Bodega El Porvenir de Cafayate Laborum Finca El Retiro Torrontés 2022 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is a lovely Torrontés from the high-altitude Cafayate Valley that arrived at the LCBO as part of the feature on wines from Argentina in the February 3, 2024 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Bodega El Porvenir de Cafayate, a winery that was born as part of a generation of wineries at the end of the 20th century, during the transformation of the Argentine wine industry. During this time, the Salta wine industry was also re-converted, including the expansion of Cafayete wines. El Porvenir was founded by the Romero Marcuzzi family in 2000 and since 2013 has been led by Lucía Romero Marcuzzi, a vintner, entrepreneur, mother, and third-generation vineyard owner who was born and raised in Salta. Under Lucía's direction, this female-led, family-run project is rewriting the legend of Cafayate.

El Porvenir - which means "future" - embodies the paradigm of Cafayate wine - the fusion between innovation and great respect for the identity and unmistakable character of the terroir. The philosophy at El Porvenir is based on deep respect and love for terroir, with their wines a reflection of their terroir. With both the heart and mind firmly in the Cafayate Valley, El Porvenir wants to share their place with the world.

Cafayate is known for its stunning red rock formations. It is a small, isolated, and elevated valley that was home to the pre-Hispanic Diaguita-Calchaquí indigenous people and is located 180 km south of the city of Salta. With its unique characteristics and care of El Porvenir, Cafayete is able to produce high-quality and healthy grapes from this special, high-altitude valley to create iconic vintages, modern classics, and cutting-edge, innovative wines. The extreme desert climate, combined with poor soils, warm days and cool nights, very little rainfall, and plentiful sunlight means that it is easy for El Porvenir to practice integrated, sustainable, and organic viticulture. With vineyards situated between 1,750 and 2,500 metres above sea level, the broad thermal amplitude allows the grapes to become highly concentrated while retaining fresh acidity.

This 100% Torrontés was crafted using fruit grown at Finca El Retiro, El Porvenir's most established vineyard. It is situated in the heart of Cafayate, Salta, at the high-altitude of 1,650 metres above sea level, in the far north of Argentina. The vineyard at Finca El Retiro was planted in 1945 on soil that is deep and sandy, with the presence of minerals such as mica crystals. The Torrontés planted in this vineyard were trained using the pergola system, a vine-training system that is ideal for cultivating Torrontés. To craft this wine, it underwent a fairly long fermentation with selected yeast in stainless steel tanks, followed by several months of ageing on its lees.

The 2022 growing season in Salta didn't have any major climatic events, but did produce a late vintage. It was a cooler growing season, with yields at the usual quantities. From a very good vintage, let's see how this 2022 Torrontés from Argentina is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

BODEGA EL PORVENIR DE CAFAYATE LABORUM FINCA EL RETIRO TORRONTÉS 2022 - Single vineyard, Valle de Cafayate, Salta, Argentina (#489179) (XD) - $18.95
Screw cap. Fresh, medium-high intensity nose of floral, lemon citrus, grapefruit, and herbal aromas with a touch of thyme. On the dry, mid-weighted palate it has a very nicely textured mouthfeel with lovely floral, lemon citrus, thyme, grapefruit, lychee, apple, and herbal flavours supported by fresh, lemony, and zesty acidity. Leesy mineral notes arrive on the mid-palate and is joined by lemon citrus notes on the juicy and exceptionally long finish. Should continue to drink well over the next 3-4 years and is a highly recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Bodega El Porvenir de Cafayate can be ordered through their Agent - Eurovintage Wines & Spirits.

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Catena Lunlunta Old Vines Appellation Malbec 2021 (Argentina) - Wine Review

After enjoying the excellent 2018 Catena Lunlunta Old Vines Appellation Malbec three years ago, tonight's red wine review is the latest vintage of this terrific wine that arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the theme on wines from Argentina in the Feb. 3, 2024 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Catena Zapata, one of Argentina's and the world's most renowned and prestigious wine growers and producers. The winery was founded in 1902 by Italian immigrant Nicola Catena in Mendoza, Argentina, and was later revitalized to international acclaim in the 1980s by Nicola's grandson - Nicolás Catena Zapata.

Today, the family-run winery is now in the hands of the fourth generation - Dr. Laura Catena, daughter of Nicolás. The Catena family is one of the most iconic and influential wine families and have been instrumental in developing Mendoza into a world-class wine region over the past 100+ years. As one of Argentina's pioneering wineries, Catena Zapata is known for its commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability, and was one of the first Argentine wineries to introduce modern viticultural and winemaking techniques to the country. The Catena family also played a significant role in elevating Malbec to its current status as Argentina's flagship grape variety. Catena Zapata produces several Malbec wines that showcase the grape's potential, while also focusing on expressing the terroir of Mendoza.

Catena Zapata has several ranges of wines in their portfolio. This particular red wine is from their Appellation Village series of wines, which borrows the idea from Burgundy whereby grapes grown in the territory of certain villages give their name to the appellation. In Argentina, the rural towns of Lunlunta, Vista Flores, San Carlos, Tupungato, Agrelo, and La Consulta lend their names to the beautiful historic vineyards that surround them. Also, like in France where village vineyards are small and often owned by siblings and cousins within the same family due to the Napoleonic code (which establishes that at a person's death, his or her land is divided equally among his or her heirs), in Argentina, over half of the vineyards in Mendoza are less than 4 hectares and owned by multiple family members. The wines of the Catena Appellation Village range express the diversity of terroir and the historic farming customs of these local families.

Like previous vintages, this red wine is crafted with 100% Malbec that was grown in the small Lunlunta district that straddles the administrative departments of both Maipú and Lujan de Cuyo, along the Mendoza River, within the Mendoza wine region. Lunlunta is an idyllic district of small orchards and tree-lined country roads, and is well-known for its ancient Malbec vines. This Malbec is from a vineyard situated at 2,785 feet above sea level that was planted in 1930. The soil composition in this vineyard is sandy and loamy, with 50% sand, 30% silt, 20% clay, and 5% surface stones, and has northwestern exposure to the sun. It was fermented in stainless steel tanks and underwent malolactic fermentation. It was aged in a combination of both stainless steel tanks and 1-year-old 225 L French oak for 12 months, then aged a further 10 months in bottle prior to release.

