A few cheapies with Lou

With jam-packed work and personal calendars it is hard for Lou and I to meet up.  We carved out a few hours the other day to sit at the peninsula and drink several inexpensive wines.  The 2007 Carmelo Patti, Cabernet Sauvignon, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza was expectedly my favorite of the red wines.  After drinking a bottle in Seattle I brought one back to share with Lou and Jenn.  This bottle was more youthful than the first with a good balance between texture, fruit, green pepper, and minerals.  It is a good, old-school drink.  The 1990 Colle Bereto, Il Tocco, Tuscany is an inexpensive wine from a great vintage.  The vintage expresses itself through the ripe black fruit with the age coming in through leather and wood notes.  It is fully mature with some roast earth marking it as on the down slope.  Finally, the bottle of 1996 Moulin des Sablons, Chinon was surprisingly marked on the back label as “Mevushal 89 °C” meaning it is a Kosher wine.  Unfortunately, it was exposed to 192 °F  in being made Kosher which meant it was doomed in the glass.

2007 Carmelo Patti, Cabernet Sauvignon, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza – $26
Imported by SWG Imports.  This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that was fermented then aged in concrete for 12 months then aged a further 12 months in French oak.  Alcohol 14%.  A gentle ripeness of black fruit mixes with an appropriate amount of an herbal/green pepper component.  The texture is slightly grainy with mid palate weight and a round, mineral-like finish.  ***(*) Now – 2023.

1990 Colle Bereto, Il Tocco, Tuscany
Imported by Olinger Distributing Co. This wine is 100% Sangiovese. Alcohol 12.5%.  A woodsy wine that is fresh and crisp, beginning with up-front ripeness but finishing dry.  There are hard cherry flavors, focused weight, wood, and dried leather in the finish.  It is fully developed with a little roast end in the end from age.  It does not fall apart in the glass.  *** Now.

1996 Moulin des Sablons, Chinon
Imported by the Royal Wine Corp.  Alcohol 12.5%.  Mevushal 89 °C.  Brown, cooked, gross! Not Rated.

Century old images of Bodegas Santa Ana in Argentina

In 1910, the weekly Argentine magazine Caras y Caretas published extensive photographs and summarized descriptions of major Argentine wineries. The photographs focus in on buildings, rooms, barrels, and machinery rather than harvesting and wine making.  One featured winery is Bodegas Santa Ana of Mendoza.  It was founded in 1891 by Senor Kalless and Senor Tirasso and is still in operation today.  The winery initially produced 35,000 bottles of Bordeaux style wine such as Medoc and Sauternes but also Pinot Noir and even Champagne.  I have selected five images for your pleasure.

A Recent Pair of Tasty Wines

Both of these wines are full of flavor which is undeniable after a few hours of air.  I suspect the 2010 Casar de Burbia, Casar could use with a few months of cellar time.  This is serious, more concentrated Mencia.  The 2010 Montesco, Passionate Wine, Parral received a very high score which was hard to avoid and ignore.  Despite my skepticism, I really enjoyed the savory flavors and ample mouthfeel.  It is a full but not overdone experience.  I definitely recommend you try both of these selections.  These wines were purchased at MacArthur Beverages.

2010 Casar de Burbia, Casar, Bierzo – $20
Imported by South River Imports.  This wine is 100% Mencia aged 8 months in French (American?) oak.  Alcohol 13.5%.  With air the wine unfolds a little to reveal blue, black, and violet fruit.  The flavors have some weight before a little tangy note comes out followed by some wood.  The wine oscillates as it takes on air, sometimes showing a little vanilla and other times a watering acidity.  The structure develops with air making fine, drying tannins stick on the insides of the cheeks.  Good flavors, serious Mencia.  *** Now-2019.

