| Argentina |
|
| Wine |
Tasted |
Source |
Notes |
Mark |
| Achaval Ferrer Finca Altamira 2007 (Mendoza) 13.5% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Corney & Barrow |
100% Malbec, 15 months in French oak. Good colour. Fruity nose. Excellent balance already, with a long, fruity finish |
6 |
| Achaval Ferrer Finca Bella Vista 2007 (Mendoza) 14% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Corney & Barrow |
100% Malbec, 14 months in French oakFair colour. Nose has Malbec and wood hints. Lots of tannin, with fruit under; palate is lacking something |
5- |
| Achaval Ferrer Finca Mirador 2006 (Mendoza) 13.5% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Corney & Barrow £55 |
100% Malbec, 15 months French oak.. Intense, big fruit, huge length and already drinking very well |
6+ |
| Achaval Ferrer Finca Mirador 2007 (Mendoza) 13.5% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Corney & Barrow |
Moderate colour. Open, fruity nose. Rich fruit still dominated by tannins. Rounded, good length finish |
6 |
| Achaval Ferrer Quimera 2000 (Mendoza) 13.5% |
IWD 19.11.06 |
Moreno £30 |
Malbec 37%, CS 32%, Merlot 31%. Good colour, some browning. Mature nose.Serious depth of fruit and structure, but starting to dry out on end. Drink up |
5+ |
| Achaval Ferrer Quimera 2002 (Mendoza) 13.5% |
ONS 7.6.07 |
Booths (W) £20.50 |
Malbec + Bordeaux grapes. Deep colour, pink fringe. Ripe black fruits on nose and palate, balanced with tannin. Long spicy finish. |
6 |
| Achaval Ferrer Quimera 2006 (Mendoza) 14% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Corney & Barrow £20 |
34% Malbec, 32% Merlot, 22% CS, 12% Cabernet Franc. Good dense colour. Nose starting to open with ripe fruit. Palate still rather tight, but very good length. Needs a few years |
5+ |
| Achaval Ferrer Quimera 2007 (Mendoza) 14% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Corney & Barrow £20 |
38% Malbec, 24% Merlot, 24% CS, 14% CF. Lightish in colour, nose and body. Good fruit and structure but little development |
5+ |
| Alta Vista Alto 2005 (Mendoza) 15.5% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Cockburn & Campbell (W) £30 |
75% Malbec + CS. Black. Little nose. Oak tannins over intense, ripe fruit: huge length, but needs several years to develop. |
6 |
| Alta Vista Grande Reserve Malbec 2006 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Cockburn & Campbell (W) £13 |
Deep colour. Spice and black fruit on nose. Ripe, round palate with long finish and some development |
5+ |
| Andeluna Cellars Chardonnay 2007 (Mendoza) 13.8% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Novum (W) £9 |
50% 8 months French oak. Good depth, but the oak is rather prominent |
5- |
| Andeluna Cellars Gran Reserve Pasionado 2004 (Tupungato, Mendoza) 15% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Novum (W) £23 |
49% Malbec, 26% Merlot, 17% CS, 8% CF. Blended from best plots. Dark. Ripe nose with some maturity. Very good balance; long, intense and spicy finish |
6 |
| Andeluna Cellars Limited Reserve Malbec 2004 (Tupungato, Mendoza) 15% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Novum (W) £23 |
90% Malbec, 10% CS. Deep colour. Black fruit aromas. Soft, balanced, long finish but a little astringent on end |
5+ |
| Andeluna Cellars Reserve Malbec 2005 (Tupungato, Mendoza) 14% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Novum (W) £13 |
95% Malbec + CS. Quite light in colour and nose. Fruity palate with some tannin showing, reasonable length. |
5 |
| Andeluna Cellars Winemaker's Selection Malbec 2007 (Tupungato, Mendoza) 14% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Novum (W) £8 |
Moderate colour. Fresh fruit on nose and palate, with ripe tannins. Ready to drink |
5 |
| Balbi Sparkling Brut NV (Mendoza) 12.5% |
ONS 7.6.07 |
Oddbins £6.50 |
Mainly Pinot Noir. Pale colour, moderate coarse mousse. Restrained palate, little development. Commercial. |
4- |
| Bod Benegas Lynch Meritage 2004 (Mendoza) 15% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Las Bodegas (W) |
Old vines: 50% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot + Petit Verdot. Showing some maturity on colour and nose. Good fruit, fair length, ready |
5 |
| Luigi Bosca Finca Las Nobles Chardonnay 2003 (Mendoza) 14% |
IWD 17.11.07 |
Handford £18 |
Slightly yellow. Austere fruit nose. Well balanced and quite long, but in a very refined way. |
5 |
| Luigi Bosca Finca Las Nobles Malbec Verdot 2005 (Mendoza) 14% |
Arg 15.09.09 |
H&H Bancroft (W) |
93% Malbec, 7% Petit Verdot. Rather coarse and woody |
4+ |
| Luigi Bosca Malbec DOC 2007 (Mendoza) 14.1% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
H&H Bancroft (W) £12 |
14 months French oak. Rather over-ripe - rubbery and bitter on end |
5- |
| Jean Bousquet Grande Reserve Malbec 2007 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Vintage Roots (W) |
12 months in French oak. Delicate, European-style wine, surprisingly forward |
5+ |
| Jean Bousquet Reserva Malbec 2007 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Vintage Roots (W) £12 |
85% Malbec + CS,Shiraz, Merlot: 10 months in French oak. Well balanced, with good power, but a little astringent on end |
5 |
| Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2007 |
Arg 15.9.09 |
HwCg (W) £12 |
12 months in French oak. Ripe fruit, but showing a lot of acidity at present |
5 |
| Bressia Monteagrelo Malbec 2005 (Mendoza) |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Stone, Vine & Sun £13.50 |
Deep red. Soft nose. Stylish, soft, Italian , with elegant length |
5+ |
| Bressia Profundo Malbec 2004 (Mendoza) |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Stone, Vine & Sun £16.50 |
Deep colour. Dark fruit on nose. Dense fruit and long, polished finish |
6+ |
| Humberto Canale Black River Reserve Cabernet Franc 2006 (Patagonia) 14% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
HwCg (W) £14 |
12 months in oak. Tobacco on nose. Palate is rther hardand tannic, without much generosity |
5- |
| Humberto Canale Black River Reserve Malbec 2006 (Patagonia) 14% |
CLWS 12.8.09 |
Wine Direct £14 |
12 months in oak. Black red with some oak browning on fringe. Rich, slightly cooked fruit on nose. Good weight and balance initially, but the finish is slightly roasted and drying |
6- |
| Humberto Canale Black River Reserve Merlot 2006 (Patagonia) 14% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
HwCg (W) £14 |
12 months in oak. Rich plummy nose. Good fruit and varietal character, with tannins still a little prominent. Should be very good |
6- |
| Humberto Canale Black River Reserve Pinot Noir 2007 (Patagonia) 14% |
IWD 18.7.09 |
Wine Direct £14 |
12 months in oak. Moderate red with some browning. Nose shows some ripe red fruit. Still some wood tannins but lots of fruit under: finish is rather astringent and needs time to develop |
5+ |
| CarinaE Gran Reserva Malbec 2006 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Stone, Vine & Sun |
Good colour and nose. Lots of fruit balancing remaining tannins: good length, with development to come |
5+ |
| CarinaE Gran Reserva Malbec 2007 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Stone, Vine & Sun |
13 months new French oak. Moderate intensity, not yet in balance |
5 |
| CarinaE Prestige 2006 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Stone, Vine & Sun £13.25 |
73% Malbec, 18% CS + Shiraz. Quite deep colour. Some black fruits on nose. Palate is still rather tight and undefined, but there is some ripe fruit there. |
5 |
| CarinaE Reserva Malbec 2006 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Stone, Vine & Sun £9 |
Quite dark, but rather thin and tannic |
4 |
| Caro 2004 (Mendoza) 14% |
CLWS 7.11.07 |
Everywine (W) £25 |
Catena/Lafite Rothschild joint venture. 55% CS, 45% Malbec. Black red. Restrained nose with red fruits. Firm, fine tannins over rich fruit: long but not very developed yet. |
6 |
| - ditto - |
ABI 29.9.09 |
|
Now more rounded and balanced, with length and considerable complexity |
6+ |
| Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Mendoza) 14% |
IWD 15.11.08 |
Majestic £25 |
Black red. Rich black fruit. Rich, well balanced: very long, some development. Delicious |
6+ |
| Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (Mendoza) 14% |
HFWS 19.2.07 |
Everywine (W) £25 |
From the Uxmal and Domingo Vineyards. Deep colour. Rich blackcurrant nose. Good fruit and strucutre: well balanced lengthy finish |
6 |
| Catena Alta Chardonnay 2004 (Mendoza) 13.5% |
IWD 19.5.07 |
Majestic £20 |
Pale with green hints. Nose has toast, cream and honey. Rich, creamy, oaky palate with good acidity complex and long with a spicy finish. |
5+ |
| Catena Zapata Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (Mendoza) 13% |
CLWS 21.3.07 |
Majestic £6.99 |
Cooked nose. Stewed fruit: unexciting on palate. |
3 |
| Catena Zapata Alamos Malbec 2006 (Mendoza) 13% |
CLWS 21.3.07 |
Majestic £6.99 |
Rather thin and green on nose and palate. |
3+ |
| Catena Zapata Alamos Viognier 2007 (Mendoza) 13% |
HASS 19.06.08 |
Majestic £5.50 |
Pale. Earthy nose. Not much weight or character |
3+ |
| Catena Zapata Chardonnay 2003 (Mendoza) 13.5% |
IWD 19.11.06 |
Majestic £7 |
Rather old style: wood on nose and palate. Getting too old. |
4+ |
| Catena Zapata Malbec 2006 (Mendoza) 14% |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
Majestic £11 |
Young colour, backward nose. Ripe, well balanced fruit, but little development yet |
5 |
| Chacra Barda Pinot Noir 2007 (Rio Negro) 14% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Lea & Sandeman £17 |
Some young vine fruit. Quite rich, but a bit green in the middle |
5- |
| Chacra Cinquenta y Cinco Pinot Noir 2008 (Rio Negro) 13% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Lea & Sandeman £39 |
Planted 1955. 11 months French oak. Good weight and colour, red fruit and oak on nose. Ripe fruit is balanced by acidity, but there isn't much development yet |
6- |
| Chacra Mainque Merlot 2007 (Rio Negro) |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Lea & Sandeman £18.50 |
First vintage. Good colour. Plums on nose. Palate is rather thin and green in middle, and hot on end. |
4+ |
| Chacra Treinta y Dos Pinot Noir 2008 (Rio Negro) 12.5% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Lea & Sandeman £42 |
Planted 1932. 11 months French oak. Soft and fruity, with acidic strucure and some oak still showing. |
5+ |
| Chakana Reserva Bonarda 2008 (Mendoza) 14% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
John E Fells (W) £7 |
Strongly farmyard nose. Fruit is over-ripe and rubbery. |
4 |
| Chamiza Extra Brut NV (Mendoza) |
Jas 19.19.07 |
Jascots £6.95 |
Large mousse. Fruity nose (?Torrontes). Off dry, quite reasonable balance, simple finish |
4 |
| Chamiza Martin Alsina 2006 (Mendoza) |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Jascots £20 |
100% Malbec. Very dark Black fruit aromas. Juicy fruit over oak tannins: long finish with some development showing |
5+ |
| Chamiza Polo Amateur Torrontes 2006 (Mendoza) |
Jas 19.19.07 |
Jascots £5.95 |
Fresh grapes and flowers on nose. Clean fruit on palate, with balancing acidity: not much development |
5- |
| Chamiza Polo Professional Bonarda 2007 (Mendoza) |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Jascots £7 |
Moderate colour. Red fruit nose. Good fruit, but rather coarse structure: little developoment yet |
4+ |
| Cheval des Andes 2002 (Mendoza) 13.5% |
IWD 15.11.08 |
Majestic £45 |
CS/Malbec: Catena/Lafite Rothschild joint venture. Black red, hints of oak on rim. Backward nose. Still very tannic, subtle fruit : raw in middle but length and finish show excellent promise - 5 years? |
