s signature red grape. This bargain-priced one packs plenty of punch and hints of vanilla — the oak cask designation speaking. Its suave texture and intensity make it a fine choice for a summertime BBQ party. … Read more
Trivento, Mendoza (Argentina) Malbec Reserve 2020
($9): This is a softly textured easy to sip red that finishes a touch sweet. Fortunately, it is not overdone, weighing in at a modest 13.5 percent stated alcohol, which makes it a fine choice for those who prefer to sip on a red wine as an aperitif. … Read more
Coen, Uco Valley (Mendoza, Argentina) Malbec 2020
($25): Full disclosure: I’m prejudiced against Malbec because all too often it produces a plodding, hit-you-over-the-head red wine. But, that’s why you keep tasting. This one does not fit my prejudicial paradigm. It’s a big wine, to be sure, but balanced and, most importantly, fresh. … Read more
Tapiz, Uco Valley (Mendoza, Argentina) Malbec San Pablo Vineyard 2018
($18, Vino del Sol): Full disclosure: I am underwhelmed by most Malbecs, which are heavy, monotonic red wines. Imagine my surprise and delight with this one. Perhaps it’s the 4,200 feet above sea level vineyard, which allows enormous sunlight without great heat. … Read more
Tapiz, Uco Valley (Mendoza, Argentina) San Pablo Vineyard “Selección de Barricas” 2012
($38, Vino del Sol): While I am usually underwhelmed by most monovarietal Malbec bottlings, that grape works beautifully in red blends, such as this one. Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec each account for about a third of the blend, while Merlot and Syrah comprise the remainder. … Read more
Zolo, Mendoza (Argentina) Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
($13, Vino del Sol): Though focused on black fruit flavors, this clean and pure Cabernet Sauvignon avoids the trap of being a fruit bomb. Weighing in at a modest 13.6 percent stated alcohol, it also shows restraint, allowing just a hint of sweet oak to come through. … Read more
Bodega Trivento, Mendoza (Argentina) Malbec Reserve 2019
($12): This lighter styled Malbec will appeal especially to those who find most Malbecs too overpowering or heavy. Still, it has good concentration despite its lack of muscularity. Savory, smoke-y undertones balance the dark fruity profile. Suave, mild tannins mean this is a wine to enjoy now. … Read more
Catena Zapata, Mendoza (Argentina) “Nicolás Catena Zapata” 2016
($99, Winebow): There is no question that the Catena family is among the leading producers in Argentina — and perhaps the single leader of the pack. Nicolás Catena brought Argentine wines into the modern area by discovering what is universally accepted now: planting vines at higher altitudes in warm climates reduces the likelihood of harvesting over ripe grapes and making jammy wines. … Read more
Bodegas Caro, Mendoza (Argentina) “CARO” 2017
($60, Taub Family Selections): The name of the bodega and its flagship wine comes from the first two letters of the last names of the principals involved in this collaborative effort: Nicolas Catena and Barons de (Lafite) Rothschild. With those two wineries involved how could their flagship wine not be consistently sensational? … Read more
Bodegas Caro, Mendoza (Argentina) Malbec “Aruma” 2018
($15, Taub Family Selections): This Malbec is an unusual wine for Bodegas Caro, a collaboration between Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) and Nicolas Catena, two stars in the wine world. It is unusual because they pride themselves on combining two winemaking cultures, Bordeaux and Argentina, and their two respective grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, but there’s no Cab in this. … Read more
Finca Mangato, Tupungato (Mendoza, Argentina) “Estela Perinetti” 2016
($55, Seaview Imports): The name of the wine, Estela Perinetti, is also the name of the owner and winemaker at Finca Mangato. She is one of Argentina’s first female winemakers and viticulturists, according to the Finca Mangato website. She should know a thing or two about making wine in Argentina since, according to her biographical sketch, she worked with the Catena family, one of, if not the country’s leading wine family, for two decades. … Read more
Bodegas Caro, Mendoza (Argentina) “CARO” 2016
($60, Taub Family Selections): It should come as no surprise that a collaboration, now about two decades old, between two of the greatest names in wine should produce a fabulous wine. Bodegas Caro is a joint effort of Domaines Barons de (Lafite) Rothschild and Nicolas Catena, one of Argentina’s leading wine producers. … Read more