2010 Montesco, Passionate Wine, Parral, Mendoza – $22
Imported by Monsieur Touton.  This wine is a blend of 40% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 40% Bonarda sourced from 30+ year old vines which spent 12 months in French and American oak. Alcohol 14%.  There was a sweet nose of deep blue and black fruit.  In the mouth were rich but not overpowering flavors with a savory presence on the tongue.  It had thickness, decent complexity, minerals in the finish, and was spicy throughout.  With air it takes on some earth and rounds out.  It becomes a touch forceful after much air but has good flavors.  **** Now-2019.

Did I Save $200 by Drinking 2012 Chakana Estate?

The 2012 Chakana Estate Selection, Malbec and 2012 Chakana Estate Selection, Red Blend recently hit the shelves in Washington, DC.  They are a bit hard to ignore because Robert Parker rated the Red Blend 95 Points declaring, “If this were a Napa Valley or Bordeaux red, it would undoubtedly be priced between $150.00-200.00.”   I recently opened both of these bottles then tasted them after being double-decanted for three hours.  They were both tight and not too interesting so I put them back in the Eurocave.  The next day I tried them again.  The Malbec had clean fruit but there was a bit too much oak for me.  The Red Blend was certainly a step up in quality.  Though it remained tight on the nose and in flavor, it had some good components and an incredible aftertaste.  I kept marveling at the wine because the flavors in the aftertaste were exceedingly expansive and persistent.  Even more so than when I had wine in my mouth.   But that is the hitch, I was technically captivated rather than emotionally.  I would be upset if I spent $200 on this wine but at $27 I would stash one away to see if it eventually opens up.  These wines are available at MacArthur Beverages.

2012 Chakana Estate Selection, Malbec, Mendoza – $20
Imported by Kysela Pere et Fils.  This wine is 100% Malbec which was fermented in stainless steel then aged for 18 months in new and used French oak barrels. Alcohol 14.5%.  There were subtle hints of dark red fruit and warmth on the nose.  In the mouth were fresh red and black fruit which alternated between a creamy and rugged feel.  This youthful wine has a firm nature with a slightly rough finish with alternating notes of vanilla and oak. ** Now-2023.

2012 Chakana Estate Selection, Red Blend, Mendoza – $27
Imported by Kysela Pere et Fils.  This wine is a blend of 60% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Shiraz which was fermented in stainless steel then aged for 10 months in 100% new French oak. Alcohol 14.5%.  The nose remained subtle and tight.  In the mouth were fresh, pure fruit flavors which played it close.  There was some cool density to the increasingly purple fruit flavors.   There was a really good aftertaste with black minerals.  In fact the aftertaste was more intense than the finish with drying but not dry structure.  Eventually, assertive, citric tannins came out.  ***/***(*) Now-2025.

A Pair of Southern Hemisphere Wines

I must admit I have been distracted this week by a new line of research I have started.  That has not only revealed material for an interesting post but also yet another line of research.  Today I have thoroughly enjoyed diving into several online archives from around the world.  I need to staff a research department for the blog.  The 2008 Bodega Mendel, Malbec is from serious only vines which have made for a strong but young wine.  Keep it in the cellar a few more years.  The NV Campebells, Rutherglen Tokay is at least a few years old.  Due to labeling requirements they cannot use the Tokay name anymore.  As of 2010 Tokay is not Topaque.   This particular half-bottle was way too much for me and probably best served as a small pour.   The Mendel was purchased at MacArthur Beverages and the Campbells at Wide World of Wines.

2008 Bodega Mendel, Malbec, Mendoza – 
Imported by Vine Connections.  This wine is 100% Malbec sourced from vines planted in 1928 in Lujan de Cuyo at 1000 meters.  The fruit was fermented in small tanks then aged for 12 months in 60% used and 40% new French oak.  Alcohol 13.9%.  The nose was a little pungent.  In the mouth there was some power to the wine as finely ripe, blackberry and red fruit showed some assertiveness.  The flavors were drier and leaner with black minerals combining with the tannins in the structure.  The structure was left on the lips.  with air there was a hint of savory herbs but not minty.  **(*) 2015-2022.