6- |
| Clos de los Siete 2004 (Mendoza) 15% |
HFWS 19.2.07 |
Majestic £11 |
Malbec dominated Bordeaux blend. Made by Michel Rolland. Serious red wine, with lots of oak. Fruit character developing on long finish |
6- |
| - ditto - |
IWD 17.11.07 |
|
Balance and finish improving with bottle age |
6 |
| Clos de los Siete 2005 (Mendoza) 15% |
CLWS 21.3.07 |
Majestic £11 |
Very dark, young nose. Complex but unresolved palate with long finish. Needs several years. |
5+ |
| - ditto - |
HASS 19.06.08 |
|
More in balance, getting slightly hot on finish. Near peak? |
6- |
| Clos de los Siete 2006 (Mendoza) 15% |
HASS 14.08.08 |
Majestic £10 |
Young black-red. Syrah and earth aromas. Good fruit, structure mainly acidity: long, but rather astringent finish at present. Too early to drink as a pleasure |
5 |
| Clos de los Siete 2007 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Dourthe (W) |
48% Malbec, 28% Merlot, 12% CS, 12% Syrah. Very dark. Some black fruit. Very young and powerful in mouth, but won't take long to settle down |
5+ |
| Coiron Torrontes Chardonnay 2005 (Mendoza) |
Jas 19.19.07 |
Jascots £4.95 |
Lacks varietal character or complexity |
3+ |
| Bod Colome Estate Malbec 2005 (Salta) 14.5% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Enotria (W) about £12 |
85% Malbec, 10% CS + Tannat. Grown at over 3000 metres altitude. Good colour and depth. Blackcurrant nose. Lots of fruit, well balanced, with a long, developing finsh |
5+ |
| Bod Colome Estate Malbec 2007 (Salta) 14.5% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Enotria (W) about £12 |
Fresh, ripe fruit with very good length: still undeveloped on nose and finish |
6- |
| Bod Colome Reserva 2005 (Salta) 15% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Enotria (W) |
85% Malbec, 15% CS, 24 months in new French oak. Dark, tight on nose. Intense fruit under oak tannins - not yet in balance or showing development |
6- |
| Bod Colome Torrontes 2007 (Salta) 13% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Enotria (W) about £7 |
Pale. Delicate grape aromas. Very dry, with elegant fruit length. |
5 |
| Cuvelier Los Andes Coleccion 2005 (Uco Valley, Mendoza) 15% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Novum (W) £17 |
One of the Siete, owned by Ch Leoville-Poyferre. 62% Malbec, 8% Syrah, 7% Merlot + Petit Verdot. Dark. Tight nose. Good fruit under oak tannins. Good length, with fruit on end, showing some development |
5 |
| Cuvelier Los Andes Grand Malbec 2005 (Uco Valley, Mendoza) 15.5% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Novum (W) £35 |
Big, black wine with a backward nose. Palate is tannic and shows a little green acidity. Said to need 10 years |
5 |
| Cuvelier Los Andes Grand Vin 2005 (Uco Valley, Mendoza) 15% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Novum (W) £25 |
70% Malbec, 10% CS, 9% Syrah, 7% Merlot + Petit Verdot. Dark. Big, rich nose with lots of oak. Very big, ripe, tannic palate. Needs time to resolv, but good potential |
6- |
| Finca Decero Remolinos Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Berkmann £10 |
Black-red. Fruity nose. Soft, fruity palate with some length. Nearly ready. |
5+ |
| Finca Decero Remolinos Vineyard Mini Edicion Petit Verdot 2006 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Berkmann £13 |
Dark. Black fruit on nose. Good ripe fruit under some tannin: quite long with some spice. |
5+ |
| Domingo Hermanos Molina Malbec 2006 (Salta) 14.5% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
HispaMerchants (W) £12 |
Some new oak. Lacks a ripe fruit character |
5- |
| Dominio del Plata Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontes 2006 (Salta) 13.5% |
ONS 7.6.07 |
Majestic £5.99 |
Pale. Floral dry. Dry, rich fruit with good acidity, good length, slightly bitter on end. |
5+ |
| Dominio del Plata Crios de Susana Balbo Malbec 2005 (Mendoza) 13.5% |
MENSA 12.8.07 |
Majestic £6.99 |
Good depth. Rich black fruits. Good fruit and structure, fair length and some development. |
5+ |
| - ditto - |
HASS 19.06.08 |
|
Now getting rather tired. Drink current vintage |
4 |
| Dominio del Plata Susana Balbo Malbec 2007 (Mendoza) 14% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Las Bodegas (W) |
13 months in oak. Dark. Fine ripe mfruit and vanilla on nose. Black fruit and oak coming into balance on palate: very long and starting to integrate and develop |
6 |
| Eral Bravo Malbec 2007 (Mendoza) 14% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Las Bodegas (W) £12 |
12 months French oak. Soft fruit to start, but rather thin in middle |
5- |
| Etchart Late Harvest Torrontes 2007 (Salta) 11.5% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Pernod Richard (W) about £7 HB |
Pale colour. Light muscat nose. Moderately sweet, balancing acidity and fruity finish |
5 |
| Etchart Torrontes 2005 (Salta) 13.5% |
HASS 16.11.06 |
Waitrose £6.99 |
Fading and losing acidity. Drink youngest available |
4 |
| Etchart Cafayate Reserve Torrontes 2008 (Salta) 13.5% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Pernod Richard (W) about £9 |
Ripe, crisp with a good varietal character and finish |
5 |
| Etchart Privado Cafayate Reserve Malbec 2007 (Salta) 14% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Pernod Ricard (W) £8 |
6 months in oak. Fairly light weight, but balkanced and with reasonable length for drinking now. |
5 |
| Etchart Privado Torrontes Tardio 2006 (Salta) 11.5% |
ABI 29.9.09 |
Everywine £12 for 50cl |
Very pale. Muscat and lavender notes. Medium sweet, no botrytis: long, subtle finish |
5 |
| Fabre Montmayou Phebus Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
CLWS 16.9.09 |
Waitrose £8 |
Fair colour. Blackcurrant and old wood on nose. Fair fruit, some structure and a reasonable finish |
5- |
| Fabre Montmayou Patagonia Barrel Selection Malbec 2007 (Rio Negro) 14.5% |
CLWS 16.9.09 |
Waitrose £12 |
Young dark colour. Spicy black fruit on nose. Still rather tannic with reasobale fruit under, some length and developmetnt starting. |
5+ |
| Bod Fin del Mundo Gran Reserva 2005 (Neuquen, Patagonia) 14.5% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
10 International (W) |
36% Malbec, 31% CS, 23% Merlot, 10% CF. Young colour. Little nose. Palate is still tight, and shows some green, stalky acidity on finish |
5- |
| Bod del Fin del Mundo Gran Reserva 2006 (Neuquen) 14.4% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
10 International (W) £12 |
35% Malbec, 28% CS, 27% Merlot, 10% CF: 14 months in oak. Still quite tight, but good fruit under. Try in a year or two |
5 |
| Bod del Fin del Mundo Pinot Noir Reserva 2008 (Neuquen) 13% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
10 International (W) £12 |
Rich fruit balanced by acidity: good length and showing some vegetal development |
5+ |
| Bod del Fin del Mundo La Ponderosa 2006 (Neuquen) 14% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
10 International (W) £12 |
70% Malbec, 15% CF, 10% Petit Verdot,5% Tannat: aged 14 months in oak. Good fruit , well balanced and starting to show some finish |
5+ |
| Bod Fin del Mundo Special Blend 2006 (Neuquen, Patagonia) 14% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
10 International (W) |
40% CS, 40% Malbec, 20% Merlot. Dark colour. Rich, black fruit nose. Ripe fruit and oak tannins: good length and some development |
5+ |
| Finca Flichman Dedicato 2004 (Mendoza) 15% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Stevens Garnier (W) £16 |
60% Malbec, 30% CS + Shiraz. 100% new French oak for 12 months. Excellent colour. Some fruit on nose. Palate still oaky, with slightly burnt fruit under. Very good length with some development |
5 |
| Finca Flichman Gestos Malbec 2006 (Mendoza) |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
about £9 |
From vineyards at 700 & 1200 m. 6 months in new French and US oak. Good colour with a broad fringe. Some fruit on nose. Rather structured and lacks generosity: needs time to develop |
5- |
| Finca Flichman Misterio Malbec 2007 (Mendoza) |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
|
4 months in oak. Straightforward varietal taste with little tannin, modest finsh. |
4 |
| Finca Flichman Paisaje de Tupungato Malbec 2005 (Mendoza) |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
about £13 |
12 months in new French and US oak. Good colour, weight and concentration, but little development yet |
5 |
| Finca Flichman Gestos Shiraz 2007 (Mendoza) 13.5% |
ABI 29.9.09 |
Waitrose £7 |
Not much varietal character, slightly green in middle, but fair fruit and length |
4 |
| Finca Flichman Reserva Malbec 2007 (Mendoza) |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
|
6 months in oak. Backward. Some fruit and length, but a bit thin |
4+ |
| Bod Enrique Foster Edition Limitada Malbec 2004 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Las Bodegas £20 |
Some brown on edge. Maturing fruit. Smooth, well balanced palate with good length and some development |
5+ |
| Bod Enrique Foster Terruno Vistalba Malbec 2005 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Las Bodegas £13 |
Dark. Backward nose. Soft on palate and warm at end. |
5- |
| Bod. O Fournier B Crux 2004 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
CLWS 30.9.09 |
Flagship Wines £13 |
50% Tempranillo, 40% Malbec, 10% Merlot. Moderate red colour. Red and black fruit on nose. Tannins dominate ripe fruit: finish is not integrated - spice, tannin and alcohol dominate |
5- |
| Bod. O Fournier B Crux 2005 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Seckford (W) £12 |
60% Tempanillo, 35% Malbec, 5% Syrah. 12 months in oak. Ripe bl;ack fruits on nose, palate still very structured |
5 |
| Bod Furlotti Soluna Organic Malbec 2005 (Mendoza) |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Ehrmanns £9 |
Moderate colour. Good fruity nose, but rather thin and short on palate |
5- |
| Bod Furlotti Soluna Primus Malbec 2006 (Mendoza) 15% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Not for sale |
Young. Light nose. Well balanced and elegant: moderate length but lacks development |
5 |
| Bod Graffigna Centenario Shiraz 2007 (San Juan) 13.5% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Pernod Ricard (W) £9 |
12 months in oak. Old Spanish style, lacking fruit and refinement |
4+ |
| Lagarde Henry Gran Guarda 2005 (Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza) 15% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Coe Vintners £40 |
41% Merlot, 32% CS, 27% Malbec: 24 months in new French oak. Dark, brown on rim. Ripe dark fruit on nose. Intense fruit with oak tannins and acidity, becoming integrated: very long. |
6+ |
| Lagarde DOC Malbec 2007 (Mendoza) 14% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Coe Vintners £12 |
One year in French oak. Rather rustic and lacking fruit |
4+ |
| Felix Lavaque Finca Quara Single Vineyard Malbec 2007 (Salta) 13.5% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Berkmann (W) £12 |
Not very exciting, rather hot finish |
4 |
| Bod Francois Lurton Chacayes 2006 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Andrew Bayley (W) |
80% Malbec + CS. Deep colour. Dark fruit nose. Juicy fruit over oak tannins: long and quite elegant |
5 |
| Bod Francois Lurton Piedra Negra 2006 (Mendoza) 14% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Andrew Bayley (W) |
100% Malbec. Dark. Backward nose. There is fruit and strucure, but no real balance yet, and the finish is undeveloped |
5- |
| Marta's Vineyard Reserve Malbec 2006 (Mendoza) 13.5% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Vinopolis £9 |