Dominio del Plata, Valle de Uco (Mendoza, Argentina) “Ben Marco Expresivo” 2016
($35, Folio Fine Wine Partners): Though the producer according to the label is Dominio del Plata, the important name is that of Susana Balbo, one of Argentina’s top producers. In this wine, she has fashioned an attractive blend of Malbec (75%) and Cabernet Franc.… Read more
Susana Balbo, Valle de Uco (Mendoza, Argentina) “Brioso” Single Vineyard Red Wine 2016
($45, Folio Fine Wine Partners): A plummy and polished Bordeaux-blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (53%), Cabernet Franc (24%), Malbec (16%), and Petit Verdot, Balbo’s Brioso is fruit-focused, yet balanced by enough acidity to keep it fresh and lively. A suave texture adds to its appeal. … Read more
Susana Balbo, Valle de Uco (Mendoza, Argentina) Signature “Brioso” White Blend 2017
($24, Folio Fine Wine Partners): Susana Balbo has fashioned a captivating ying-yang of a white wine. Floral and seductively aromatic, it delivers a hint of sweetness that is balanced perfectly with bracing acidity. The overall impression is that of a clean, fresh and lively wine. … Read more
Bodega Catena Zapata, Uco Valley (Mendoza, Argentina) Malbec La Consulta 2015
($25, The Winebow Group): The Malbec from La Consulta could redefine the image of wine made from that grape. Not just big and ripe, this Malbec is lively and racy with appealing smoky nuances. Though it displays Malbec’s smooth tannins, it is far fresher compared to Lunlunta. … Read more
Bodega Catena Zapata, Maipu (Mendoza, Argentina) Malbec Lunlunta 2015
($25, The Winebow Group): Catena, as the producer is usually known, is one of Argentina’s top producers. They have always championed vineyards planted at high elevations, believing that the cooler temperature and the character of the sunshine make the wines distinctive. … Read more
Alamos, Mendoza (Argentina) Malbec 2015
($13): Malbec has achieved popularity in this country because it can produce a big juicy red wine with mild or little tannic structure. The 2015 Malbec from Alamos fits that profile perfectly. Soft and fruity, it’s ideal for people searching for an inexpensive big red to have either before dinner or with hearty fare.… Read more
Bodegas Septima, Mendoza (Argentina) Malbec “Obra” 2014
($25, Aveníu Brands): Obra, the reserve wine of Bodegas Septima, is a cut above the usual Malbec both in taste and in price. Good acidity and vibrancy balances its thick and juicy profile without being aggressive or harsh. This big red wine would be a good choice for robust grilled meats this fall.… Read more
Bodega Benegas, Mendoza (Argentina) Malbec “Ataliva” 2015
($13, Montcalm Wine Imports): Like so many Malbecs, this one is a big red wine, weighing in at a stated 14.5% alcohol, but unlike many, it doesn’t finish sweet. There’s enough structure to balance the fruit and ripeness and subtle earthy elements lend a welcome savory aspect. … Read more
Malbec That Makes You Think
Subtlety and Malbec are two words rarely used in the same sentence. Malbec, at least from Argentina, usually produces a big, ripe, jammy monotonic red wine with little structure or finesse. But then, along came Count Patrick d’Aulan and his team at Alta Vista in Argentina and, later, at Altamana in Chile. … Read more
Finca el Origen, Cafayate (Salta, Argentina) Torrontes Reserva 2014
($11): Just as Malbec is Argentina’s signature red grape and wine, Torrontés, is becoming that country’s signature white. Very floral, with even a glimmer of honeysuckle, Finca el Origen’s represents one end of the Torrontés style spectrum. Analogous to many Muscat, it’s a bit deceptive because, while the aromas suggest that sweetness will follow, it doesn’t. … Read more
Bodega Septima, Luján de Cuyo (Mendoza, Argentina) Malbec 2014
($14, Aveniu Brands): This big red wine has considerable polish, in part, no doubt, because Codorníu Argentina, a subsidiary of the great Spanish wine-producing firm, owns Bodega Septima. This juicy wine manages concentration without going over the edge. The tannins are mild, especially considering the overall size of the wine, which means it’s very approachable now and would be a good choice for grilled beef this summer.… Read more
Susana Balbo, Argentina () Torrontes “Crios” 2014
($15, Vine Connections): Malbec is Argentina’s signature red grape, while Torrontés is that country’s signature white. Fresh and floral with hints of white flowers and snappy acidity, Susana Balbo’s 2014 Torrontés is bottled springtime. The barest hint of sweetness in the finish makes it perfect as a poolside aperitif or to accompany spiced summer salads.… Read more