NV Campbells, Tokay, Rutherglen –  (375 mL)
Imported by Click Imports.  This wine is 100% Muscadelle.  Alcohol 17%.  The color was a medium tawny amber.  In the mouth there were flavors of dried apricots mixed with grainy, moist fruit.  This wine was rich and sweet with some caramel and lots of residual sugar.  Despite the sweetness there was enough acidity to this weighty wine.  With air the flavors of dried apricots and raisins continued.  Too rich for me but others might like this.  ** Now-2022.

Domingo Molino and Durigutti From Argentina

In light of Andy’s Hand-Carried Malbec from Mendoza tasting I thought it would be fun to feature three wines produced by Bodega Domingo Molino and Familia Durigutti.  Domingo Molino is located in the Salta Province which is found at the northern end of Argentina.  These are truly high altitude wines since the vineyards are located between 6,600 and 7,400 feet in elevation!  Some wineries have even higher elevation vineyards making them the highest in the world.  Some 600-700 miles south lies Mendoza where the Durigutti is located.  The fruit for this wine is sourced from the La Consulta vineyard which is located at 3,300 feet in elevation.

Apparently Salta is known for its Torrontes and upon first sniff of the 2012 Hermanos, Torrontes I could smell why.   It is aromatic, flavorful, and tasty making it my favorite of the three.  I was surprised as I am generally a red wine lover.  The 2011 Hermanos, Malbec-Tannat has a distinct cocoa aroma and flavor.  Despite being from very high elevation vineyards, the coolness must be tempered by the abundance of sunlight for it was a touch too lush for me.  Jenn preferred it, in terms of the two reds, for me one glass at a time was fine.  The 2008 Valle las Nencias, Malbec seems to have defied its extra bottle age for the floral Violets have a youthful delicacy and coolness.  It was my favorite of the two red wines.  My recommendation is that at this price range you should try all three.  These wines are available at MacArthur Beverages.

2012 Bodega Domingo Molino, Hermanos, Torrontes, Valle de Cafayate, Salta – $14
Imported by Vine Connections.  This wine is 100% Torrontes sourced from 25-year-old ungrafted vines sourced from vineyards at 5,600 feet.  It was vinified in stainless steel  The medium strength nose was very aromatic with nuts and a hint of peach.  The mouth follows the nose with a crisp entry of fruit then builds in flavor and expands with weight.  It became tart on the sides of the tongue with midpalate white fruit, minerals, and lemon.  Good length.  *** Now-2014.

2011 Bodega Dominogo Molino, Hermanos, Malbec-Tannat, Valle de Cafayate, Salta – $14
Imported by Vine Connections.  This wine is a blend of 70% Malbec and 30% Tannat.  Alcohol 13.9%.  The nose was light+ with sweet fruit aromas, cocoa, and heavy berries.  The mouth began with cocoa flavored fruit, red and black, vanilla, and an almost lush personality.  It was even more lush on the second night but a little vein of black perfumed fruit gave the wine focus.  ** Now-2014.

2008 Familia Durigutti, Valle las Nencias, Malbec Reserva – Mendoza – $12
Imported by Bertin Henry Imports.  This wine is 100% Malbec sourced from 16-year-old ungrafted  vines from the La Consulta vineyard located at 1000m.  It was fermented with indigenous yeasts then aged for 8-12 months in used French oak.  Alcohol 14.2%.  The nose was light with a little perfume, floral notes, and a touch of smoke.  With air some berries came out.  In the mouth there was grapey, black fruit which followed the nose with floral flavors evocative of violets.  It took on some weight and blacker fruit towards the finish.  There were grapey tannins in this elegant, cooler Malbec.  ** Now-2015.