The 2021 growing season in Argentina was interesting with wetter and colder than normal conditions, along with damp conditions that persisted into summer. Furthermore, spring experienced significant frosts, which cut yields dramatically. The cool humidity meant that growers had to be vigilant against rot and disease, while the general lack of sunlight resulted in grapes taking longer to reach phenolic ripeness. The long growing season ensured that the resulting fruit was in good condition, with the wines showing fine aromatics, acidity, and elegance. Let's see how this 2021 Malbec from Argentina is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CATENA LUNLUNTA OLD VINES APPELLATION MALBEC 2021 - Sustainable, Mendoza, Argentina (#11769) - (XD) - $24.95
From vines planted in 1930, this lovely Malbec has a medium-high intensity nose that is elegant and ripe with a lovely mix of plummy, blackberry, earthy-stony mineral, spice, and some herbal aromas. On the spicy, medium+ to medium-full bodied palate it has very fruit-acid-tannin tension that provides a well-structured mouthfeel. Dry with lovely mineral-driven, dark fruited, blackberry, spice, black cherry, plum, and herbal flavours. Structured with tangy and juicy acidity, and medium-firm structured tannins that offer a pleasant, gently chalky grip. Minerally with blackberry, black cherry, and spice notes linger on the long, smoky finish. Enjoyable now, but will reward with a few years in the cellar and drink well to the end of the decade. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91 pts

Many fine wines by Catena are available at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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February 3, 2024 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Chile & Argentina

Here's my top wine picks from the February 3, 2024 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection, which features wines from Chile and Argentina as the theme of the release. We're back to normal levels of wines in this release with nearly 100 products, which also includes some Online & Flagship Exclusives. All the wines should be available for purchase by this Saturday.

We begin with the theme on wines from Chile and Argentina - Partners in Wine. There are twenty-two wines included in the thematic, with eight among my top wine picks. We start with the whites, with a Torrontés from Argentina, and a Sauvignon Blanc from Chile. Among the reds, the Cabernet Franc includes 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% Carménère, while the Emiliana is a blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Syrah, and 19% Carignan. Single varietal wines include the Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir, all from Argentina, while the Puente Austral from Chile is crafted with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.

From my top red wine recommendations, Tuscany leads that way with the iconic Cepparello, as well as the Gran Selezione, both of which are crafted with 100% Sangiovese, while the Guidalberto Super Tuscan is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. Other red wines include the Rioja that is a blend of 97% Tempranillo and 3% Mazuelo, as well as the California Cabernet Sauvignon that is actually composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and 5% Malbec.

Among my white wine picks from the rest of the release, there are only three wines - a Pinot Grigio from Friuli, a Chardonnay from South Australia, and a Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough. The last wine from this group is an excellent Riesling Icewine from Niagara.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Salud!

Red Wine:

• CALCU TINY BLOCKS GRAN RESERVA CABERNET FRANC 2020 - Sustainable, Valle de Colchagua, Chile (#35677) (XD) - $14.95  90 pts  wine review
• PUENTE AUSTRAL RESERVA PRIVADA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 - Sustainable, Valle de Colchagua, Chile (#21960) (XD) - $16.95  89 pts  wine review
• SECRETO PATAGÓNICO REBEL PINOT NOIR 2022 - Patagonia, Argentina (#36015) (XD) - $16.95
• EMILIANA NOVAS STELLAR SELECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON / SYRAH / CARIGNAN 2021 - Vegan, sustainable, DO Valle del Maule, Chile (#35672) (XD) - $17.95  88+ pts  wine review
• SAN PEDRO 1865 SELECTED VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 - Las Piedras, DO Valle del Maipo, Chile (#37911) (XD) - $19.95  90 pts  wine review
• ZUCCARDI Q CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 - Sustainable, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#28078) (XD) - $20.95
• MERAYO LAS TRES FILAS MENCIA 2020 - DO Bierzo, Spain (#462788) (XD) - $20.95

• CATENA LUNLUNTA OLD VINES APPELLATION MALBEC 2021 - Sustainable, Mendoza, Argentina (#11769) - (XD) - $24.95  91 pts  wine review
• RODNEY STRONG ALEXANDER VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 - Sustainable, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA (#350454) (XD) - $34.95  91 pts  wine review
• LAN GRAN RESERVA 2016 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#928622) (XD) - $34.95  92 pts  wine review
• ROCCA DI CASTAGNOLI STIELLE GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2017 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#459529) (XD) - $53.95
• TENUTA SAN GUIDO GUIDALBERTO 2021 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#72439) (XD) - $75.95
• ISOLE E OLENA CEPPARELLO 2020 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#28768) (XD) - $175.95

White Wine:

• INDÓMITA GRAN RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 - DO Valle de Casablanca, Chile (#544213) (XD) - $15.95  89 pts  wine review
• WAKEFIELD ESTATE LABEL CHARDONNAY 2022 - Clare Valley / Limestone Coast, South Australia (#711556) (XD) - $16.95  89 pts  wine review
• BODEGA EL PORVENIR DE CAFAYATE LABORUM FINCA EL RETIRO TORRONTÉS 2022 - Single vineyard, Valle de Cafayate, Salta, Argentina (#489179) (XD) - $18.95  89 pts  wine review
• ATTEMS PINOT GRIGIO 2022 - DOC Friuli, Italy (#707950) (XD) - $19.95  90 pts  wine review
• VILLA MARIA EARTH GARDEN SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#24981) (XD) - $20.95

Dessert Wine:

• LAKEVIEW CELLARS RIESLING ICEWINE 2019 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#471839, 200 mL) (S) - $34.95  92 pts  wine review

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Zuccardi Q Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely, sustainably-crafted Cabernet Sauvignon from the Uco Valley in Argentina that arrived at the LCBO last year in the April 15, 2023 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection. While a few bottles of this vintage still seem to be available at the LCBO, the latest 2021 vintage will be arriving at LCBO outlets as part of the upcoming Feb. 3, 2024 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Zuccardi Wines, an internationally acclaimed winery that was established by Alberto Zuccardi in 1963 in Maipú, Mendoza. He planted his first vineyard in the desert of Mendoza to demonstrate his new, innovative, and efficient irrigation system, which led him to discover his passion for viticulture and pave the way for future generations of the family. In 1985, José Alberto, son of Alberto, assumed responsibility for the management of the family business and, like his father, José Alberto had an innovative and visionary spirit which made him one of Argentina's most enthusiastic wine ambassadors.