Susana Balbo, Mendoza (Argentina) Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
($25, Vine Connections): Susana Balbo is a leading Argentine producer — and this well-priced Cabernet Sauvignon confirms it. It has a bit of everything — great aromatics, a hint of minerals, and black fruit flavors — but it’s all in check. … Read more
Argento, Mendoza (Argentina) Pinot Grigio 2013
($13, Blends Inc.): To their credit, winemakers throughout Argentina are experimenting with a plethora of grape varieties to see which actually work in their unique climate. It seems that Pinot Grigio, at least this one, works. A floral impression in the clean, bright and refreshing wine allows you to enjoy it either as an evening aperitif this summer or with linguine and clam sauce this summer.… Read more
Nieto Senetiner, Mendoza (Argentina) Malbec “Camila” 2013
($10, Foley Family Wines): Full disclosure, Malbec is not my favorite wine because all too often I find it overblown and just too big. So imagine my surprise when I ran across this one. It’s refined — not a word commonly used to describe Malbec — with a lovely texture and freshness. … Read more
Nieto Senetiner, Mendoza (Argentina) Bonardo 2012
($13, Foley Family Wines): Bonarda may, indeed, rival Malbec for Argentina’s top red grape. This extraordinary value example shows why. A hearty red with even a hint of tarriness, this Bonarda has polished tannins, making it a great choice for robust beef dish now. … Read more
Nieto Senetiner, Valle de Cafayate (Salta, Argentina) Torrontés 2013
($11, Foley Family Wines): Torrontés, Argentina’s signature white grape, is gaining in popularity as consumers realize the zingy wine, such as this one, it can produce and, at a bargain price. Fresh, clean and zippy, Nieto Senetiner’s curiously has a whiff of mintiness that lends roundness, which actually allows consumer to enjoy it as a stand-alone aperitif. … Read more
Nieto Senetiner, Mendoza (Argentina) Pinot Noir 2013
($13, Foley Family Wines): Pinot Noir is not likely to replace Malbec as Argentina’s signature red grape, but this wine will still get your attention. Thankfully, not overworked, this Pinot Noir is fruity and fresh. To their credit, Nieto Senetiner is keeping it simple with this bright Pinot Noir, not trying to make a bargain-priced wine into something “important.” … Read more
Mapema, Mendoza (Argentina) Sauvignon Blanc 2011
($12, Vine Connections): This high energy edgy Sauvignon Blanc will cut through any food you put on the table. It’s grassy and electrifying and so enlivening that it could wake the dead. But it’s a really good Sauvignon Blanc–as long as you embrace that citrus-infused herbal style–and at a great price.… Read more
Achaval Ferrer, Mendoza (Argentina) Malbec 2013
($25, Stoli Group USA): To my mind, Malbec is an overrated grape often producing a heavy monotonous red wine. Thankfully, Achaval Ferrer’s is neither. It’s certainly a robust meaty wine, but vibrant acidity keeps it fresh and imparts life. There’s plenty of plumy black fruit — which does make for engaging pairing with charcoal grilled beef — but it’s a black cherry-like tartness in the finish that brings you back for another glass.… Read more
Achaval Ferrer, Mendoza (Argentina) Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
($25, Stoli Group USA): Achaval Ferrer produces an easy-to-recommend Malbec and this Cabernet Sauvignon shows they are more than a one-horse show. Their Cabernet has the same energy and acidity of their Malbec, but, as a plus in my mind, more herbal savory notes — even a touch of green olive. … Read more
Alamos, Mendoza (Argentina) Chardonnay 2012
($13): This “Goldilocks” kind of Chardonnay is a wonderful value. Not too heavy — nor too light — it has enough acidity to carry it with food but not too much verve that would disqualify it from being enjoyed as an aperitif. … Read more
Alamos, Salta (Argentina) Torrontés 2013
($13): Alamos’ Torrontés, Argentina’s signature white grape, has an engaging Muscat-like fragrance. Fresh and clean, it finishes with the barest hint of sweetness, but buttressing acidity prevents it from being cloying. Grab a bottle — or two — this summer the next time you’re having sushi or spiced Asian fare.… Read more
Tomero, Mendoza (Argentina) Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
($13, Blends Inc): Usually big sized reds, like this one, have big sized tannins to accompany the concentration. Not here. This is a big and ripe Cabernet with hardly noticeable tannins and sour cherry finish.