Hand-Carried Wines From Argentina

This past Friday I was invited by Andy to be his guest as part of a rotating series of tastings. He is part of a tasting group where the members each take turns hosting. The group includes wine and food lovers, some of which I have mentioned before on this blog: Phil, Roland, David, Alessandro, and others. The host picks the theme for the tasting, acquires all of the wines, and also cooks dinner. I have twice been Phil’s guest where we tasted 2000 Bordeaux and German Wines. Having a sense of the interesting wines drunk in the past and the good food, I was quite excited for this tasting. When I arrived Andy was finishing up the mushrooms and bok choy. To accompany the finished appetizers of oxtail empanadas and lamb shish-kebab were bottles of 2011 Crocker & Starr, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley and 2012? De Morgenzon, Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch. The former was drinking well since I last tasted it in June 2012, it is certainly a weighty Sauvignon Blanc and tastes more expensive than the De Morgenzon, Chenin Blanc, which was a solid glass.

Once everyone arrived we sat down for the red wines. Eight different shaped decanters greeted us at the dinning table. Andy had decanted all of the wines at 3pm so by the time we tasted them they had seen close to five hours of air. Over the course of the first six wines we all tried to guess what the theme was. Most were very dark in the glass. The first wine was a bit more floral and young in its fruit. This was in contrast to the third wine which was complex and showed some bottle age. Spain and more specifically, Priorat were called out. The fourth wine had pretty violets but also vanilla from barrels. There were feelings that the wines were New World. The fifth wine certainly did not help, it was noticeably lighter and rougher, so many thought it was a ringer, perhaps French. Andy was able to confirm it was not a good bottle. The sixth wine threw me for a loop. It was the most powerful yet and seemed the most alcoholic, reminding me of a Petit Sirah from California. I began to think we were drinking West Coast Syrah and Petit Sirah blends. Everyone was getting very curious, Andy said they were not Californian. They certainly were not from South Africa nor Australia. Brazil? Nope. It turns out they were from Argentina. The final theme was revealed as Malbec based wines from Mendoza, all of which Andy had carried back in his suitcase from his trips to Argentina.

With the wines revealed we tucked into the giant, salt-crusted rib roast, bok choy, mushrooms, and tater tots. I also grabbed a fifth oxtail empanada. The wines definitely stood up well to the meat fest. The 2011 Passionate Wine, Demente was certainly a pretty wine, interesting, young, and different from the others. Of course the bottle did not list the blend and quick internet searches failed to turn up results. Was there Carignan in it? It turns out it was almost half Cabernet Franc, a varietal not encountered in any of the other wines. My favorite was the 2004 O. Fournier, Alfa Crux. It was taking on some maturity, which I liked, but also continued to develop in the glass. In contrast the 2003 Catena Zapata, Angelica Zapata tasted older and tired by the end of the evening. The 2007 Margot, Celedonia was a very nice wine too for its meaty nose, black fruit, and graphite. The 2006 Durigutti Familia, Malbec had a lot of going one but was a big wine with ample ripe fruit, a bit too much for me.

In the end it was an interesting tasting and in retrospect I can see how they were all Malbec based wines. Still knowing that, it is quite amazing how powerful these high-altitude wines may be. Perhaps it is simply a lack of experience with Argentine wines. Andy also brought out a bottle of Argentine grappa. With all of the meat I had consumed I imagine I was impervious to the effects of alcohol but after such an array of dark wines my palate was tired. Others were too for we paid our respects then headed out into the cold. Many thanks to Andy for inviting me, for sharing such treasures, and providing an excellent dinner. Below you will find my brief notes presented in the order the wines were tasted.

#1 – 2011 Passionate Wine, Demente, Gualtallary, Mendoza –
This wine is a blend of 65% (actually 55%) Malbec and 45% Cabernet Franc which were co-fermented with indigenous yeasts then was aged for 12 months in French oak barriques. Alcohol 13.9%. The color was very dark and young-looking. The light nose first offered meaty aromas then became floral with air. In the mouth the fruit had a sweet note in its compact delivery. It was a touch brighter, still young with red acidity and blacker fruit in the finish. There were fine tannins to this younger wine with nice fruit.