Moderate colour. Lightish nose. Moderate fruit with tannin astringency on finsh |
4+ |
| Marta's Vineyard Signature Malbec 1999 (Mendoza) 13% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Not available - 2004 will be delivered soon |
Mature colour and nose, with well balanced ripe fruit, fair length and some development |
5+ |
| Masi Tupungato Paso Doble 2006 (Mendoza) 13.5% |
IWD 17.11.07 |
Tesco £8.99 |
Malbec/Corvina blend. Quite dark. Some red fruits and spice on nose. Good fruit but still rather acidic: reasonable length and depth. |
5 |
| Mendel Malbec 2006 (Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza) 14% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Prestige Agencies (W) about £13 |
Purple/black. Rich, slightly volatile nose. Good fruit density and long finish. |
5 |
| Mendel Unus 2006 (Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza) 14% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Prestige Agencies (W) |
70% Malbec, 30% CS. Very dark colour. Oak and very ripe fruit on nose. Intense palate, not fully resolved yet, and slightly bitter on end. Needs time. |
5+ |
| Mendoza Vineyards MV Malbec 2008 (Mendoza) 14% |
Arg 15.09.09 |
Origin Wines (W) £12 |
Some oak aging. Light in colour, little nose, and very bland on palate. Bottle shock? |
1 |
| Casa Montes Ampakama Intenso Malbec 2007 (San Juan) 13.7% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
McKinley Vintners (W) £9 |
3 months in oak. At this stage, coarse and rustic |
3 |
| Finca las MorasAlma Viognier 2008 (San Juan) 14% |
ABI 29.9.09 |
Virgin £6 |
Pale. Wood and apricots on nose. Rich fruit, with balancing acidity and some length |
4+ |
| Finca las Moras Black Label Malbec 2005 (San Juan) 14.1% |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
Chalie Richards £10 |
Superior commercial style |
4+ |
| Finca las Moras Mora Negra 2005 (San Juan) 14% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Chalie Richards (W) about £15 |
70% Malbec, 30% Bonarda. Very dark, with black fruit and flower aromas. Juicy fruit: good length but lacks development |
5 |
| Fincas las Moras Tannat 2005 (San Juan) 13.5% |
IWD 15.11.08 |
Majestic £7 |
Black red. Dark fruit nose. Tannin overlying fruit: some length |
4+ |
| Finca las Moras Three Valleys Gran Shiraz (San Juan) 14.5% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Chalie Richards (W) about £15 |
Very dark. Young nose. Firm palate with ripe fruit: good finish but showing little maturity |
5 |
| Finca las Moras Viognier 2005 (San Juan) |
HASS 16.11.06 |
Majestic £5 |
Good colour. Apricot aroma. Reasonable balance, not much length |
4+ |
| Finca las Moras Viognier 2006 (San Juan) 13.5% |
IWD 28.06.08 |
Majestic £5.50 |
Pale gold. Apricot aromas. Good fruit, but a bit astringent on finish |
4 |
| Navarro Correas Alegoria Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Justerini & Brooks £13 |
Good colour. Blackcurrant and oak on nose. Restrained fruit and tannin on palate:long but little development yet. |
5+ |
| Navarro Correas Alegoria Late Harvest 2006 (Mendoza) 12% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Justerini & Brooks £9 HB |
60% Semillon, 40% Sauvignon Blanc. Pale colour. Backward nose. Very sweet, over-ripe fruit with some acidity but little finish |
4+ |
| Navarro Correas Alegoria Malbec 2005 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Justerini & Brooks £13 |
Dark.Little nose. Good fruit, but palate still tight with tannins: young, undeveloped finish |
5 |
| Navarro Correas Extra Brut Sparkling 2007 (Mendoza) 14% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Justerini & Brooks £13 |
60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir. Pale, not much mousse. Yeasty nose. Very dry with some honey notes: good length and some development. |
5+ |
| Navarro Correas Structura Ultra 2004 (Mendoza) 14% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Justerini & Brooks £20 |
Good colour. Black fruit nose. Palate starting to integrate excellent fruit and tannins, but still a little astringent on finish and undeveloped. |
6- |
| Bod Noemia J Alberto 2007 (Rio Negro, Patagonia) 14% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Wine Treasury £25 |
95% Malbec + Merlot. Purple-red. Dark fruit on nose. Ripe fruit under tannins: very good length. Should develop well |
5+ |
| - ditto - |
CLWS 12.8.09 |
Wine Direct £25 |
Black-red with little fringing. Big Malbec nose. Rich fruit well blanced by tannin:: long spicy finish with more development to come |
6 |
| Bod Noemia A Lisa 2007 (Rio Negro, Patagonia) 14% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Wine Treasury £16 |
85% Malbec + Merlot. Good colour. Nose rather backward. Fruit developing, reasonable length and balance |
5 |
| Bod Noemia A Lisa 2008 (Rio Negro, Patagonia) 14.5% |
Arg 15.09.09 |
Wine Treasury £16 |
95% Malbec + Merlot. Quite light in colour and style, with a flowery nose. Rather unsubstantial on palate |
5 |
| Bod Noemia Noemia 2006 (Rio Negro, Patagonia) 14.5% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Wine Treasury £66 |
100% Malbec - 70 year old vines. Deep colour. Black fruit on nose. Elegant, well balanced palate: very long, spicy finish. Should improve for several years. |
6 |
| Bod Noemia Noemia 2007 (Rio Negro, Patagonia) 14.5% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Wine Treasury £52 |
18 months new French oak. Big black colour. Soft, oaky nose. Good depth of fruit under tannin: good length but finishes rather hot and alcoholic |
6- |
| Norton Privada 2006 (Mendoza) 14.8% |
Arg 15.09.09 |
Berkmann (W) £12 |
40% Malbec, 30% CS, 30% Merlot: 16 months French oak. Little nose and generally unexciting |
5- |
| Norton Sauvignon Blanc 2005 (Mendoza) |
CLWS 7.11.07 |
Majestic £4.25 |
Maturing yellow colour. Nose has butter and vegetal character. Good weight on palate but rather dull and short. Too old |
3+ |
| Norton Torrontes 2006 (Mendoza) 13.5% |
CLWS 21.3.07 |
Majestic £4.99 |
Pale. Some fruit but rather bitter on end |
3+ |
| Bod NQN Coleccion Malbec 2005 (Patagonia) 14.8% |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
HispaMerchants £14.99 |
Good colour and nose. Well balanced ripe fruit on palate, with good length and density |
5 |
| Bod NQN Malma Reserve Malbec 2007 (Neuquen) 14.6% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
HispaMerchants £12 |
Very smooth on palate, perhaps lacks a little fruit on finish |
5 |
| Dona Paula Seleccion de Bodega Malbec 2006 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Cordoniu (W) |
24 months in French oak. Clumsy and over-oaked |
4+ |
| Bod Poesia Clos des Andes 2005 (Luyan de Cuyo, Mendoza) 14% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Genesis Wines (W) about £10 |
|
5 |
| Bod Poesia Clos des Andes Reserva 2006 (Luyan de Cuyo, Mendoza) 14.5% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Genesis Wines (W) about £13 |
|
5+ |
| Bod Poesia, Poesia 2006 (Mendoza) 14% |
Arg 15.09.09 |
Genesis Wines (W) about £30 |
60% Malbec, 40% CS: 18 months new French oak. Good colour and nose, but still very oaky on palate. Moderate intensity of fruit and fairly long |
5 |
| Pulenta Estate Gran Corte VII 2004 (Mendoza) 14% |
CLWS 7.11.07 |
Philglas & Swiggot £17 |
Bordeaux blend. Dark with pink fringe. Black fruits and oak on nose. Young palate - quite well balanced with intense fruit: good length but not much development |
6- |
| Pulenta Estate Malbec 2007 (Mendoza) 14% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Fields Morris & Verdin |
12 months French oak. Good quality, but very young |
5+ |
| Pulenta Estate Malbec 2006 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
Berry Bros £14 |
Deep colour. Good ripe, slightly oaky nose. Lots of weight, but not yet in balance: long but undeveloped. Very promising |
5+ |
| RJ Malbec 2004 (Mendoza) 14% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Las Bodegas (W) |
18 months new French oak. Good colour. Not much nose. Ripe fruit overtaking oak tannins: moderate weight and finish |
5 |
| La Riojana Organic Fairtrade Sauvignon Blanc 2007 |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
Sainsbury |
Good character and weight, with long, developing finish |
5 |
| Bod Dante Rubino Gran Dante 2006 (Mendoza) 13.6% |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
Whittaker Wines £14 |
Good colour. Black fruit nose. Ripe fruit and balancing structure.: long finish with little development yet |
5+ |
| Bod Ruca Malen Yauquen Malbec 2007 (Mendoza) 13% |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
Corney & Barrow |
Dark colour. Backward nose. Serious, well balanced palatewith good length. Needs a few years |
5+ |
| Bod Salentin Reserve Malbec 2006 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
Tesco £10 |
Rather thin and disappointing |
4- |
| Bod Santa Ana La Mascota Late Harvest Riesling 2006 (Mendoza) 12.5% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Enotria (W) about £9 HB |
Gold. Some flowers on nose. Fairly sweet, with a simple finsh: no riesling character yet |
4 |
| Bod Santa Ana Unanime 2005 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Enotria (W) about £12 |
60% CS, 25% Malbec, 15% Cabernet Franc. Black. Light, leafy blackcurrant nose. Tight fine tannins with very good fruit under: long but undeveloped. |
5+ |
| Bod Santa Ana Unanime 2006 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
Arg 15.09.09 |
Enotria (W) £12 |
60% CS, 25% Malbec, 15% CF: 20 months new French oak. Moderate depth. Blackcurrant and oak on nose. Fairly balanced, modest finish |
5- |
| Schroeder Alpataco Chardonnay 2007 (Neuquen) 13% |
IWD 12.8.09 |
Waitrose £10 |
Very pale. Light, bready nose. Some oil and oak on palate, fair length but undeveloped |
5 |
| Schroeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (Neuquen) 14% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Moreno |
24 months new French oak. Good depth and balance, but rather alcoholic on end |
5 |
| Schroeder Saurus Patagonia Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (Neuquen) 14% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Moreno £12 |
Some new oak. Varietal but rather green in middle |
4+ |
| Schroeder Saurus Malbec 2003 (Patagonia) 14% |
CLWS 11.10.06 |
Moreno £7.99 |
Moderate colour. Some hot fruit. Fruit and structure not yet in balance: finish rather astringent |
4 |
| Schroeder Saurus Patagonia Select Malbec 2007 (Neuquen) 14% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Moreno £12 |
Some new oak. Blanced, with some richness: very drinkable |
5+ |
| Finca Sophenia Synthesis Malbec 2006 (Mendoza) 14% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Ellis of Richmond (W) |
Dark, some nose. Long and elegant, some oak tannins still showing but nearly ready |
5+ |
| Finca Sophenia Synthesis Malbec 2007 (Mendoza) 14% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Ellis of Richmond (W) £12 |
12 months new French oak. Wine has good balance and some length and complexity developing |
5+ |
| Finca Sophenia Synthesis The Blend 2006 (Mendoza) 14% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Ellis of Richmond (W) |
48% Malbec, 33% CS, 19% Merlot. Dark. Black fruit on nose. Ripe fruit and firm structure: long, but unresolved finish |
5 |
| Alessandro Speri Prodigo Malbec 2004 (Mendoza) 14% |
CLWS 21.3.07 |
Lea & Sandeman £8 |
Straightforward, clean, balanced but rather commercial |
4 |
| Sur de los Andes Infinito 2006 (Mendoza) 14.8% |
Arg 15.09.09 |
No UK agent c£12 |
60% Malbec, 20% CS, 10% CF, 10% Merlot from 5 different vineyards. Deep colour. Blackcurrant nose. Still very tannic, but with lots of fruit under: long, and developing a spicy character |