Today, the Zuccardi family is considered a key figure in the history and future of viticulture in Argentina. The winery is in the hands of the third generation of the family, viticulturist Sebastián Zuccardi. He joined the family winery in 2007 and led the development of the high mountain region of the Uco Valley, including planting the family's first vineyard in the Uco Valley. In 2009, Sebastián established a Research & Development department to study the soils and terroir of the Uco Valley to gain a deeper understanding and how it's expressed in the wines. This research has led to Zuccardi producing wines that are a true reflection of the place. In 2013, Zuccardi began the construction of a new winery in the Paraje Altamira area of the Uco Valley, with the inauguration taking place in 2016. Named Zuccardi Valle de Uco, the modern building is a tribute to the mountains of Mendoza.

This red wine is part of the Zuccardi Q range of wines that was launched in 1999 and were the first wines to bear the family name. It is named "Q" because the fruit for these wines comes from their best vineyards and plots that were marked with the letter "Q" for Quality. These specially designated vineyards and plots are given extra care and attention during the growing and vinification process in order to produce wines of exceptional quality. All wines in the Zuccardi Q range are regional wines with fruit from across Mendoza, with each plot harvested and vinified separately in order to achieve the best expression of each varietal.

Crafted with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the grapes for this red wine were grown in two regions of the Uco Valley - La Consulta within the San Carlos district, and the high-altitude Gualtallary wine region in Tupungato. The vineyard in La Consulta is situated at 990 metres above sea level, while the Gualtallary vineyard is situated at 1,400 metres above sea level. The soil profile is alluvial and gravel covered with calcium carbonate at shallow depth, and calcareous sands. To vinify this wine, the bunches of grapes were selected and then filled into tanks by gravity. It was fermented using indigenous yeasts with gentle extraction using delestage and pigeage techniques. It underwent maceration on the pomace for 25 days, malolactic fermentation, and finally aged in oak barrels.

The growing season in 2019 produced grapes of exceptional quality. This was in part due to the climatic conditions that allowed Zuccardi to harvest each region, variety, and type of soil at the time they expected. Spring was generally wet, while temperatures throughout the season were cool-to-moderate, and always below average. Yields were marginally smaller, while a cool autumn allowed for a longer ripening period. The wines of 2019 are characterized by modest alcohol and fresh acidity.

The only other time I recall tasting this wine was back in 2016, when I opened up the 2006 Zuccardi Q Cabernet Sauvignon that was probably past its prime drinking window. Let's see how this 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

ZUCCARDI Q CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 - Sustainable, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#28078) (XD) - $19.95
100% Cabernet Sauvignon from La Consulta and Gualtallary. The medium+ to medium-high intensity nose reveals reductive aromas of plummy dark berry, black currant, blackberry, mineral, and touches of cassis. It's medium to medium-full bodied on the dry, ripe, and gently spicy palate with delicious plummy dark berry, cassis, black currant, and blackberry flavours joined by savoury mineral and spice notes. Fresh acidity is juicy and succulent, while the tannins are smooth and refined with a supple grip. It's nicely balanced with dark berry, mineral, and spice notes lingering on the finish, with very good length. Enjoy this recommended buy over the next 4-5 years. Score: 89 pts

Other fine wines by Zuccardi are available at the LCBO and through their Agent - The Bacchus Group.

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El Enemigo Chardonnay 2022 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is one of my favourite Chardonnays from Argentina. While the printed magazine specifies the 2020 vintage, in actuality it was the 2022 vintage that arrived at the LCBO earlier this month as part of the theme on Fine Wines for Festive Entertaining in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on December 2nd.

It is produced by El Enemigo Wines, a passion project that was established in 2008 by two friends - highly-acclaimed winemaker Alejandro Vigil and historian Adrianna Catena. Alejandro is a soil expert who has been with Bodega Catena Zapata as their chief winemaker for more than 20 years, while Adrianna is the younger sister of Dr. Laura Catena, as well as the youngest daughter of legend Nicolas Catena, of the famed Catena family of Argentina.

The name "El Enemigo" means "the enemy", and was inspired by Dante Alighieri's poem "The Divine Comedy". The credo behind the name is the struggle that most defines us in our lives is the one we wage with ourselves - we are our own worst enemy. The philosophy is to embrace the "enemy" or challenges in winemaking, confronting the difficulties and turning them into opportunities for creating exceptional wines.

Today, El Enemigo is situated among the high-altitude vineyards in the Uco Valley and has gained a reputation for producing some of Argentina's finest wines. The wines of El Enemigo are enigmatic, charismatic, and verging on iconoclastic, and in a way they reflect their maker, Alejandro, with an almost Picasso-like personality. While he consults and contributes academic research on soils and microbial composition, with El Enemigo he plays and expresses himself creatively. At the same time, the wines of El Enemigo are sensitive to historical blends and traditions as some of the grapes come from some of the oldest vineyard sites in the region.

Like the 2018 El Enemigo Chardonnay that I enjoyed last year, this vintage was also grown in the region of Gualtallary, within the Tupungato district in the northern reaches of the Uco Valley, at a high-altitude of 1,470 metres (4,822 feet) above sea level on deep-calcareous and rocky soil. It was fermented using wild yeast in 500 L French oak barrels, with 35% new barrels, followed by ageing under veil (flor yeast) for 12 months in 500 L French oak barrels.