#2 – 2007 Bodega Margot, Celedonio, Gran Malbec, Tupungato, Mendoza –
This wine is 100% Malbec sourced from vines at 1,050 meters which was aged for eight months in used French barriques. Alcohol 13.4%. This was not as dark as #1 with its grapey purple color with a touch of cherry. The nose was light and tight with an initial aromas of dark fruit and low-lying meaty aromas. In the mouth the black fruit was tight but of fine quality. There were black fruit and graphite flavors, tangy acidity, and a lighter finish. The tannins with rather fine. The wine left a lighter and brighter impression.

#3 – 2004 O. Fournier, Alfa Crux, Red Blend, Valle de Uco, Mendoza –
This wine is a blend of 50% Tempranillo, 30% Malbec, and 20% Merlot sourced from vineyards at 1,100 meters. It was fermented in stainless steel vats then aged for 20 months in new oak barrels of which 80% were French and 20% American. The color was very dark with a garnet cherry color indicating perhaps some age. The nose was light and tight with dark aromas. In the mouth the fruit was riper with berry flavors and a fresh middle. There was good wood box flavors which complemented the notes of bottle age that came out with air. The ripe tannins in the finish coated the teeth. A richer wine but very nice.

#4 – 2008 Bodega Lamadrid, Malbec, Gran Reserva, Single Vineyard Agrelo, Mendoza –
This wine is 100% Malbec sourced from 80+ year old vines from the Agrelo vineyard at 980 meters. It was fermented with indigenous yeasts in epoxy lined concrete tanks, underwent malolactic fermentation, and was aged 16 months in French oak barrels. Alcohol 13.9%. The color was medium-dark. In the mouth there was ripe fruit again, violets, blacker fruit, and a sweet note of vanilla in the finish. The nice tannins were spicy. The fruit did not last as long as the other wines. A solid drink.

#5 – 2010 Roberto Bonfanti, Malbec Alfa, Gran Reserva, Mendoza –
This wine is 100% Malbec sourced from 85 year old vines which was aged for 24 months in French barriques. Alcohol 15.3%. The color was a medium grapey garnet. The light nose was thinner with a touch of tropical greenhouse aromas. In the mouth the flavors started ripe and sweet but were lighter in body with some focus. It was touch in the finish and clearly not up to the level of the previous bottles. Andy confirmed this was a poor bottle.

#6 – 2008 Vinedos & Bodega Carinae, Prestige, Mendoza –
This wine is a blend of 70% Malbec, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Syrah which was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. Alcohol 15%. The color was very dark. In the mouth the flavors had density, ripe fruit, and a powerful nature. It tasted like Californian Petit Sirah. Again powerful, felt high in alcohol with a little heat in the aftertaste. It became spicy and silky but with very fine, powerful tannins. It left a salty impression, which I liked.

#7 – 2003 Bodega Catena Zapata, Angelica Zapata, Malbec Alta –
This wine is 100% Malbec sourced from five lots between 3117-4757 feet in elevation. It was aged for 18 months in 50% new French oak barrels. Alcohol 13.8%. The color was very dark again. The nose was nice, complex, and had a little lifted red fruit. There was a savory, big start in the mouth but it was not heavy. This made way to lighter, tart red fruit with a hazy denseness. It showed some balance with a tart finish. Upon revisiting it had not developed. A solid drink.

#8 – 2006 Durigutti Familia, Malbec, Mendoza –
This wine is a blend of 85% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Bonard, 3% Syrah, and 3% Cabernet Franc planted in the 1940s, which was aged for 20 months in 100% new French oak. Alcohol 14.5%. In the glass it was a medium dark grapey color. There was powdery fruit on the nose. In the mouth the fruit with ripe with some sweetness, very nice with spices, weight, and a touch more red fruit. It was a little spicy in the finish.