5+ |
| Sur de Los Andes Gran Reserva Malbec 2006 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
Arg 15.09.09 |
No UK agent c£12 |
Well made but no outstanding features |
5- |
| Tapiz Reserve Malbec 2005 (Mendoza) 13.5% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
HispaMerchants (W) £12 |
14 months new oak. Colour and nose starting to mature. OK but over-structured |
5- |
| Terrazas des los Andes Afincado Malbec 2004 (Mendoza) 13.5% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Moet Hennessy UK (W) about £20 |
Dark. Fruit and oak aromas. Good fruit and length, but still structured and undeveloped |
5+ |
| Terrazas des los Andes Afincado Malbec 2005 (Mendoza) 13.5% |
Arg 15.09.09 |
Moet Hennessy UK (W) about £20 |
Single vineyard Finca las Compuertas. 18 months in new French oak. Deep colour. Some fruit aromas on swirling. Balanced palate with moderate intensity. Needs time to develop |
6- |
| Terrazas des los Andes Cheval des Andes 2004 (Mendoza) |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Moet Hennessy UK (W) about £45 |
Made with Ch Cheval Blanc. 55% Malbec, 43% CS + Petit Verdot. Drak, rich and smooth - quite a Bordeaux style; finsh is very long, with a ripe/sharp Argentine attack |
6 |
| Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Chardonnay 2005 (Mendoza) 13.5% |
CLWS 21.3.07 |
Majestic £9.99 |
Quite oaky. Balanced palate with some finish |
5- |
| Terrazas des los Andes Reserva Malbec 2006 (Mendoza) 13.5% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Moet Hennessy UK (W) about £15 |
Good depth. Dark fruit. Good depth on palate, with some tannin showing: long finish with fair development |
5 |
| Tierra Brisa Chardonnay/Torrontes 2007 (Mendoza) 13.5% |
HASS 19.06.08 |
Majesetic £4.29 |
Pale green. Some grape aromas. Good weight and balance, with some finish |
4+ |
| Tilimuqui Torrontes 2007 (La Rioja) 12.5% |
CLWS 16.9.09 |
Waitrose £6 |
Pale green, some fruit and flowers on nose. Palate is fading. Too old |
4 |
| Michel Torino Don David Tannat 2007 (Salta) 14% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Hallgarten Druitt (W) £9 |
Some oak aging. Black-red, ripe black fruit. Palate is still tannic, but plenty of fruit to come through |
5+ |
| Pascual Toso Finca Pedreagal 2005 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Stratfords Wine Agencies |
70% Malbec, 30% CS. Reasoanble depth of colour. Ripe fruit on nose. Subtle, well-balanced palate: quite long |
5 |
| Pascual Toso Magdalena Toso 2005 (Mendoza) 14% |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Stratfords Wine Agencies |
90% Malbec, 10% CS, 18 months in new French oak. Dark. Good fruit on nose, but under oaky tannins on palate: very long,some acidity showing on finish |
5+ |
| Trapiche Iscay 2004 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
CLWS 7.11.07 |
Everywine (W) £23 |
50/50 Merlot/Malbec blend. Moderate colour. Backward nose, some red fruits. Young, structured palate: quite long, but undeveloped and a little hot on end. |
5+ |
| - ditto - |
ABI 29.9.09 |
|
Now opened up, with cherry and plum aromas, rich integrated palate and good length |
6 |
| Trapiche Malbec Single Vineyard Vina Domingo Sermiento 2007 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
John E Fells (W) |
18 months French oak. Very recently bottled, and suffering badly. |
1 |
| Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec 2006 (Mendoza) 14.9% |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
Concho y Toro UK £12 |
Dark colour. Spicy nose. Very fine tannins and spice on palate, going through to long finish. Different |
5 |
| Trivento Viognier 2008 (Mendoza) 13.5% |
CLWS 16.9.09 |
Waitrose £7 |
Pale green, little nose. Palate is rather green and lacking fruit - young vines? |
4- |
| Tutum Valley Estate Seleccion Especial Shiraz 2006 (San Juan) 14,5% |
CLWS 21.3.07 |
Tesco Finest £5.99 |
Not much varietal character. Fruit and tannin not yet in balance: some length but rather ordinary |
4 |
| Universo Austral Calafate Pinot Noir Reserva 2008 (Neuquen) 13.5% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Bibendum (W) £7 |
Easy and rather short |
4 |
| Universo Austral Calafate Pinot Noir Gran Reserva 2008 (Neuquen) 13.5% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Bibendum (W) £8 |
Woody, and less pleasant than Reserva |
3+ |
| Universo Austral Calafate Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2009 (Neuquen) 13% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Bibendum (W) £7 |
Varietal gooseberry nose. Palate is off-dry and a little coarse |
4+ |
| Valle Perdido Cubas Patagonia Malbec 2006 (Neuquen) 14.5% |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
Ellis of Richmond (W) about £20 |
24 months in old 6000 litre barrels. Considerable browning. Old wood on nose. Rathe astringent and woody - underneath, the palate is rounded and quite developed |
5- |
| Valle Perdido Gran Patagonia Malbec Merlot 2006 (Neuquen) |
Arg 17.09.08 |
Ellis of Richmond (W) about £20 |
79% Malbec, 21% Merlot, kept 24 months in new French and US oak. Good colour, brown rim. Black fruit and oak on nose. Elegant palate, with ripe fruit and oak: very long, starting to dvelop spicy notes |
6 |
| Valle Perdido Patagonia Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2006 (Neuquen) 14% |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
Ellis of Richmond (W) £7 |
First vintage from vineyard. Rather thin |
4- |
| Valle Perdido Gran Reserva 2006 (Neuquen) 14% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Ellis of Richmond (W) £19 |
79% Malbec, 21% Merlot. 24 months in new oak. Very smooth and balanced - drinking well now |
5+ |
| Valle Perdido Patagonia Malbec 2006 (Neuquen) |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
Ellis of Richmond (W) £7 |
Good ordinary Malbec with a mineral note. |
4+ |
| Valle Perdido Reserva Patagonia Malbec 2006 (Neuquen) 14.5% |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
Ellis of Richmond (W) £11.95 |
14 months in new US and French oak. Good colour. Oak and black fruit aromas. Rounded palate with good concentration and long finish: needs time |
5+ |
| Valle Perdido Patagonia Pinot Noir 2006 (Neuquen) |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
Ellis of Richmond (W) £7 |
Commercial style |
4 |
| Valle Perdido Patagonia Pinot Noir 2008 (Neuquen) 14% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Ellis of Richmond (W) £9 |
Good colour. Ripe strawberry nose. Good fruit with some development and finish. Nearly ready |
5+ |
| Valle Perdido Patagonia Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (Neuquen) 13.5% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Ellis of Richmond (W) £7 |
Pale green. Aroma is grass rather than gooseberry. Crisp, but lacks fruit and finish |
4 |
| Dom Vistalba Vinalba Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2008 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
Arg 15.09.09 |
Buckingham Schenk (W) £9 |
Dark, tight and hard: fruit is lacking in middle and finish |
4 |
| Dom Vistalba Vinalba Malbec Reserva 2008 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
Arg 15.09.09 |
Buckingham Schenk (W) £9 |
Malbec nose. Palate is very tannic and lacks fruit |
5- |
| Dom Vistalba Vinalba Malbec Gran Reserva 2008 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
Arg 15.09.09 |
Buckingham Schenk (W) |
Very dark. Tight nose. Very good fruit and length, already coming into balance |
6 |
| Dom Vistalba Vinalba Malbec/Syrah 2006 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
HASS 6.8.09 |
ASDA £8 |
Looks young. Black fruit on nose., with a distinct Syrah note. Some fruit, but very acidic:long, undeveloped finish |
5+ |
| Dom Vistalba Vinalba Merlot Reserva 2008 (Mendoza) 14.5% |
Arg 15.09.09 |
Buckingham Schenk (W) £9 |
Good colour. Dark fruit on nose, Palate starts with good fruit, but is green in the middle and lacking in finish |
5- |
| Zuccardi Malamado Liqueur Malbec 2003 (Mendoza) 19% |
ONS 7.6.07 |
Alliance Wines (W) £10.50 |
Considerable browning. Cooked fruit nose. Very sweet fruit, firm acidity, finish dominated by alcohol. Rather rustic |
5 |
| Zuccardi Q Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (Mendoza) 14% |
CLWS 21.3.07 |
Waitrose £9.99 |
Ripe fruit with a good grip: some length and development |
5 |
| Zuccardi Q Malbec 2004 (Mendoza) 14% |
IWD 17.11.07 |
Everywine (W) £13 |
Good depth of colour. Black fruits on nose. Ripe fruit on balanced palate: long but little development yet. |
5+ |
| Zuccardi Q Malbec 2007 (Mendoza) 14% |
Arg 15.9.09 |
Alliance Wine (W) £12 |
Very young, seems to be all structure |
4+ |
| Zuccardi Torrontes Tardio 2006 (Mendoza) 8.5% |
CLWS 7.11.07 |
Oddbins £8.99 50cl |
Very pale. Some marmalade and cooked fruit on nose. Sweet palate, with fruit but lacking acid balance. Quite short. |
4+ |
| Brazil |
|
| Wine |
Tasted |
Source |
Notes |
Mark |
| Panceri Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
|
Some old oak. Odd smokey nose and rather sour palate. Not at all varietal |
3 |
| Pisani-Panceri Grande Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
|
14 months in French oak. Moderate colour. Tobacco and grass on nose. Some fruit under tannins, but little CS character: finish is reasonably balanced with hints of development |
4 |
| Rio Sol Cabernet Shiraz 2005 (Pernambuco) 12.7% |
WWV 9.1.08 |
Waitrose £5 |
Near Equator and Atlantic coast. Moderate colour. Some fruit aromas. Rather thin, commercial wine. |
3+ |
| Salton Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (Rio Grande del Sul) |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
|
With 15% Merlot. 6 months in new US oak. Moderate red, with ripe fruit on nose and palate. Some structure but lacks length and depth |
4 |
| Salton Desajo Merlot 2005 (Rio Grande del Sul) |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
|
12 months in French and US oak, some new. Considerable browning on rim. Hints of plum fruit. Palate is mainly oak, with some fruit showing on finish |
4+ |
|
|
|
|
|
| Chile |
|
| Wine |
Tasted |
Source |
Notes |
Mark |
| Almaviva 2001 (Maipo) 14.2% |
ONS 7.6.07 |
Concha y Toro UK (W) £41 |
Bordeaux blend from a Concha y Toro/Mouton Rothschild joint venture. Deep colour. Black fruits and manure on nose, going through to palate. Well balanced with oak tannins and acidity. Quite long with spice on end |
5+ |
| Altaïr 2002 (Rapel) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Boutinot (W) about £20 |
CS + Carmenere & Merlot. Good colour. Cabernet nose. Well balanced palate with good length and development |
5+ |
| Altaïr 2003 (Rapel) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Boutinot (W) about £20 |
CS + Carmenere, Merlot, Syrah & CF. Some browning. Backward nose. Tight palate with rich fruit under oak tannins: long, but little development |
5+ |
| Altaïr Sideral 2003 (Rapel) |
CLWS 24.6.09 |
Whiteleys £19 |
CS + Merlot, Syrah & Sangiovese. Some browning. Ripe fruit on nose. Oak tannins dominate fruit: finish rather astringent |
5- |
| Amanya Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (Leyda) 14% |
IWD 17.2.07 |
Oddbins £14 |
Golden colour. Some gooseberry character on nose. Citric acidity dominates palate, but excellent finish with fruit aromas beginning to show. |
5 |
| Anakena Ona Cabernet Merlot Carmenere 2005 (Rapel) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Oddbins about £8 |
Young colour. Dark fruits on nose. Quite attractive fruity palate, but unresolved and undeveloped |
5- |
| Anakena Ona Viognier Riesling Chardonnay 2006 (Rapel) 14% |
WWV 9.1.08 |
Oddbins £9 |