The 2022 growing season delivered another successful harvest, although the year did have its challenges. In Mendoza, the region began with a cool, dry spring, as well as little snowfall, which resulted in less water flowing down to a region already suffering from severe water shortages. Further challenges arrived when five frosts, some severe, occurred between October and November in the Uco Valley. The white grape varieties were a big challenge due to rain that arrived at the end of spring, between December and February, and was concentrated to a few weeks. However, if the harvest was done well, good quality with fresher wines is achieved. Let's see how this 2022 Chardonnay from Argentina is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

EL ENEMIGO CHARDONNAY 2022 - Mendoza, Argentina (#482984) (XD) - $25.95
Using wild yeast, this was fermented and aged in French oak barrels. The fragrant, medium-high intensity nose is ripe and appealing with pineapple, banana, citrus, caramel, toffee, butter, and leesy flor aromas. It's mid-weighted with good concentration, well-structured, sweet fruited, yet dry, with delicious banana, pineapple, lemon citrus, apple, toffee/caramel, leesy flor, and buttery flavours in a complex profile with all vying for attention. Acids are crisp and fresh, plus a touch of spice notes on the mid-palate. The long finish is dry with lingering notes of smoke and mineral. Enjoy this highly recommended buy over the next 4-5 years. Score: 92 pts

Other lovely wines by El Enemigo can found at the LCBO or through their Agent - Noble Estates Wine & Spirits.

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El Esteco Malbec 2018 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is this excellent Malbec from the high altitude Calchaquí Valley in Salta, Argentina. While this is an older vintage that is not available for purchase, you can get the 2021 vintage that just arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the November 4 LCBO New Release Collection.

It is produced by Bodega El Esteco, a renowned winery that was established in 1892 by David Michel, a French immigrant, in the Calchaquí Valleys, which is part of the province of Salta in northwestern Argentina. The winery is located at high altitude in the Andes Mountains, a natural landscape carved by the sun, mountains, and vineyards, and in an area which provides a unique and advantageous terroir for the cultivation of high-quality winegrowing. El Esteco was one of the first institutions in Argentina to master the art of viticulture and winemaking. They have a significant presence in the famous Cafayate, as well as the little-known and unique sub-region of Chañar Punco. Cafayate is the heart of Calchaquí Valleys, a region that was seemingly unsuitable for grape-growing, but is an isolated stretch of desert with unique features that make it ideal to grow the highest vineyards in the world.

Today, El Esteco is considered one of the leading wine producers in the Salta region, as well as the broader Argentine wine industry. They own nearly 1,000 acres of vineyards at an ideal high altitude of more than 1,700 metres (5,500 feet) above sea level. The vineyards, which have poor soils, experience abundant sunshine and perfect diurnal temperature range - conditions which help produce high-quality wines. The winery has undergone numerous transformations over the years, all of which are encapsulated in the vallisto Spanish colonial-style hundred-year-old building where it resides today, and influenced by ancient civilizations, Hispanic influence, and the Criollo spirit. Inside the winery, El Esteco uses the latest wine technologies such as concrete vessels, stainless steel tanks, and poetic French and American oak barrels - all of which help create wines of diverse styles, flavours, and aromas.

With several ranges of wines in the portfolio, this red wine is under the El Esteco range, bearing the name of the winery, and pays tribute to the winery's history and expertise. It is crafted with 100% Malbec that was grown in the heart of the Calchaqui Valley, where El Esteco was found. The Valley is situated at over 1,800 metres above sea level and features poor alluvial soils, high sun exposure, low humidity, and broad thermal amplitude - all characteristics which make the Calchaqui Valley an exceptional wine region. The concentrated bunches of grapes were manually harvested in plastic bins and brought to the winery for pre-fermentative maceration in stainless steel tanks. It was fermented using both native and selected yeasts, and underwent natural malolactic fermentation in both American and French oak barrels, followed by ageing in these same oak barrels for 12 months. After careful barrel selection, the wine was blended and bottled unfiltered, and aged a further 6 months in bottle prior to release.

With nearly ideal growing conditions in 2018, the result was well-structured wines that feature fine-grained tannins and ripe fruit flavors, as well as harvest yields that returned to normal after a series of short vintages. Let's see how this 2018 Malbec from northern Argentina is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

EL ESTECO MALBEC 2018 - Calchaquí Valley, Salta, Argentina (#113191) (XD) - $21.95
Lovely, fragrant, open, and highly aromatic on the nose with violet, blackberry, dark fruit, stony minerality, savoury wet earth, and touches of black plum aromas. It's medium+ bodied on the dry, spicy, and dark fruited palate with lovely violet, blackberry, stony mineral, and earthy flavour replays. Acids are still quite fresh, lively, and juicy, while the maturing tannins are smooth and fine-grained, but still offers a slightly grippy texture and nice structure. The finish length is excellent with lingering savoury, stony mineral, and earthy notes. Enjoy over the next 3-5 years. Highly recommended! Score: 91+ pts

Other lovely wines by El Esteco are available at the LCBO and through their Agent - Dandurand.

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Chakana Finca Los Cedros Malbec 2020 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely organic and vegan Malbec from Paraje Altamira in Argentina that arrived at the LCBO as part of the recent LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on October 7th.

Chakana Wines was founded by the Pelizzatti family in 2002 when they acquired 300 hectares of land in Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina. The Pelizzatti family is originally from the mountainous region of Valtellina in Lombardy, Italy, where their ancestors had a long history of making quality wines. In 2003, Chakana had their first successful grape harvest at Finca Nuna in Agrelo.

Expansion and an exhaustive study of the soils occurred during the decade until tragedy struck in 2009, where late frosts affected 70% of the vines at Finca Nuna. In 2010, a group of families who were inspired by the Pelizzatti family and moved by their passion and strength joined the winery project as shareholders. This has led to further exploration in the search for quality, including developing an appreciation for agroecology (sustainable farming that works with nature) and alternative production methods.