Notes From the Dump Bin

On a recent visit to MacArthur Beverages I picked up more dump bin materials.  There are a number of reasons why a bottle might be dumped.  In this case the Clos de los Siete had an incredibly stained label and the two other bottles showed signs of leakage.  I do not normally buy leakers but after having recent success with the 2007 Coudoulet de Beaucastel, I thought, why not?  Under the foil the La Bastide Saint Dominique had a purple and white stained neck but the top of the cork looked normal.  The fill was high and in breaking the cork in half it looked like some wine might have made its way through it.  The wine itself was in outstanding condition and thoroughly enjoyable.  The Domaine de la Mordoree showed a very thick, jam like vein of leakage alongside the bottle and slightly lower fill.  I quickly identified the culprit as a thin fold on the side of the cork.  Now I am not advocating you start purchasing bottles with signs of leakage, certainly not fresh leakage.  But the right bottle at the right price might yield a pleasant surprise.

2008 Clos de los Siete, Mendoza –
Imported by Dourthe USA.  Alcohol 14.6%.  This wine is a blend of 56% Malbec, 21% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Syrah, and 2% Petit Verdot.  The light nose revealed dark aromas, roast earth, and became a little pungent with air.  In the mouth there were dark, robust fruit flavors, roast earth, and a touch of salt.  There was soft weight to the wine a little vanilla note, and fine textured, ripe tannins in both the finish and aftertaste.  With air it showed good integration of acidity, good grip, and blackness.  *** Now-2023.

2010 La Bastide Saint Dominique, Chateauneuf du Pape –
Imported by Simon N Cellars.  This wine is a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre, and 5% Cinsault sourced from 25-80 year old vines.  It was aged for 18 months.  Alcohol 15%.  The color was a medium cherry garnet.  The light nose revealed deep dark fruit and brambly red berries.  In the mouth there was dense, almost grainy blue and red fruit along with notes of wood box.  The finish was full of black fruit with some fruit liquor, grainy ripeness, and a minerally black fruit aftertaste.  This wine has power and a rounded personality.  There were some very fine tannins in the aftertaste.  ***(*) Now-2028.

2009 Domaine de la Mordoree, La Reine des Bois, Lirac –
Imported by Kysela Pere et Fils.  This wine is a blend of 33% Grenache, 33% Mourvedre, and 33% Syrah sourced from 40-year-old vines.  It is aged in a combination of enameled steel tanks, oak barrels, and oak tuns.  Alcohol 14.5%.  There was a light to medium strength nose of Kirsch and black fruit.  In the mouth there was a bit of roast earth, black and red fruit, fine structure, and closely held ripeness.  There was a powerful fine tannic structure on both nights, almost too powerful.  If this resolves with time it might merit a higher score.  *** 2018-2023.

A Tasty and Affordable Wine From Argentina

With the 75th running of the International Gold Cup this Saturday I am in complete planning and execution mode for our tailgate party.  For those curious you may follow my Tweets @TimberAndBrush.  But I am still tasting new wines and hope to share them with you.  During the evenings I am focusing on vintage race results so right now I am preferring inexpensive wines.  This random selection pleasantly pleased us yesterday night.  I would drink more at this price point.  This wine is available at MacArthur Beverages.

2010 Bodegas Diamandes, Perlita, Mendoza – $11
Imported by Dourthe USA.  This wine is a blend of 80% Malbec and 20% Syrah.  It was fermented in stainless steel then aged for eight months in 80% used and 20% new French oak barrels.  Alcohol 14.5%  The nose is light, young, and full of violets. In the mouth there is cool blue and black fruit, lifted and youthful.  It slowly develops a little juiciness, some ripeness, and the acidity comes out in the finish.  There is a little weight, textured tannins, and stoney structure.  Completely satisfying for the short-term.  ** Now-2016.