Pale colour. Aromatic nose. Good fruit and acidity with a creamy texture: good length and depth. |
5+ |
| Apaltagua Grial 2003 (Colchagua) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Anthony Byrne (W) £12 |
100% Carmenere. Good colour. Some fruit on nose. Reasonable concentration of ripe fruit: moderate, spicy finish |
5 |
| Aquitania Lazuli Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (Maipo) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Metzendorff (W) about £25 |
Good colour, some browning. Mature nose. Still quite tannic, with soft fruit: long, complex finish |
6- |
| Aquitania Lazuli Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (Maipo) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Metzendorff (W) about £25 |
Deep colour. Blackcurrant fruit with some vegetal hints. Ripe fruit and acidity on palate with some development |
5+ |
| Aquitania Lazuli Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Maipo) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Metzendorff (W) about £25 |
Red-black. Fesh blackcurrant nose. Tannin dominates fruit on palate: little development |
5+ |
| Caliterra Celit 2005 (Colchagua) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Hatch Mansfield (W) |
60% CS, 30% Malbec, 10% Petit Verdot. First vintage. Well balanced, restrained palate, with excellent length and depth |
6- |
| Caliterra Tributo Edition Limitada 2006 (Colchagua) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Hatch Mansfield (W) |
60% Shiraz, 34% CS, 6% Viognier. Other blends made. Rather thin and flat at this stage. |
5- |
| Canepa Magnificum Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (Maipo) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Concha y Toro UK (W) |
Rasther Italian in style, with restrained fruit and some astringency |
5- |
| Ch los Boldos Cabernet Sauvignon Vielles Vignes 2004 (Rapel) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Harvey-Miller (W) about £8 |
Vineyard planted 1948. 12 months in oak. Good colour. Tight nose. Some fruit under tannins, development starting |
5 |
| Ch los Boldos Grand Cru 2002 (Rapel) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Harvey-Miller (W) about £10 |
Post-blend of 80% CS VV and 20% Merlot VV., then given further oak aging. Oak on nose. Elegant palate, with considerable development |
5+ |
| Ch los Boldos Merlot Vielles Vignes 2003 (Rapel) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Harvey-Miller (W) about £8 |
Vineyard planted 1959. Reasoanble depth with some browning. Soft Merlot nose and fruit, balancing structure: reasonable length. |
5 |
| Casablanca Neblus 2005 (Casablanca) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
about £15 |
CS + Merlot & Carmenere. Good colour. Ripe black fruit on nose. Oak and fruit on palate: good length, just starting to develop |
5+ |
| Casilliero del Diabolo Merlot 2005 (Central) 13.5% |
CLWS 16.5.07 |
Majestic £5.49 |
Deep colour. Ripe plum nose. Rich fruit but coarse structure: short |
4+ |
| Chono San Lorenzo 2005 (Maipo) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Moreno £12.99 |
Carmenere & Syrah + CS. Reasonable colour. Syrah dominates nose. Quite interesting but undefined palate with some length. |
5- |
| Concha y Toro Don Melchior Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (Puente Alto Vineyard, Maipo) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
|
Good colour. Balck fruit on nose. Concentrated, balanced palate, with length, power and some remaining tannin on finish |
6 |
| Concha y Toro Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2002 (Maule) 11.5% |
HASS 16.11.06 |
Majestic £5.50 HB |
Yellow colour. Over-ripe fruit on nose. Intense ripe fruit: drying out on finish |
4+ |
| Concha y Toro Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2003 (Maule) 11.5% |
CLWS 14.3.07 |
Majestic £5.50 HB |
Yellow, honey on nose. Lots of botrytis (very unusual year), very sweet with good balance and some development |
5 |
| - ditto - |
IWD 17.11.07 |
|
Now showing considerable marmalade character, especially at end |
6 |
| Concha y Toro Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2004 (Maule) 12% |
CLWS 16.4.08 |
Majestic £6 HB |
Pale gold. Sweet barley-sugar nose. Sweet on palate, with barely enough acidity. Drink up |
5- |
| - ditto - |
CLWS 18.2.09 |
|
Now developing a butterscotch and marmalade nose, and a rich, balanced palate with good length. Probably near peak. |
6 |
| Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Maipo) 14.5% |
CLWS 18.2.09 |
Waitrose £7 |
Good colour. Lacks nose. Some fruit and tannins, but unexciting |
4+ |
| Concha y Toro Reserva Especial Syrah 2006 (Limari) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
|
Young colour. Some fruit on nose and palate, but still young and structured |
5 |
| Concha y Toro Winemakers Lot 404 Syrah Llanuras de Camarico Vineyard 2005 (Limari) 14.5% |
HFWS 19.2.07 |
Majestic £8.50 |
Some Syrah character on nose. Ripe fuit and acidity: moderate finish , rather thin and green on end. |
5- |
| Concha y Toro Winemakers Lot 1033 Carmenere 2004 (Colchagua) 14.5% |
ONS 7.6.07 |
Majestic £8.50 |
Very deep colour with no sign of aging. Bramble fruit on nose. Palate is rather green, with an astringent finish. |
4+ |
| Cono Sur Gewurztraminer 2006 (Bio-Bio) 13.5% |
ONS 11.10.07 |
Majestic £5 |
Green-yellow. Strong rosewater and spice nose. Dry palate,with overripe fruit and high acidity: some oil on finish |
4+ |
| Cono Sur Gewurztraminer 2007 (Bio-Bio) 13.5% |
CLWS 16.4.08 |
Majestic £6 |
Pale. Some Gewurztraminer character on nose, but little on palate: clean, straightforward and undeveloped. |
4- |
| Cono Sur Gewurztraminer 2007 (Casablanca) 13.5% |
CLWS 12.8.09 |
Majestic £7 |
Pale. Apricots and rose petals on nose. Rich, off-dry palate with good balance and length |
5 |
| Cono Sur El Marco Gewurztraminer 2005 (Casablanca) 14% |
CLWS 31.1.07 |
about £8 |
Moderate yellow. Some rose petal on nose. Rather strong acidic structure, a bit thick on finish. Possibly a little young. |
4- |
| Cono Sur Pinot Noir 2004 (Rapel) 13.5% |
CLWS 16.5.07 |
Morrisons £5.49 |
Soft and warm, but lacks structure and finish |
3+ |
| Con Sur Reserve Merlot 2005 (Colchagua) 14% |
ONS 11.10.07 |
Waitrose £7 |
Dark colour. Blackcurrant fruit. Oak and tannins on palate with ripish fruit under, astringent and then hot on finish. No varietal character. |
4 |
| Cono Sur Riesling 2007 (Bio-Bio) 13.5% |
CLWS 7.11.07 |
Waitrose £7 |
Pale colour. Flowers on nose, but no Riesling oil. Off dry palate, with good balance - grapey fruit and lemoin acidity: some length. |
4+ |
| Cono Sur Shiraz 2006 (Chimbarongo) 14% |
ONS 11.10.07 |
Londis £5 |
Black, broad pale edge. Blackcurrant nose. Modest palate, with astingency and some leather on finish. Little varietal character |
4- |
| Cono Sur Sparkling 2007 (Bio Bio) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
about £9 |
Pale colour, reasonable fine mousse. Bread on nose. Quite ripe, dry palate with good apple acidity. |
4+ |
| Cono Sur 20 Barrels Chardonnay 2006 (Casablanca) 13.5% |
ONS 11.10.07 |
Morrisons £10 |
100% new French oa,: it smells and tastes of nothing else. Will it develop? |
3 |
| Cono Sur 20 Barrels Pinot Noir 2008 (Casablanca) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Concha y Toro UK (W) |
Rich, oaky US style wine. Moderate colour. Cooked red fruit nose. Palate not yet integrated, just starting to mdevelop |
5- |
| Cono Sur 20 Barrels Pinot Noir 2006 (Casablanca) 14% |
IWD 15.11.08 |
Tesco £11.20 |
Moderate red. Soft red fruit on nose. Balanced ripe fruit, but little development or length |
5- |
| - ditto - |
IWD 18.7.09 |
|
Better bottle. Deep red. Cooked fruit on nose. Big palate, with ripe fruit and acidity not yet integrated: big finish |
6- |
| Cono Sur 20 Barrels Pinot Noir 2005 (Casablanca) 14% |
ONS 11.10.07 |
Morrisons £15 |
13 months in new fench oak. Dark. Nose is mosty vanilla. Very acidic, some fruit under. Some length, but unresolved and undeveloped. Hot at end. Far too young? |
4+ |
| Cono Sur 20 Barrels Pinot Noir El Triangulo Vineyard 2006 (Casablanca) 14% |
CLWS 2.9.09 |
Waitrose £20 |
Good colour. Red fruit and oak on nose. Rich, ripe and oaky: good length with some development. Needs time |
6 |
| Cono Sur 20 Barrels Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (Casablanca) 13.5% |
ONS 11.10.07 |
about £10 |
Good colour. Intense gooseberry nose with some complexity. Palate is fily dry, but has not yet come into balance:Long, largely undeveloped finish. Said to be best with 2 years. |
5 |
| Cono Sur Vison Grafted Block Viognier 2006 (Curico) 13.5% |
MENSA 12.8.07 |
Majestic £7.99 |
Rich, apricot nose, following through to palate. Reasonable length. |
5- |
| Cono Sur Vison Grafted Block Viognier 2007 (Curico) 13.5% |
IWD 28.06.08 |
Majestic £7.50 |
Pale. Backward nose. Rounded tropical fruit on palate, with adequate structure. Still a little young |
4+ |
| Cono Sur Vision Pinot Noir 2006 (Colchagua) 14% |
ONS 11.10.07 |
Majestic £8 |
Very dark Some red berries on nose. Very acidic plate with little fruit or complexity: astringent and alcoholic on end. |
4- |
| Cono Sur Vision Riesling 2006 (Bio-Bio) 14% |
ONS 11.10.07 |
Majestic £8 |
Little nose or nose. Very thin palate with some lanolin . Second botttle slightly richer. No R charaacter |
3- |
| Cono Sur Viognier 2006 (Colchagua) 13.5% |
CLWS 16.5.07 |
Majestic £5.49 |
Good apricot fruit, but quite short and simple. |
4+ |
| Cono Sur Viognier 2008 (Colchagua) 13.5% |
CLWS 18.2.09 |
Waitrose £7 |
Yellow. Exotic fruits on nose. Good weight but simple, commercial finish |
4 |
| Cousino-Macul Finis Terrae 2004 (Maipo) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Pol Roger (W) about £15 |
CS + Merlot. Young colour. Ripe fruit on nose. Rather subdued on palate, with little development |
4+ |
| Cousino-Macul Finis Terrae 2005 (Maipo) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Pol Roger (W) about £16 |
60% CS, 40% Merlot. Deep colour. Rich, spicy nose and palate, with excellent length and depth. |
6- |
| Cousino-Macul Finis Terrae 2006 (Maipo) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Pol Roger (W) about £16 |
Young. Oaky nose. Structure is still prominent, but enormous intensity and length |
6 |
| Cousino-Macul Lota 2005 (Maipo) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Pol Roger (W) about £30 |
75% CS, 25% Merlot from old vines. Dark. Subtle nose. Elegant, well-balanced palate with good lenth and developing complexity |
6- |
| Cremaschi-Furlotti Family Limited Edition 2005 (Maule) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Charles Hawkins (W) |
60% CS, 20% Syrah, 20% Carmenere, 14 months in French oak. Good colour. Little nose. Restrained palate with some length and development |
5 |
| Dona Dominga Viognier Reserva Especial 2004 (Colchagua) 14% |
CLWS 22.11.06 |
Oddbins £11 |
Gold colour. Cooked nose. Rather subdued on palate - some apricot but flat and hollow. Slightly corked? |
4- |
| Doña Dominga Viognier Gran Reserva 2006 (Colchagua) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Oddbins about £10 |
Pale colour. Apricot nose. Elegant palate - not much weight but good length |
5- |
| Echeverría Family Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Curico) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Hallgarten (W) about £12 |
Good colour. Nose quite open, with blackcurrant fruit and oak. Ripe fruit over ok tannins on palate: good length, some development |
5+ |
| Echeverría Family Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (Valle Central) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Hallgarten (W) |