Later in 2010, a 15-hectare farm was purchased south of the Tunuyán River, in Paraje Altamira, and it was named Finca Los Cedros. Further expansion occurred, including exporting wines to international markets, and in 2012 they started the formal transition to organic certification. In 2014, Chakana obtained organic certification for their vineyard and winery in Agrelo, and furthermore, obtained Demeter biodynamic certification in 2016.

As the Pelizzatti family stepped away from the project in 2019, Chakana continues today with this same spirit and purpose under renewed leadership. Chakana is considered one of the benchmarks and models in winegrowing due to their essence and philosophy, including their sustainable and organic winemaking practices. As soil is not only essential for food production, it also serves as a reflection of terroir, and in the search for the best wines, one cannot underestimate the importance of soil or fail to attend to its care or knowledge.

This red wine is crafted with 100% Malbec, a single vineyard wine that was grown at Chakana's Finca Los Cedros vineyard high up in the Paraje Altamira GI at 3,600 feet above sea level, in the district of La Consulta, in the department of San Carlos. The climate in this area is cool and sunny, with good thermal amplitude, but is also relatively more humid than other areas of Mendoza due to its location at the foot of the mountain. The vineyard is drip-irrigated using a reservoir of crystalline meltwater. The grapes were planted at a high density on sandy loam soil with calcareous gravel. The grapes were manually harvested and placed into small boxes. Upon arriving at the winery in Agrelo, the grapes were fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged for 10 months in a combination of 5,000 Litre oak barrels and concrete vats.

The 2020 growing season was a challenging one in Mendoza. The vintage was one of the earliest and warmest on record, and along with low rainfall, led to reduced yields. However, the grape quality was excellent if you were able to pick at the right moment. Let's see how this 2020 Malbec from Argentina is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CHAKANA FINCA LOS CEDROS MALBEC 2020 - Vegan, Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#32142) (XD) - $20.95
Organic and vegan. 100% Malbec. The medium-high intensity nose is rich and spicy with dark fruited aromas of blackberry, violet floral, black cherry, and stony-earthy mineral notes accented with dried herbs and spices. It's medium-full bodied and ripe with chewy, well-structured tannins and juicy acidity that frames the dark fruited, blackberry, violet floral, black cherry, black plum, and mineral flavours with a touch of spice. Some smoky and tea leaf characters add further intrigue on the nicely textured and somewhat chalky and drying mid-palate. Mineral and smoky notes linger on the long, juicy finish. On the bigger, savoury side of Malbec and a highly recommended buy! Score: 91 pts

Other lovely Chakana Wines can be ordered through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia / Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Achaval Ferrer Quimera 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is an excellent, old-vine Malbec-based blend from Argentina that arrived at the LCBO last month in the July 6th LCBO VINTAGES Cellar Collection Release and is still available for purchase on VINTAGES Shop Online.

It is produced by Achaval Ferrer, a prominent winery in Argentina that is known for producing limited quantity, high-quality wines, particularly from the Mendoza wine region. It was founded in 1998 by a group of friends, including Santiago Achával and Manuel Ferrer, who combined their surnames to form the wine company's name - Achaval Ferrer - and became well-known throughout the world in just a few short years.

As guardians of a legacy, Achaval Ferrer decided to preserve the legacy of time during a period when the old was quickly replaced by the new. The legacy is still treasured today as they keep the DNA of centennial vines intact, combining wisdom with passion, and creating wines that express the magic of the exceptional terroir they come from. Their philosophy is based on its commitment to and respect for nature, and its winemaking is based on a minimal interventionist principle from vine to wine, as well as three fundamental pillars. The first pillar is the centennial vines that are own-rooted and pre-phylloxera. The second pillar is to deliberately obtain low yields, which helps produce concentrated and complex berries. In addition to obtaining low yields, Achaval Ferrer also arranges the vines in a strategic, highly dense layout which makes the vines compete with each other, and thus forcing the roots to reach deeper into the soil, changing the structure of the grapes and producing highly concentrated berries. The third and final pillar is to produce wines with minimum intervention and maximum expression, thus respecting and preserving the terroir and its message all throughout the winegrowing and winemaking process, to obtain pure, highly expressive wines.

Quimera, or Chimera, is the name of this wine and it has two different meanings, both of which have an intimate relationship with this wine. The first is that in Greek mythology, Chimera was a beast made up of the parts of three different animals, while this wine is also made up of different varieties. The second meaning of the word is the one that best represents this wine - Chimera is an impossible search, a search for the unattainable; this is the mentality that everyone in the vineyards and winery has every year when they produce this wine. Without following any rules or tradition, the goal is to produce the best possible blend every year. Chimera is design and architecture, an intimate discovery, and a search for perfection.

Usually a Malbec-based blend, this vintage is composed of old-vine 59% Malbec, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot that was grown in various vineyards across Mendoza. The Malbec was grown in the Perdriel appellation in Luján de Cuyo, on soils of alluvial origin that feature a thin sandy loam with gravel underneath, and very good drainage.The Cabernet Sauvignon was grown in Medrano (Junín) and Los Arboles (Tunuyan). In Medrano, the soil is also of alluvial origin, but has an 80 cm surface layer of silty clay on a bed of sand and eroded rock, while in Los Arboles there is a great presence of stones with rounded edges, gravel with a toothed shape and colluvion. Furthermore, the sandy loam frame soil in Los Arboles provides ideal drainage. Both the Merlot and Cabernet Franc come from Tupungato, Uco Valley, where there is very little soil depth with gravel on the surface, while also combining volcanic ash and calcareous rocks, which offers very good drainage. All of the vineyards are managed in a highly sustainable manner.

To craft this red wine, each variety underwent primary fermentation separately in small cement tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels, 65% new and 35% second use. It was then aged in barrel for 12 months, and finally bottled unfined and unfiltered.