Tasting Wines with Potomac Selections at MacArthur Beverages

This week I stopped by MacArthur Beverages to pick up some recently arrived wines.  To my excitement John Spina of Potomac Selections was pouring six of his wines.  It is bound to be fun when half of the wines are at least six years old!  My favorite wine was the Lopez de Heredia, Cubillo for its interesting aromas and combination of maturity and youthfulness.  The Buil & Gine is a fun, vigorous wine which is evocative of Montsant.  The wines of Domaine de Monpertuis seem to be popping up lately with this Cotes du Rhone showing well.  The Hacienda del Plata is a fresh, strong value in Argentine wines.  Of the whites the White Rock balanced ripe fruit and oak with acidity and structure.  The richly aromatic nose of the Charles Schleret was good fun to smell.  Below you will find my brief impressions of these wines.  Note, I used a glass which my nose barely fit in.

2009 White Rock, Chardonnay, Napa Valley – $28
This wine is 100% Chardonnay which was fermented in barrel with 15% undergoing malolactic fermentation with indigenous yeasts.  It was aged on the lees for 10 months in 5% new French oak. Alcohol 13.9%.  The color is a light yellow.  The medium strength nose revealed some ripe, textured fruit and sweet oak.  In the mouth the flavors were a bit tropical showing more restraint than the nose.  The yellow fruit had a moderate richness which was framed in some structure containing some acidity and light wood notes.  Drink over the short-term.

2005 Charles Schleret, Riesling Herrenweg, Alsace – $26
Imported by Neal Rosenthal. This wine is 100% Riesling which was fermented in stainless steel tanks.  The color was a light+ vibrant yellow-green.  The nose was rich with finely textured aromas of yellow fruit and underlying tropical notes.  In the mouth it was very focused with soft flavors, a little dry in delivery, floral notes, a nice mouth feel, and some tannins and spice in the aftertaste.  For drinking now.

2005 Bodegas R. Lopez de Heredia, Cubillo, Crianza, Rioja – $25
Imported by Think Global Wines.  This wine is a blend of 65% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacho, 5% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo which was fermented in large oak vats and aged for three years in barrel. TA 6 g/l, Alcohol 13%.  The color was a medium garnet.  The medium strength nose revealed maturing aromas of red fruit.  In the mouth there was fresh cherry fruit with very lively sour acidity, a little grip, fresh fruit, and some mature wood notes.  Drinkable now but will be fine over the next five years or so.

2010 Domaine de Monpertuis, Cotes du Rhone – $18
Imported by Neal Rosenthal.  This wine is a blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah. The fruit was fermented and aged in cement vats.  I thought this bottle was softer and more approachable that what I have previous tried.  The fruit was lively with flavors of violets and pepper.  Well done and drinkable now.

2006 Buil & Gine, Baboix, Montsant – $26
Imported by Think Global Wines.  This wine is a blend of Grenache, Carignan, Merlot, Tempranillo, and Cabernet Sauvignon which underwent malolactic fermentation then was aged for 12 months in French and American oak.  Alcohol 14%.  The color was a very dark and grapey ruby/garnet.  The light nose was a little herbaceous with floral purple fruits and violets.  In the mouth the flavors were generous with grip, ripe drying tannins, brambly fruit.  The wine is youthful with a satisfying inky finish.  Drink now for vigor or over the next five to ten years.

2010 Hacienda del Plata, Malbec, Zagal, Mendoza – $14
Imported by Cana Selections.  This wine is 100% Malbec sourced from the Las Marias Vineyard located at 921 meters on soils of clay loam with alluvial deposits.  It was aged for eight months with 60% in stainless steel tanks and 40% in French and American oak.  RS 2.25 g/L, TA 5.0 g/L, RS 2.25 g/L, Alcohol 13.4%.  This too was dark with a purple ruby color.  The nose was fresh with grapey, purple aromas.  In the mouth the flavors were round with a finely textured, youthful purple fruit, coffee notes, and concentration.  It was a little spicy in the finish along with the ripe fruit.  Drink now for freshness or over the short-term.