Good colour. Typical nose with some oak. Good balance and depth of fruit, but finishes a little short |
5 |
| Echeverría Limited Edition Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Curico) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Hallgarten (W) about £20 |
Dark colour. Tight nose. Big oak tannins over ripe fruit: long, undeveloped finish. Very young. |
6- |
| Luis Felipe Edwards Dona Bernarda 2004 (Colchagua) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
D&D (W) about £12 |
CS + Shiraz, Carmenere & Petit Verdot. Reasonable colour. Soft fruit and oak on nose. Palate has lots of fruit over oak tannins and firm acidity: not much development yet. |
5 |
| Emiliana Coyam 2005 (Colchagua) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Boutinot (W) about £15 |
Syrah + CS, Merlot, Carmenere, Petit verdot. Black colour. Flowery Strah nose. Well-balanced palate with good length |
5+ |
| Errazuriz Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Aconcagua) 14% |
CLWS 7.11.07 |
Majestic £5 |
Quite a deep colour, brown on edge. Cassis notes on nose. Rather stalky tannin over ripe fruit initially, but rather hollow and short. |
4- |
| Errazuriz Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (Aconcagua) 14.5% |
CLWS 22.10.08 |
Waitrose £7 |
Reasonable colour but not much nose. Palate has some fruit and lots of acidity: modest, tarry finish. Little varietal character |
4 |
| Errazuriz La Cumbre Shiraz 2004 (Aconcagua) 14.5% |
CLWS 22.10.08 |
Chilean Wine Club £25 |
Badly corked. Foul nose. Palate depressed, but seems well balanced and long |
1 |
| - ditto - |
IWD 15.11.08 |
Majestic £20 |
Deep purple. Backward nose. Deep, rich fruit, lots of oaky structure: long, undeveloped finish. Big Australian style |
5+ |
| - ditto - |
CLWS 30.9.09 |
Flagship Wines £25 |
Purple-red. Soft, ripe nosewith herbs and pepper. Ripe fruit and tannin on palate, not quite integrated: long succulent finsh |
6+ |
| Errazuriz Don Maximiano Founders Reserve 2005 (Aconcagua) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Hatch Mansfield (W) |
85% CS +CF, Petit Verdot & Shiraz. Deep colour. Ripe niose. Big, powerful wine, well balanced and with developing length |
5+ |
| Errazuriz Max Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (Aconcagua) 14.5% |
CLWS 22.10.08 |
wine-direct.com £12 |
Deep colour. Black fruit nose. Fair fruit and structure: some length but not much development |
5 |
| Errazuriz Max Reserva Chardonnay 2006 (Aconcagua) 14% |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Waitrose about £10 |
Subtle balance of oak and fruit, very good length |
5+ |
| Errazuriz Max Reserva Merlot 2006 (Aconcagua) 14.5% |
CLWS 22.10.08 |
Chilean Wine Club £10 |
Deep colour. Blackcurrant, plum and cedar aromas. Ripe fruit and some acidity under oak tannin: long, but rather hot finish. |
5- |
| Errazuriz Max Reserva Shiraz 2003 (Aconcagua) 14.5% |
IWD 28.06.08 |
Majestic £10 |
Black red. Fruit and leather on nose. Rounded, well balanced palate, with some length and depth. Close to peak |
5+ |
| Errazuriz Max Reserva Shiraz 2004 (Aconcagua) 14.5% |
CLWS 11.10.06 |
Majestic £9.99 |
Bright purple. Backward nose. Cooked soft fruit, with acidity under: fair length, slightly bitter on end |
5- |
| - ditto - |
ABI 29.9.09 |
Majestic £11 |
Now developing leather and flower aromas. Palate is rich and balanced, with some development |
6 |
| Errazuriz Merlot 2007 (Curico) 14% |
CLWS 22.10.08 |
Threshers £7 |
Reasonable colour. Cooked plum nose. Rather thin and astringent on palate: not much finish |
3+ |
| Errazuriz Pinot Noir 2007 (Casablanca) 14.5% |
HASS 6.8.09 |
Majestic £8 |
Purple-red. Red fruit nose. Still lots of acidity: modest, hot finish |
5- |
| Errazuriz Shiraz 2007 (Aconcagua) 14% |
CLWS 22.10.08 |
Waitrose £7 |
Quite dark. Light nose. Astringent palate, green, short hot finish |
4- |
| Erraxuriz Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2007 (Casablanca) 13.5% |
CLWS 22.10.08 |
Majestic £10 |
Pale green. Tropical fruit and gooseberries on nose. Excellent fruit intensity, with balancing acidity: good length |
5 |
| Erraxuriz Single Vineyard Carmenere 2006 (Aconcagua) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Hatch Mansfield (W) |
Quite subtle and balanced already, with a delicate finish |
5 |
| Errazuriz The Blend 2005 (Aconcagua) 14.5% |
CLWS 22.10.08 |
Waitrose £14.50 |
Shiraz 35%, CS 30%, CF 16%, Sangiovese 11%, Petit Verdot 8%. Good colour. Mixed fruit nose. Good rich fruit with firm tannins but coming into balance. Good length, but rather hot on end. |
5- |
| Errazuriz Vinedo Chadwick 2004 (Maipo) 14% |
CLWS 22.10.08 |
Waitrose £38 |
100% CS. Good depth of colour, with amber to rim. Strongly vegetal nose. Intense ripe fruit on palate, but structure is still rather prominent: very long, some complexity. Young - needs 5-10 years |
6 |
| Haras de Pirque Albis 2003 (Maipo) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Berkmann (W) |
73% CS + Carmenere. Dark. Blackcurrants on nose. Mouthfilling but rather tannic, very long with some development |
5+ |
| Haras de Pirque Albis 2004 (Maipo) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Berkmann |
More advanced than 2003, with visible browning, a lighter nose and fruit showing over the tannin. Again, long with little complexity yet. |
5+ |
| Haras de Pirque Elegance Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (Maipo) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Friarwood Wines |
Good colour. Juicy balckcurrant fruit on nose and palate, balanced by good acidity: very good length, still developing |
6 |
| Haras de Pirque Elegance Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Maipo) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Berkmann |
Deep colour. Backward nose. Ripe fruit but still very tight tannins: fair length, but showing some alcohol on end |
5- |
| San Jose de Apalta Friends Collection 2004 (Rapel) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Besos (W) about £25 |
CS/Shiraz. Black red. Shiraz nose. Rich fruit with tannins under: long, rich finish with some astringency remaining. Australian style. |
6- |
| Casa Lapostolle Borobo 2003 (Casablanca) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
MMD (W) about £15 |
Syrah, CS, Carmenere, PN & Merlot from three yineyards. Quite odd. Nose has red Pinot fruits on top and dark Syrah notes below. Palate follows, with fruit over structure. Finish completely unresolved. I can't guess how this will develop. |
5 |
| Casa Lapostolle Borobo 2004 (Rapel & Casablanca) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Berkmann (W) £33 |
Again odd: unresolved fruit flavours and an unbalanced palate. |
4? |
| Casa Laposolle Clos Apalta 2004 (Colchagua) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
MMD (W) about £15 |
Tight nose. Oak tannins dominate fruit and finish: rich ripe fruit waiting to appear. Needs ages. |
6- |
| Casa Lapostolle Cuvée Alexandre Merlot 2004 (Colchagua) 14.5% |
CLWS 11.4.07 |
Majestic £14 |
Good colour. Plum fruit on nose. Well balanced with intense ripe fruit and oak: fair spicy length. Will age further. |
5+ |
| Casa Lapostolle Cuvée Alexandre Merlot 2006 (Colchagua) 15% |
IWD 18.4.09 |
Majestic £12 |
Black red. Little nose. Some fruit and tannin: powerful but rather young and raw |
5- |
| Casa Lapostolle Cuvée Alexandre Pinot Noir 2004 (Colchagua) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
MMD (W) about £20 |
Browning colour. Slightly cooked red fruit nose. Plate is balanced but unresolved: little development |
5- |
| Casa Lapostolle Cuvée Alexandre Pinot Noir 2006 (Colchagua) |
ABI 29.9.09 |
Majestic £20 |
Reasonable colour. Raspberries on nose. Good balance of ripe fruit and acidity: good length but still not quite resolved. |
6- |
| Casa Lapostole Cuvee Alexandre Syrah 2006 (Cachapoal) 14.5% |
IWD 15.11.08 |
Majestic £20 |
Black red. Backward nose. Black fruit with some tannin and acidity: good length. In the French style |
5+ |
| Casa Leone Merlot 2006 14.5% |
M&S 6.9.07 |
Marks & Spenser £3.99 |
Purple colour. Maceration carbonique nose. Intensely acidic fruit. Little finish. |
3 |
| Casa Leone Unoaked Merlot 2007 14% |
CLWS 16.4.08 |
Marks & Spencer £5.49 |
Purple. Green tobacco nose. Modest fruit, tannic hints andd high acidity: short, metallic finish |
3 |
| Loma Larga Syrah BK-BL 2005 (Casablanca) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Justerini & Brooks |
The top wines are made from selected vineyard plots (shown on the label). Black. Some flowers on nose. Gentle structure with a long, elegant finish which hasn't yet resolved |
5 |
| Francois Lurton Hacienda Araucano Clos Lolol 2005 (Colchagua) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Lurton (W) £12 |
French style wines: 50% CS, 50% Carmenere. Elegant wine, well balanced but a little attenuated. |
5 |
| De Martino Legado Reserva Syrah 2006 (Choapa) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Paragon Vintners (W) about £8 |
Vineyards planted 6 years ago. Young vine, rather green taste |
4 |
| De Martino Single Vineyard Carmenere 2005 (Maipo) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Paragon Vintners (W) about £12 |
Late harvest. Lots of ripe fruit but not integrated yet: finish undeveloped, but seems to finish a bit alcoholic. Try in a year |
4+ |
| De Martino Single Vineyard Carmenere 2007 (Maipo) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Paragon (W) |
Dark. Rich fruit on nose. Tannin still dominates fruit, but some length and development |
5+ |
| De Martino Single Vineyard Carignan 2006 (Maipo) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Paragon Vintners (W) about £12 |
Old vines. Just bottled. Red-black. Ripe fruit on nose. Strucutre is mainly acidity: fair length, still astringent |
5- |
| De Martino Single Vineyard Malbec 2006 (Maule) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Paragon Vintners (W) about £12 |
Young colour. Ripe black fruit. Tannic palate with fruit under, quite good length |
4+ |
| De Martino Single Vineyard Old Bush Vines 2006 (Cachepoul) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Paragon Vintners (W) about £15 |
Syrah, Cabernet etc. Just bottled. Dark colour. Rich nose with Syrah character predominating. Fruity palate with good structure and finish. |
5+ |
| de Martino Single Vineyard Old Bush Vines 2006 (Maule) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Paragon Vintners (W) about £15 |
Tank sample. CS, Malbec, Carignan. Dark colour. Tight nose. Oak and acidity dominate palate, with ripe fruit under: long finish. Needs considerable time to judge. |
5- |
| de Martino Single Vineyard Old Bush Vines Las Cruces 2006 (Cachapuol) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Paragon (W) |
65% Malbec + Carmenere. Purple-red. Fruit on nose. Round, fruity palate: long with some development |
5+ |
| de Martino Single Vineyard Old Bush Vines Limavida 2006 (Maule) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Paragon (W) |
64% Malbec + Carmenere etc. Young purple colour. Little nose. Palate is mainly tannin, long but undeveloped |
5- |
| Matetic Corralillo Merlot/Malbec 2005 (San Antonio) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Oddbins about £8 |
Young appearance. Ripe black fruit on nose and palate, balanced by acidity. Some finish but little development |
5- |
| Matetic Corralillo Syrah 2006 (San Antonio) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Majestic about £8 |
Young vine taste - rather thin and green |
4- |
| Matetic EQ Pinot Noir 2006 (San Antonio) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Majestic £17 |