The 2019 growing season was notable for its dry weather and cool climate, resulting in highly concentrated wines with great colour and acidity. From a good-to-excellent year, let's see how this 2019 Malbec blend from Argentina is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

ACHAVAL FERRER QUIMERA 2019 - Mendoza, Argentina (#24752) (XD) - $53
Blend of old vine 59% Malbec, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. Elegantly complex, medium-high intensity aromas of dark fruit, blackberry, violet, currant, cassis, earthy mineral, and fine oak spices. It is full-bodied and nicely concentrated with lovely ripe blackberry, currant, fine oak spice, violet, and earthy-stony mineral flavours which are supported by fresh acidity and firm, chewy, and well-structured tannins. Crisp and fresh with mineral notes lingering on the exceptionally long, dry finish. Enjoyable now and will improve to the end of the decade. Highly recommended buy! Score: 93+ pts

Very limited quantities of one of their Malbec wines is available at the LCBO, while the rest of their outstanding portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits.

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Alpamanta Breva Pét-Nat Sparkling Criolla 2021 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a lovely unique and organic pét-nat sparkling wine crafted with the Criolla varietal from Argentina that was a new arrival at the LCBO in the August 27th LCBO VINTAGES Online Exclusives Release last summer.

It is produced by Bodega Alpamanta, a boutique winery that was established in Mendoza, Argentina, in 2005 by three close friends - Andrej Razumovsky from Austria and his cousin André Hoffmann from Switzerland, and Jeremie Delecourt from France. Andrej and André are from the noble Sayn Wittgenstain family who owned vineyards in Moldavia, while Jeremie's family are winegrowers and producers of rosé wines in Côtes de Provence. Together, this combination of rich heritage and passion for wine brought the Alpamanta project to life.

The name "Alpamanta" means "Love for the Earth" in the local indigenous culture. In the native culture, a key aspect is working and co-existing in harmony with nature and the environment. At Bodega Alpamanta, loving the earth is their motto and method of caring for the terroir.

They chose to establish their project in Mendoza because it offers the ideal conditions to produce organic wines. Since this region is a desert, it enjoys almost 330 days of sun and averages little rainfall of 220 mL per year. To ensure the vines receive water, they use drip irrigation which helps preserve water and reduce unnecessary waste. The climate in Mendoza is characterized by warm summers and cool nights, with thermal amplitudes that can reach around 20°C. Their vineyard was carefully chosen at 950 metres above sea level and the soils feature a combination of sand, clay, lime, and calcareous layers on the subsurface

Their vineyards are farmed certified organically and biodynamically, while focusing on respecting the soil and its biodiversity to help balance the ecosystem. They maintain a healthy and balanced vineyard, and avoid the spread of diseases by avoiding any chemical or synthetic products such as herbicides or fungicides.

Bodega Alpamanta has several ranges of wines, and this particular bubbly is from their Breva range. Breva means "fruit of the first harvest" and this sparkling wine is crafted with Criolla, one of the first native grape varieties in Argentina. This sparkling wine is made in the "Pét-Nat" style. Pét-Nat is short for "pétillant naturel", a French term that roughly translates to "naturally sparkling", and these types of sparkling wines undergo their primary fermentation in bottle with the sugars from the grapes providing the bubbles. This Breva Pét-Nat was fermented using native yeasts and no added sulfites, a truly natural wine. Let's see how this Criolla Pét-Nat from Argentina is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

ALPAMANTA BREVA PÉT-NAT SPARKLING CRIOLLA 2021 - Vegan, ancestral method, Mendoza, Argentina (#24889) (XD) - $32.95 $27.25
Crafted with the Criolla grape, this pét-nat sparkling wine is enclosed by crown cap has enticing, fragrant aromas of wild berries, cherry, currant, and blackberry joined by funky earthy, barnyard notes that blow off with time in the glass, leaving only wild berry tones. It's fresh and lively on the dry, light-to-mid-weighted palate with deliciously complex wild berry, cherry, currant, and blackberry replays, plus dried spices, thyme and mint adding intrigue. Gently tangy on the mid-palate, it's also nicely textured with a supple grip and succulent, juicy acids. Crisp bubbles and dry with some leesy mineral notes lingering on the long finish. Chill and enjoy this unique, highly recommended buy! Score: 91+ pts

This and one other Pét-Nat Sparkling are available on clearance in limited quantities at the LCBO, while wines from the entire Alpamanta portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - The Living Vine.

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Manos Negras Stone Soil Malbec 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is this lovely Malbec from the famed Paraje Altamira appellation within the Uco Valley that landed at the LCBO last weekend as part of the March 4th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is made by Manos Negras, a producer that was born out of a friendship between an American Wine Educator, an Argentine star viticulturalist, and two Kiwi winemakers, all with extensive international experience and a no nonsense, hard-nosed work ethic.

Manos Negras is co-owned by Jeff Mausbach and Alejandro Sejanovich, friends who built a long-lasting friendship through experience and hard work. Jeff spent over a decade as Wine Education Director for Bodega Catena Zapata and has travelled the world preaching the gospel of the unique character of Argentine wines. Alejandro was Vineyard Director for Bodega Caetna Zapata for 15 years and pioneered high-altitude vineyard planting while also conducting ground breaking research on Mendoza Malbec clones. The Kiwi winemakers are Jason Mabbett, who was a professor of winemaking at Auckland University and also made wine in Australia, California, and Argentina, and Duncan Killiner who has made wine from Israel to Uruguay and from Italy to Chile, while also taking on winemaking consultant duties for producers in Chile and Argentina.

The winery's name literally translates to "Black Hands" and reflects their philosophy towards winemaking - get their hands black with wine by rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty with a fearless, hands-on approach to winemaking from budbreak to bottling. That's how they make the hand-crafted wines of Manos Negras.

This particular Malbec was grown in the Paraja Altamira GI within the Uco Valley in Mendoza. The soil profile in Mendoza is unique and every vineyard has patches of very rocky top soil that is rich in limestones. These small lots produce Malbec grapes of exceptional concentration with a flinty minerality. This Malbec was sourced exclusively from small lots of rocky, mineral-rich soils.