85 Michael Apstein Mar 11, 2014… Read more
Gascón, Mendoza (Argentina) Malbec 2012
($15, Gascon USA): Gascón’s Malbecs have gotten more interesting over the years. Years ago, when they first made their appearance on these shores, I dismissed them as big simple red wines. The current version, the 2012, is still big, but simplicity has been replaced by an intriguing floral character, subtle dark cherry-like notes and even an appealing hint of bitterness in the finish. … Read more
Tomero, Mendoza (Argentina) Torrontés 2012
($17, Blends Inc.): Torrontés, Argentina’s signature white grape, with its lightness and delicacy, is at the opposite end of the spectrum from that country’s emblematic red grape, Malbec. Honeysuckle, but without the sweetness, springs to mind after one whiff and taste of Tomero’s 2012 Torrontés. … Read more
Don Miguel Gascon, Mendoza (Argentina) “Colosal” Red Blend
2012 ($15, Gascon USA): The name says it all. This blend of Malbec, Bonarda, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon delivers subtly sweet, almost jammy, ripe black fruit flavors enveloped with plush tannins that results in a soft and forward wine. Good by itself, it would also work well with robust fare.… Read more
Alamos, Mendoza (Argentina) Malbec 2012
($13, Alamos USA): This Malbec combines juicy succulent black fruit-like flavors with soft tannins that lend just the right amount of structure. Big, but not overpowering, this fleshy wine is a great value. What it lacks in complexity it makes up for with its price. … Read more
Bodega DiamAndes, Valle de Uco (Mendoza, Argentina) “Perlita” 2011
($13, Henry Wine Group): This “entry level” wine from DiamAndes, a Malbec (80%) Syrah blend is a good choice for this summer’s BBQs. The additional of Syrah to the blend and the talents of the winemaking team means this is not another “fruit bomb” Malbec.… Read more
Bodega DiamAndes, Valle de Uco (Mendoza, Argentina) Malbec 2010
($20, Henry Wine Group): The Bonnie family who owns the Cru Classé Graves property, Château Malartic-Lagravière, have shown, with their project in Argentina, that their talents are not limited to Bordeaux. Their Argentine wines are a unique and stunning combination of New World fruitiness and Old World structure.… Read more
Gascón, Mendoza (Argentina) “Colosal” 2011
($15, Gascon USA): The name says it all. Made from a blend of Malbec, Bonarda, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s a big juicy fruit forward wine with supple tannins. Easy to sip for those who like that style, Colosal would also go well with full flavored pasta dishes.… Read more
Susana Balbo, Mendoza (Argentina) “Crios Rosé of Malbec” 2012
($15, Vine Connections): Susana Balbo is one of Argentina’s best and most reliable producers. Her wines are a fine place to start when exploring Argentine wines because she stratifies them into at least two levels based on quality. The Crios label is the lower one and consistently offers a good price/quality ratio. … Read more
Susana Balbo, Mendoza (Argentina) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
($27, Vine Connections): Susana Balbo, one of Argentina great winemakers, has put together an easy-to-recommend wine by blending a small amount of Malbec (10%) with the Cabernet Sauvignon. Malbec adds an extra dimension to this fruit-forward weighty wine whose supple tannins allow for current consumption. … Read more
Alamos, Mendoza (Argentina) Malbec “Selección” 2010
($14, Alamos USA): This Malbec falls into the category of a big red wine with soft tannins. The emphasis is on the ripe lush black fruit flavors. Easy enough to sip by itself because it’s so ripe, it’s a good choice for those seeking a fruity red to pair with mid-winter fare.… Read more
Alamos, Mendoza (Argentina) Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
($10, Alamos USA): Argentina has become the place to find solid wines that deliver more than the price suggests. And here’s another one of them. One of the finest ten dollar Cabernets I have tasted, it delivers ripe, yet not sweet, fruit surrounded by suave tannins.… Read more
Alamos, Salta (Argentina) Torrontés 2011
($13, Alamos USA): Despite representing only about 10 percent of Argentina’s white wine vineyards, Torrontés is rapidly becoming that country’s signature white wine grape. In Alamos’s current rendition, floral, Muscat-like aromas leap from the glass. Bright acidity prevents the ever so slight hint of sweetness from turning cloying and adds overall balance. … Read more