New World style, with a full colour. Backward nose, with some cooked raspberry developing. Intense very ripe fruit over acidity: good length finish, showing some spice |
6- |
| Matetic EQ Syrah 2004 (San Antonio) 14% |
CLWS 22.11.06 |
Wine Society £11 |
Very dark. Over-ripe fruit on nose and palate, with lots of unintegrated structure: finish is developing secondary aromas including tar, moke and pepper. Possibly over-extracted. Certainly needs more time. |
5+ |
| Matetic EQ Syrah 2005 (San Antonio) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Majestic £17 |
Big dark colour. Powerful leathery nose. Ripe black fruits with good structure on palate: very long, just starting to develop. |
6 |
| Matetic EQ Syrah 2006 (San Antonio) 14% |
CLWS 10.9.08 |
Majestic £17 |
Very dark. Leathery nose. Rich, ripe fruit and firm tannins: deep and complex but needs time to resolve |
6- |
| Maycas Limari Syrah Reserva 2007 (Limari) 14.5% |
CLWS 18.2.09 |
Majestic £13 |
Moderate black-red. Black fruit on nose. Hints of fruit and tannin, but rather thin. Young vines |
5- |
| Vina Mayu Syrah 2006 (Elqui) 14% |
CLWS 12.8.09 |
Majestic £10 |
Young black red. Violet and leather nose. Balanced on attack but thin in middle and a little hot on end. Young vines |
5- |
| Los Molles Carmenere 2006 (Limari) 14% |
CLWS 16.4.08 |
Marks & Spencer £7.49 |
Reasonable colour. Little nose. Round, fruity palate with structure mostly acidity: good finish |
5- |
| Montegras Ninquen Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (Colchagua) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Enotria (W) |
Good fruit and structure, reasonable length |
5 |
| Montegras Quatro 2007 (Colchagua & Maipo) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Enotria (W) |
30% CS, 30% Malbec, 25% Syrah, 15% Carmenere. Young. Good fruty nose, but very acidic on palate |
5- |
| Montes Alpha Apalta M 2005 (Colchagua) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
HwCg (W) about £40 |
80% CS +CF, Merlot & Petit Verdot. Very deep young colour. Power in fruuit and structure: long but undeveloped |
5+ |
| Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Colchagua) 14% |
CLWS 16.5.07 |
Morrisons £9.99 |
Deep colour. Blackcurrant nose. Ripe fruit and fine tannins, but rather aggressive acidity. Good finish. Needs time |
5 |
| Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (Colchagua) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
about £11 |
Young red. Blackcurrant fruit. Still rather tight, with little development. |
5- |
| Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2006 (Colchagua) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
about £11 |
Yellow colour. Quite oaky on nose. Good bal;ance, length and depth. |
5 |
| Montes Alpha Folly 2005 |
Chi 9.09.08 |
about £40 |
100% Syrah. Pure Syrah nose and fruit: long, but with little development yet. |
6- |
| Montes Alpha Folly 2006 |
Chi 9.09.08 |
about £40 |
More open than 2005, aromatic nose, but palate not yet in balanced and undeveloped. |
6- |
| Montes Alpha Merlot 2004 (Colchagua) 14.5% |
ABI 29.9.09 |
Majestic £10 |
Moderate colour. Ripe plums on nose. Still has tannins overlaying ripe fruit: fair length with some spice |
5 |
| Montes Alpha Merlot 2006 (Colchagua) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
about £11 |
85% Merlot + Carmenere. Fair fruit, but still tight on palate |
5- |
| Montes Alpha Pinot Noir 2006 (Leyda) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
about £11 |
Moderate colour. Warm, ripe red fruit on nose and palate. Well balanceds and a good finish |
5+ |
| Montes Alpha Purple Angel 2005 |
Chi 9.09.08 |
about £22 |
92% Carmenere + Petit Verdot. Very dark. Fresh fruit aromas. Fresh black fruit, oak and acidity on palate, with a spicy, roasty finish |
5+ |
| Montes Alpha Syrah 2005 (Colchagua) 14.5% |
CLWS 16.5.07 |
Oddbins £9.99 |
Rounded, flowery nose. Good fruit with balanced structure and reasonable finish. |
5+ |
| Montes Alpha Syrah 2006 (Colchagua) 14.5% |
CLWS 16.4.08 |
Waitrose £10 |
Dark red. Red fruits on nose. No Syrah character showing. Some fruit, tight structure, little development |
4- |
| Montes Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (Casablanca) |
ONS 7.6.07 |
Majestic £6.24 |
Pale. Restrained nose. Rather light, elegant palate with little development. |
4+ |
| MontGras Quatro 2006 (Colchagua) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Enotria (W) about £12 |
CS + Merlot, Carmenenre & Malbec. Attractive young style, with loads of fruit on the palate: needs time to come into balance and develop |
5+ |
| Morande Chardonnay Gran Reserva 2005 (Maipo) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Bottle Green (W) about £9 |
Good colour. Plenty of oak and fruit on nose. Rich, oaky palate, with a fairly long finish |
5 |
| Morande House of Morande 2003 (Maipo) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Bottle Green (W) about £20 |
CS with CF, Carignan & Carmenere. Good colour. Rich black fruits on nose. Subtle palate with good balance, but slightly astringent on finish - try in a year or so |
5+ |
| Morrisons The Best Chilean Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (Curico) 13% |
CLWS 16.5.07 |
Morrisons £6.49 |
Little nose. Rather thin and green on palate. |
3- |
| Neyen Espiritu de Apalta 2003 (Colchagua) 14% |
HASS 17.5.07 |
Berry Brothers & Rudd £24 |
Carmenere/Cabernet Sauvignon blend. Lots of fruit and good structure: big finish but considerable length and elegance |
6 |
| Ninquen Antu Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenere 2006 (Colchagua) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Enotria (W) about £12 |
Young, rather coarse and lacks concentration |
4 |
| Ninquen Antu Syrah 2006 (Colchagua) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Enotria (W) about £12 |
Black-red colour. Flowers and leather on nose. Fruit under oak tannins: quite long |
5+ |
| Ninquen Mountin Vineyard cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (Colchagua) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Enotria (W) about £15 |
Good colour. Some blackcurrant on nose. Good weight, with fruit over strucutre: good length but no development yet |
5+ |
| Nostros Vina Indomita Zardos Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (Maipo) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Alliance Wine (W) £12.50 |
Good colour. Backward nose. Good fruit, well balanced: long, elegant finish |
5+ |
| Odfjell 2005 (Maule) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
|
100% Carignan. Good fruit but rather astringent and lacks development |
5- |
| Odfjell Aliara Carmenere 2003 (Maipo) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Wine Treasury about £15 |
Very dark colour. Some fruit on nose. Restrained, elegant palate with some complexity |
5 |
| Odfjell Orzada Malbec 2005 (Maipo) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Wine Treasury about £15 |
Moderate colour. Some fruit on nose. Well balanced, but lacks power and complexity |
5- |
| Pedro Jiminez 2005 (Coquimbo) 13% |
CLWS 11.10.06 |
Aldi £2.86 |
Pale colour. Slightly grapy nose.. Dry, rather astringent palate: liitle development |
4 |
| Pedro Jiminez 2007 (Elqui) 13.5% |
CLWS 23.7.08 |
Marks & Spencer £5 |
Pale yellow. Some mineral notes. Light, fruity, spritzig, good acidity: some length but no complexity |
4+ |
| Perez Cruz Cot Reserva Limited Edition 2006 (Maipo) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Novum Wines (W) |
All the grapes are from the Liguai estate: the wines are made in the French style. Cot=Malbec. Good colour. Fresh fruit aromas. Good balance and length. Ready |
5+ |
| Perez Cruz Liguai 2005 (Maipo) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Novum Wines (W) |
40% Syrah, 35% CS, 25% Carmenere. Dark colour. Some fruit on nose. Palate is rather subdued with tannins showing, but long. |
5 |
| Perez Cruz Quelen 2005 (Maipo) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Novum Wines (W) |
42% Petit Verdot, 33% Carmenere, 25% Malbec. 14 months in French oak. Good colour. Black fruit on nose. Restrained palate in good balance, with a long, spicy finish |
5+ |
| Perez Cruz Syrah Reserva Limited Edition 2006 (Maipo) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Novum Wines (W) |
Young, black appearance. Oaky, fruity nose. Still quite tough, with good fruit under: needs time |
5- |
| Porta Pinot Noir Reserve 2006 (Bio-Bio) |
CLWS 21.2.07 |
|
Young vine character. Scented nose., with dark fruit hints. Thin, undeveloped palate |
3+ |
| Porta Pinot Noir Reserve 2007 (Bio-Bio) |
CLWS 7.1.09 |
Waitrose £6 |
Purple-red. Mature nose. Little fruit on palate: astringent, lacks Pinot charactert and is rather unpleasant |
2 |
| Punto Alto Carmenere 2006 (Colchagua) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Bibendum £13 |
Reasonable colour. Ripe fruit. Rich, round palate with some length. |
5 |
| Punto Alto Chardonnay 2007 (Colchagua) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Bibendum £9 |
Pale, young. Little nose. Good acidity: modest length. |
4 |
| Punto Alto Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (Casablanca) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Bibendum £10 |
Pale colour. Strong gooseberry nose. Quite acidic with some finish |
4+ |
| San Esteban In Situ Laguna del Inca 2007 (Aconcagua) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Delibo (W) |
40% Syrah, 35% CS, 21% Carmenere + Sangiovese. Selected vineyard plots. 12 months in French oak. Black. Syrah notes on nose. Good weight of fruit and oaky structure; long, intense and starting to develop |
6- |
| Santa Carolina Barrica Selection Chardonnay 2006 (Casablanca) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Percy Fox (W) about £9 |
Aromatic oaky nose. Soft ripe fruit with citric acidity under: good length but still rather woody. |
5 |
| Santa Carolina Reserva de Familia Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 |
Tes 30.9.07 |
Tesco £12.99 |
Black colour. Ripe fruit and blackcurrant leaf on nose. Slightly green on palate, with acidity through to finish. Should develop |
5 |
| Santa Rita Floresta Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Apalta) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Berkmann (W) about £25 |
Very dark. Little nose. Tight Cabernet palate, with lots of oak tannin: some farmyard development on long finish. Needs lots of time |
6- |
| Santa Rita Reserva Chardonnay 2005 (Central) 13.5% |
HFWS 19.2.07 |
Majestic £7 |
Honeyed nose. Crisp, fruity palate with good acidity |
4+ |
| Santa Rita Triple C 2004 (Maipo) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Berkmann (W) about £25 |
CF, CS & Carmenere. Black red. Black fruit on nose. Ripe fruit and oak on palate: good length but little development yet. |
5+ |
| Secano Estate Pinot Noir 2007 (Leyda) 14% |
CLWS 16.4.08 |
Marks & Spencer £7 |
Purple-pink. Cooked, rubbery nose. Hot fruit on front of palate, with acidity behind. Not in balance |
3+ |
| Sena 2005 (Aconcagua) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Lay & Wheeler £40 |
CS dominated Bordeaux blend. 100% new French oak. Oak browning on rim. Backward nose. Excellent balance of fruit and structure, very long and delicate under the skin of tannins. Needs some time |
6 |
| Von Siebenthal Montelig 2005 (Aconcagua) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
New Generation (W) |
40% CS, 30% Carmenere, 30% Petit Verdot. Dark. Blackcurrant aromas.Quite structured, with lemon acidity: not a huge finish |
5 |
| Von Siebenthal Toknar 2005 (Aconcagua) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
New Generation (W) |