From a good-to-excellent vintage, let's see how this 2019 Malbec from Paraje Altamira is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

MANOS NEGRAS STONE SOIL MALBEC 2019 - Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#482109) (XD) - $21.95
100% Malbec grown in small lots of rocky, mineral-rich soils, this has a fresh, medium-high intensity nose of distinctive earthy-stony mineral aromas layered over ripe dark berry, blackberry, cool herbs, spices, and hints of black plum. It's mid-weighted on the dry, salty palate with lovely dark berry, blackberry, spices, and stony mineral flavours which are supported by fresh, bright, and juicy acidity. Supple tannins are well-structured and lightly chalky textured. Lovely stony mineral notes linger on the long, savoury finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Manos Negras can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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El Esteco 1946 Old Vines Malbec 2021 (Argentina) - Wine Review

After enjoying the lovely 2019 El Esteco 1946 Old Vines Malbec nearly two years ago, tonight's red wine review is the latest vintage of this terrific, organic Malbec that was featured in the most LCBO VINTAGES Release on February 4th as part of the theme on wines from the Southern Hemisphere.

It is produced by El Esteco, a winery founded in 1892 and situated in the Calchaquí Valleys in northwestern Argentina, a natural landscape carved by the sun, mountains, and vineyards. As one of the first institutions in Argentina to master the art of viticulture and winemaking, they have a significant presence in famous Cafayate, as well as the little-known and unique sub-region of Chañar Punco. Cafayate is the heart of Calchaquí Valleys, a region that was seemingly unsuitable for grape-growing, but is an isolated stretch of desert with unique features that make it ideal to grow the highest vineyards in the world. In addition to plenty of sunshine and a high diurnal temperature range between night and day, it is the desert climate with its poor soils that makes this small region of Cafayate unique. The resulting wines are distinctive and elegant with great concentration of colour, deep aromas, and well-defined flavours.

Today, El Esteco has nearly 1,000 acres of vineyards at an ideal altitude of more than 1,700 metres (5,500 feet) above sea level. Furthermore, with abundant sunshine and perfect diurnal temperature range, this environment is perfect for the creation of high-end wines such as this Old Vines Malbec. The spirit of the region is encapsulated in their fruit and the fusion between the legacy of ancient civilizations, Hispanic influence, criollo spirit, and it's vallisto Spanish colonial-style building which is surrounded by ancient vineyards. The hundred-year-old building contrasts with the latest wine production technologies found inside the winery such as concrete containers, stainless steel tanks, and the poetic French and American oak barrels, all of which help create wines of diverse styles, flavours, and aromas.

This 100% Malbec comes from a vineyard planted in 1946 at their Finca Las Mercedes estate in the Cafayate Valley in northwest Argentina. This estate is home to 370 pergola-trained Malbec vines that are more than 65 years old and in perfect harmony with the terroir of Cafayate as they were raised with minimal human intervention to yield exceptional wines. The grapes were manually harvested at optimum ripeness in the early hours of the morning. After being sorted at the winery, the grapes were placed into a single cement egg and fermented using native yeasts, then aged on its lees for 11 months and bottled unfiltered.

Northern Argentina experienced slightly cooler growing conditions during the 2021 season, with the Calchaquis Valleys experiencing a more typical vintage. Spring was quite normal with very little rainfall and good budbreak. December was dry, while January had lower than normal rainfall. In February, there were twice the normal rainfall, but it only amounted to 80 mm, so it was not an issue. However, this did mean that there were more cloudier days, which slowed maturation and led to greater concentration and colour. Let's see how this 2021 old vine Malbec from the Calchaquis Valleys is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

EL ESTECO 1946 OLD VINES MALBEC 2021 - Valles Calchaquíes, Argentina (#19391) (XD) - $25.95
100% organic and unoaked Malbec. After some initial reductive notes blow off, this reveals fresh, distinctive earthy and stony mineral aromas joined by ripe blackberry, white pepper, dried spices, and plum. It's medium to medium-full bodied with good concentration on the dry palate with savoury stony minerals, earthy, and dried spice flavours, plus dark berry, blackberry, and plum notes adding fruity notes. It has fresh, racy acidity and lightly grippy, chalky, grainy textured, and youthful tannins. Nicely balanced throughout with savoury mineral and lightly tangy dark berry notes lingering on the long, juicy finish. Enjoyable now, but will benefit with 1-2 years in the cellar, and drink well to the end of the decade. A distinctive Malbec and a highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

Only one other wine by El Esteco is available at the LCBO, while others from their portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Dandurand.

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February 4, 2023 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Southern Hemisphere

Here are my top wine picks from the February 4 LCBO VINTAGES Release, where the theme of the release focuses on five wine regions in the Southern Hemisphere. It's a pretty good release with many fine options, although the number of sub-$20 wines continues to dwindle.

We begin in the Southern Hemisphere where five well-known wine producing countries are featured. In total there are a combined 21 wines listed between Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, and South Africa, and seven are included among my top wine picks. Argentina has three recommendations with a pair of lovely Malbec wines, as well as a Chardonnay. From Chile there is a Cabernet Sauvignon, and from South Africa there is a Merlot and a perennial favourite - Chenin Blanc. Lastly, there is a consistently well-made Chardonnay from Australia.

Among my top red wine picks from the rest of the release, there are quite a few blends. We start at home in Ontario where the wine from Niagara is crafted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Staying with Bordeaux varieties but moving to its namesake region, the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru consists of mostly Cabernet Franc and Merlot, with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon completing the blend, while the Fronsac is a blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Malbec. Moving to Tuscany, the Riserva Chianti Classico is a blend of 95% Sangiovese, 3% Canaiolo, and 2% Colorino, while the Annata Chianti Classico is 100% Sangiovese. Also from Italy, the wine from Sardinia is made with Cannonau (a.k.a. Grenache or Garnacha), while the Etna Rosso is crafted with 85% Nerello Mascalese and 15% Nerello Cappuccio from grown on volcanic soils.

The only blend among my white wine recommendations from the rest of the release is from Bordeaux it is composed of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Sémillon. Other white wines include a consistently well-made Verdicchio from Marche, and a lovely Chardonnay from Burgundy. For sweet wine lovers, look to the Riesling Kabinett from Mosel.

