May 20, 2017
Buenos Aires Argentina to Portland! Malbec Madness
1. 2012 El Enemigo Mendoza
Alejandro Vigil's El Enemigo wines are worth jumping on if you like full-bodied, robust Argentinean reds. This is typically smoky and dark up front, with molasses, marzipan and blackberry aromas. The palate clamps down with tannic grip, while flavors of oak, blackberry, tobacco, vanilla and spices end briary and with subtlety, which is what makes this powerful wine so good. Drink through 2019. Rated 93 Wine Enthusiast Magazine
2. 2013 Superuco Calcareo Malbec Granito de Tupungato Uco Valley ($40)
"The 2013 Calcáreo Granito de Tupungato starts with lactic notes followed by ripe plum and ripe skin aromas from grapes grown at higher altitude, closer to the sun. It is a bit wild. The palate is tremendously mineral, with a chalky texture and incredible length. The tannins are ultra-fine and the wine is compact, very harmonious. This is the more austere and mineral of the three. Awesome value!" Rated 95 WINE ADVOCATE “This is so sexy and polished. Full-bodied, yet refined and long. Seamless and ethereal. Drink or hold.” Rated 96 JAMES SUCKLING
3. 2014 Zorzal Eggo Tinto de Tiza, Tupungato Mendoza
“The 2014 Eggo Tinto de Tiza is a blend from three different vineyards in Tupungato Winelands in Gualtallary. It’s a blend of mostly Malbec with some Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. As is the case with the whole Eggo range, the wine didn’t see any oak, and in this case it was matured in egg-shaped cement vats for one year. There are violets, plums, dark cherries and something earthy. This is slightly riper than the 2013. The medium-bodied palate has is fresh with a silky texture, pure flavors and a mineral-driven finish. At this price I’d buy it by the case. Super!” Wine Advocate 94 points
4. 2013 Bodega Norton Malbec Reserva Mendoza
The 2013 Reserva Malbec is a 50/50 blend of grapes from Uco and Luján. The nose has lactic aromas intermixed with sweet spices, ripe fruit and some flowers. The soft palate has a sweet texture, good tension and acidity with nicely integrated oak. They have reduced the oak in all their wines since 2011. One million bottles are produced. This is the bestseller of the winery.Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate
This screaming violet-colored chunkster is big and blocky up front, with aromas of vitamins and grapy black fruits. A giant palate holds big tannins, while heady flavors of black plum and oak spice finish minty, toasty and with power.Wine Enthusiast Magazine
5. 2014 Phebus Malbec Reserva Patagonia
The 2014 Phebus Patagonia Reserva Malbec wants to showcase the Patagonian character of Malbec--fruit-driven, intense and elegant--and makes a good job of it. It combines aromas of violets with ripe cherries and sweet spices. The palate keeps good balance, moderate acidity and shows fine-grained tannins. Very pleasant and accessible. Rated 90 The Wine Advocate
6. 2015 Atrevida Malbec Mendoza
"Aromas of dark fruit and bark follow through to a full body, silky tannins and a fruity finish. Reserved and delicious." Rated 92 James Suckling
7. 2013 Finca Los Maza Malbec Reserva Valle de Uco Mendoza
"Lots of pepper and spice aromas with dried fruits. Full body plus juicy fruit with lots of dried berry and fig undertones. Ripe style." Rated 91 James Suckling Pairs well with meats and flavorful tomato pastas.
8. 2013 Superuco Calcareo Malbec Granito de Tupungato Uco Valley
"The 2013 Calcáreo Granito de Tupungato starts with lactic notes followed by ripe plum and ripe skin aromas from grapes grown at higher altitude, closer to the sun. It is a bit wild. The palate is tremendously mineral, with a chalky texture and incredible length. The tannins are ultra-fine and the wine is compact, very harmonious. This is the more austere and mineral of the three. Awesome value!" 95 POINTS WINE ADVOCATE “This is so sexy and polished. Full-bodied, yet refined and long. Seamless and ethereal. Drink or hold.” 96 POINTS JAMES SUCKLING
9. 2013 Corazon del Sol Gran Reserva Malbec Revana Vineyard Mendoza
"This limited-production Malbec is produced from the top 12 barrels of the 'Revana Vineyard'. An authentic expression of high-elevation Malbec from one of Argentina's rockiest vineyard sites." The nose (aroma) features "black plum, black cherry, cocoa nibs, and violets." On the palate there are complex dark fruits with tinges of licorice and ultra fine tannins with lively fresh fruit acidity.
10. 2015 Corazon Del Sol Malbec Mendoza Uco Valley
“An authentic expression of high-elevation Malbec from some of the rockiest soils in the Uco Valley. Fresh, floral, and vibrant with plenty of natural grape tannin and structure to evolve for years.” The nose is “black raspberry, crushed violets, earth, and plums.” Palate is “vibrant fresh fruits with elegant fine tannins and benchmark high-elevation Malbec acidity.” Winery
11. BONUS Wine: 2013 Corazon Del Sol Revana Vineyard ‘Luminoso’ - blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvédre grapes
“Argentina’s first GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvédre) ever produced.” From our 3 acre parcel of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvédre planted along the ancient river bed (Arroyo Grande) on the Western edge of Uco Valley at 3,450’ in elevation. The nose features black raspberry, clove, strawberry, and black cherry. On the palate there is “spicy red fruit with vibrant acidity and a firm dark fruit tannin structure with plentiful length and elegance.” Winery