100% Petit Verdot. Deep colour. Black fruit on nose. Reasonable concnetration of fruit, some tannin showing, but rather straightforward on finish |
5- |
| Siegal Gran Crucero Assemblage 2005 (Colchagua) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Addison (W) about £15 |
Carmenere + Syrah and CS. Just bottled, still quite unresolved. Nose closed. Elegant fruit and structure: lots of length, some development. Try in 2 years. |
6 |
| Siegal Gran Crucero Carmenere 2003 (Colchagua) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Addison (W) about £15 |
With 10% Syrah.Secondary aromas on nose and palate: quite well developed but possibly a little simple. |
5+ |
| Silva Altura 2003 (Colchagua) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Jackson Nugent (W) |
40% Carmenere, 30% CS, 30% Petit Verdot. Colour and nose show some maturity. Palate has some fruit, but green acidity under. |
5 |
| Silva Gran Reserva Petit Verdot 2006 (Colchagua) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Threshers £8 |
Solid colour. Dark fruit aromas. Balanced fruity palate, but no depth or length |
4+ |
| Silva MicroTerroir de los Lingues Carmenere 2005 (Colchagua) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Jackson Nugent (W) |
Good colour. Black fruit on nose. Soft, well-balanced palate; long and developing complexity. Will be very good |
6- |
| Silva Quinta Generacion 2005 (Colchagua) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
Jackson Nugent (W) about £15 |
CS, Carmenere + Shiraz & Petit Verdot. Good colour. Integrated, oaky nose. Intense fruit and oak on palate: finish undeveloped. Needs time |
5 |
| Sutil Acrux 2005 (Colchagua) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
about £18 |
CS + Carmenere, Petit Verdot, Merlot, CF, Syrah. Good colour. Dark fruits on nose. Well balanced palate with very good length and hints of vegetal development |
5+ |
| Tabali Reserve Viognier 2007 (Limari) 14% |
CLWS 12.8.09 |
Virgin £9.50 |
Very pale. Some vegetal aromas. Rather ordinary, dry palate, lacking varietal character. Probably young vines |
4- |
| Tapiwey Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2005 (Casablanca) 13.5% |
HASS 16.11.06 |
Tesco £8 |
Some varietal characher, but losing acidity. Too old |
4 |
| Terranoble Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (Colchagua) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Pimlico Dozen £10 |
Reasonable colour. Some fruit. Quite deep flavour, some tannin and length |
5 |
| Terranoble Gran Reserva Carmenere 2007 (Maule) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Pimlico Dozen £10 |
Young red. Fruity nose. Reasonably balanced, but not much depth or development |
4+ |
| Terranova Reserve Syrah 2007 14.5% |
HASS 6.8.09 |
Segal £9 |
Big black colour. Young nose with oak and violets. Young acidity, with ripe fruit and a fair length |
5+ |
| Tierra del Fuego Gran Reserva Syrah 2006 (Maule) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
10 International (W) £10 |
Young. Reasonable fruit and structure, some length |
5- |
| Casas del Toqui Leyenda del Toqui 2006 |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Mellish & Webb (W) £14 |
In partnership with CH Larose Trintaudon. 75% CS, 15% Merlot, 10% Syrah. Young, very re3strained, with modest length and depth |
5- |
| Miguel Torres Cordilla 2005 (Curico) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Fells |
63% Carinena, 22% Merlot, 15% Shiraz. 60 year old vines. Moderate colour, backward nose. Soft palate, without much fruit: some length but unresolved, harsh finish |
4+ |
| Miguel Torres Manso de Velasco Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Curico ) |
Chi 16.10.07 |
John Fells (W) about £15 |
100 year old vines. Good colour. Medicinal aromas dominate nose and palate. Not very pleasant |
4+ |
| Miguel Torres Manso de Velasco Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (Curico ) |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
|
Good colour. Complex blackcurrant nose. Well blaanced palate with some intensity and a long complex finish |
6- |
| Miguel Torres Riesling VT 2004 (Curico) 13.5% |
IWD 19.11.06 |
Torres UK (W) £8.50 HB |
Full colour. Cooked fruit and some smoke on nose. Not much botrytis: medium sweet, reasonable balance and length |
5+ |
| Miguel Torres San Medin Tormenta 2007 |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
John Fells |
Organic Viognier. Young vines, little varietal character. |
3 |
| Miguel Torres Santa Digna Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
John Fells |
Reasonable length and balance, but unexciting |
4 |
| Miguel Torres Santa Digna Gewurztraminer 2007 |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
John Fells |
Young colour. Some rosewater on nose. Good fruit in a dry style - almost ready. |
4+ |
| Miguel Torres Santa Digna Sauvignon Blanc 2007 |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
John Fells |
Again young fruit and rather hollow. |
3 |
| Trivento Viognier 2006 (Mendoza) |
ONS 11.12.07 |
Waitrose £5 |
Pale green. Ripe apricot fruit. Slightly spritzig, with good apricot fruit and structure - quite long, but slightly bitter on end. |
5- |
| Undurraga Late Harvest 2007 (Maipo) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
De Bortoli (W) £9 HB |
From a vineyard close to the sea, kept for botrytis wines. This vintage 100% semillon, sometimes includes gewurztraminer. Yellow gold. Botrytis on nose. Moderately sweet with excellent acidity to balance, and a long finish |
6 |
| Underraga Siberis Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2007 (Maipo) 14% |
CLWS 30.9.09 |
Flagship Wines £9.50 |
Pale gold. Lots of oak and some flowers on nose. Rather blousy palate, with oil and acidity both too prominent and a rather vegetal finish |
4- |
| Viajero Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (Colchagua) 13% |
ABI 29.9.09 |
Lidl £8 |
Pale colour. Grassy nose. Quite subtle, balanced palate with good length |
5 |
| Valdivieso Caballo Loco No 2 (bottled about 1994) (Lontue) 12.5% |
CLWS 16.5.07 |
about £30 |
Bordeaux blend. Considerable browning. Mature plum fruit on nose. Balanced, but rather faded palate. Rather old. |
5+ |
| Valdivieso Caballo Loco No 2 (bottled about 2003) (Lontue) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
|
Wine is in solera, with best wines of each year added, and sold when though ready. Good colour. Bordeaux characteristics, but rather flattened |
5 |
| Valdivieso Malbec 2008 (Valle Central) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
about £5 |
Purple. Fruity nose. Fresh fruit dominates palate, simple finish |
4+ |
| Valdivieso Single Vineyad Botrytis Semillon 2007 (Lontue, Curico) |
Chi 9.09.08 |
Bibendum (W) |
Accidental. Warm yellow gold. Some botrytis on nose. Sweet with balancing acidity. |
5+ |
| Veranda Pinot Noir 2007 (Casablanca & Bio-Bio) 14.5% |
CLWS 23.9.09 |
Virgin Wines £10 |
Deep purple. Cooked red fruit on nose. A mixture of fully ripe and green fruit, poorly balanced and with a hot end. Young vines, overextracted |
4 |
| Waitrose Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2005 (Maipo) 13.5% |
CLWS 16.4.08 |
Waitrose £9 |
Darkish red. Closed nose, with some blackcurrant on swirling. Not much interest on palate - rather bitter on finish |
4- |
| Waitrose Sauvignon Blanc 2007 (Casablanca) 13.5% |
CLWS 16.4.08 |
Waitrose £9 |
Gooseberry nose, almost NZ in style. Quite intense gooseberry on palate, but finishing rather soft. Young vines? Not for keeping |
4 |
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| Uruguay |
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| Wine |
Tasted |
Source |
Notes |
Mark |
| Cerrau Amat Tannat 1998 (Coastal Region) 13% |
CLWS 11.10.06 |
Laymont & Shaw £12 |
Very deep colour, some oak browning. Backward nose. Old Spanish style palate – old wood and tannins, ripe fruit under. Good length and some development but lacks generosity. Tasted again 15.11.08, but hasn't changed. |
5 |
| Casa Filguera Classic Tannat 2007 (Las Bruhas) |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
|
Deep red. Dark fruit nose. Very tannic still, with ripe fruit and a commercial finish |
4 |
| Casa Filguera Reserve Merlot 2005 (Las Bruhas) |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
|
Oaked and quite astringent still |
4+ |
| Casa Filguera Reserve Tannat 2006 (Las Bruhas) |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
|
Oaky tannins and fruit - needs time to soften |
5- |
| Gimenez Mendez Alta Reserva Tannat 2007 (Las Bruhas) |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
|
US & French oak. Just bottled. Slightly austere, but well balanced. Elegant finish |
5- |
| Gimenez Mendez Late Harvest 2007 |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
|
Chardonnay and Viognier: no botrytis. Moderate yellow colour. Some floral aromas. Sweet, with enough acidity: some finish |
4+ |
| Gimenez Mendez Licor de Tannat 2007 (las Bruhas) |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
|
Port-style. Black red. Nose has intense plums and smoked meat. Sweet and rather raw on palate. Very different |
5- |
| Gimenez Mendez Lym Tannat 2006 |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
|
French oak.From vineyards in Las Brujas and Montevideo. Similar to premium, but woodier and more concentrated. Could be very fine indeed. |
6- |
| Gimenez Mendez Premium Tannat 2006 (Las Bruhas) |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
|
New US & French oak. Very dark. Black fruit nose. Concentrated fruit and fine tannins: finish is long but very astringent as yet |
5+ |
| Gimenez Mendez Luiz A Gimenez Super Premium Tannat 2006 (Las Bruhas) |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
|
Very dark. Rich fruity nose. Lots of structure, especially oak tannins, but rich fruit under: very long finish with development just starting |
5+ |
| Juanico Don Pascual Tannat Merlot 2007 |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
|
Easy drink, commercial finish |
4 |
| Juanico Don Pascual Tannat Roble 2007 |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
|
9 months in US oak. Similar to reserve, with a slight wood taste. |
4+ |
| Juanico Don Pascual Reserve Tannat 2007 |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
|
Good colour and nose. Firm structure with enough fruit, but rather short |
4+ |
| Juanico Familia Deicas 1er Cru Garage Tannat 2005 |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
Wine Society £30 |
12 months in oak. Full colour. Ripe nose. Well rounded and balanced palate, with both fruit and structure both powerful: long finish, development just starting. Needs time |
6- |
| Juabico Preludio Barrel Select 2004 12.5% |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
|
Tannat, CS, Cabernet Franc, Merlot & Petit Verdot: 30 months oak aging. Serious wine showing a brown rim, maturing fruit and a well balanced , long palate. Development has started, but not yet at peak. |
5+ |
| Bod Marichal Reserve Collection Pinot Noir/Tannat 2005 |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
|
70/30 blend. 9 months in oak. Palish red. Red fruit nose. Uneasy blend, not well integrated on plate, with ripe soft fruit and very edgy structure. Not a good idea |
3 |
| Bod Marichal Reserve Collection Tannat 2005 |
LIWF 21.05.08 |
|
Dark colour. Black fruit nose. Ripe fruit and restrained tannins on palate: long, rounded finish. |
5+ |
| Pizzorno 2005 (Canelon-Chico) 13% |
CLWS 7.11.07 |
Waitrose £7 |
Merlot/Tannat blend. Purple red. Red fruits on nose. Tannins overlie fruit and acidity: finish has some complexity, but is rather thin, short and astringent. |
4 |
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