There are also a couple of lovely pink wines worth your attention. The Crémant sparkling wine is a blend of 75% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay, and 10% Gamay, while the dry pink table wine is composed of 47% Cinsault, 42% Grenache Noir, 6.5% Grenache Blanc, and 4.5% Clairette.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• GLENELLY GLASS COLLECTION MERLOT 2018 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#26669) (XD) - $16.95
• FINCA LALANDE ORGANIC MALBEC 2020 - Vegan, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#28082) (XD) - $17.95
• JERZU MARGHIA CANNONAU DI SARDEGNA 2020 - DOC, Sardinia, Italy (#508630) (XD) - $18.95
• LORNANO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2017 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#211599) (XD) - $20.95  90 pts  wine review
• PÉREZ CRUZ LIMITED EDITION CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 - Valle del Maipo, Chile (#431015) (XD) - $21.95  89 pts  wine review
• NICOSIA LENZA DI MUNTI 2018 - Sustainable, DOC Etna Rosso, Sicily, Italy (#28129) (XD) - $23.95
• CREEKSIDE LAURA'S RED 2018 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#117960) (XD) - $25.00  89 pts  wine review
• EL ESTECO 1946 OLD VINES MALBEC 2021 - Valles Calchaquíes, Argentina (#19391) (XD) - $25.95  90+ pts  wine review
• CHÂTEAU DU GAZIN 2018 - AP Canon Fronsac, Bordeaux, France (#26303) (XD) - $25.95
• CHÂTEAU BELLEVUE FIGEAC 2018 - AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France (#496661) (XD) - $29.95
• DIEVOLE NOVECENTO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2018 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#213926) (XD) - $45.95  92 pts  wine review

White Wine:

• CHÂTEAU LES TOURELLES 2021 - AC, Bordeaux, France (#28717) (XD) - $15.95
• WAKEFIELD ESTATE LABEL CHARDONNAY 2021 - Padthaway/Clare Valley, South Australia (#711556) (XD) - $17.95  89 pts  wine review
  
• KEN FORRESTER OLD VINE RESERVE CHENIN BLANC 2021 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#231282) (XD) - $18.95
• VIÑA COBOS FELINO CHARDONNAY 2021 - Unfined and unfiltered, Mendoza, Argentina (#119099) (XD) - $19.95
• CASAL DI SERRA VERDICCHIO DEI CASTELLI DI JESI CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2020 - DOCG, Marche, Italy (#268169) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• ANDRÉ GOICHOT MÂCON-VILLAGES 2019 - AC, Burgundy, France (#26439) (XD) - $22.95
• SELBACH TRADITION FEINHERB RIESLING KABINETT 2020 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#21031) (M) - $24.95  90 pts  wine review

Rosé Wine:

• BONNY DOON VINEYARD VIN GRIS DE CIGARE 2021 - Central Coast, California, USA (#19526) (XD) - $19.95

Sparkling Wine:

• HENRI CHAMPLIAU BRUT ROSÉ CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE - Traditional method, AC, Burgundy, France (#20945) (XD) - $25.95  91 pts  wine review

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Trapiche Medalla Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Review

I enjoyed the lovely 2018 Trapiche Medalla Malbec last year, and for tonight's wine review I uncorked it's companion wine - a Cabernet Sauvignon - that arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the January 7 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Trapiche Winery, Argentina's largest producer of wine. Established in 1883, Trapiche has grown to become one of Argentina's most internationally recognized brands. With a long history in exploration, Trapiche is also one of the wine industry's leading innovators while pioneering new sites, partnering with premium grape growers, and developing a new generation of talented winemakers. Some of Trapiche's pioneering efforts include being among the first in Argentina to work with Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, using French oak barrels, exploring micro-terroirs, and developing modern winemaking techniques.

Today, Trapiche owns more than 1,000 hectares of vineyards across Mendoza's Primera Zone and Uco Valley, as well as having longstanding partnerships with some of the province's revered grape growers. With a relentless determination to achieve the highest standards in the world of winemaking, Trapiche has received global recognition from publications such as Wine Enthusiast and Drinks International and won awards such as "The New World Winery of the Year" and "50 Most Admired Wine Brands".

Like the Malbec, this wine is part of Trapiche's Medalla collection of wines that was created in 1983 to celebrate the company's 100th anniversary. Each wine in the Medalla range is crafted using grapes from Mendoza's Primera Zona, the province's premium winemaking area, and predominantly old vineyards that have for decades produced the most prestigious Argentine wines. Medalla wines are 100% single varietal wines crafted with a nod to Old World style and sophistication. This particular wine is crafted with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that was sourced from their vineyards in Luján de Cuyo. It was aged for 18 months in new French oak barrels.

The 2019 vintage in Argentina was excellent, with some winemakers calling it their best vintage of the decade. The hot, dry summer, particularly in Mendoza, was bookended by a cold winter, and cool spring and autumn, which slowed down ripening times (and moderating alcohol levels along with it), and brought harvest times in line with the average. Because of the cooler climate, yields were slightly lower than normal, but also resulted in highly concentrated wines with great colour and acidity. Let's see how this Cabernet Sauvignon from Argentina is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

TRAPICHE MEDALLA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 - Mendoza, Argentina (#568865) (XD) - $19.95
100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Luján de Cuyo, this has fragrant, open, and intense aromatics offering lovely notes of ripe dark black-blue berry, dark currant, black cherry, cassis, plum, fine wood spices, and a touch of herb. It's full-bodied with ripe, chewy tannins and ripe black-blue fruit, currant, plum, and black cherry flavours balanced with savoury wood spice and earthy mineral. It has fresh, juicy acidity, while the dusty, fine-grained tannins provide a pleasing, lightly textured mouthfeel. Lovely earthy mineral notes linger on the long, savoury, and well-balanced finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

You can find many other lovely wines by Trapiche at the LCBO or through their Agent - Dandurand.

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