Things have now come full circle, and here I am tasting and reviewing their 2020 offerings. These wines are all $11 suggested retail, and brought in this summer by Winebow. At that price point, some may be skeptical – but the quality in here is serious. Based in Junin, Mendoza, the wines are sourced from around Mendoza made by Gonzalo Llensa.
I’m of the opinion that these wines are solid across the board. I think they offer a lot for those who are newer to wine and eager to try new things, without spending much. They could also be a hit on a by-the-glass list.
The labels are tasteful and sport their sustainability efforts and certification — and I think all of this combines to make them an attractive entry-level brand to a wide audience. After all these years, it’s refreshing to see Tilia still delivering.
These wines were received as samples and tasted sighted.
2020 Tilia Chardonnay – Argentina, Mendoza
SRP: $11
Light yellow color. Juicy nose of yellow plums, lemons, with honey, sea salt and some raw almond. Crisp and zesty on the palate but some nice round texture. Yellow apples and lemon fruit, with honeyed, floral perfume tones. Ripe and fun but it stays so lively throughout. I’m just impressed with the balanced and depth of a Chardonnay at this price point. (87 points)
2020 Tilia Torrontés – Argentina, Mendoza
SRP: $11
Medium straw color. A nice peachy nose with kiwi and lychee nectar, and bountiful notes of dandelions and honey. Medium-bodied with vibrant acidity, and a juicy combo of peaches, lychee and papaya. Notes of honey, floral perfume, some cool celery seed, lemongrass and even some flinty, mineral tones. Really fun, summery stuff that shows a good amount of complexity. (87 points)
2020 Tilia Malbec – Argentina, Mendoza
SRP: $11
Medium purple color. Aromas of jammy raspberries and red plums, with some coffee, vanilla and rose potpourri tones. On the palate, this is smooth and silky with lightly chewy tannins and medium acidity. Blueberry and raspberry fruit, juicy and suave, blends with cola, clove and some earthy, espresso tones. Fun, fresh, interesting stuff. All Malbec, all stainless steel. (88 points)
2020 Tilia Cabernet Sauvignon – Argentina, Mendoza
SRP: $11
Light purple color. Smells of ripe red currants, some blueberries, with mocha, tobacco, elements of cedar and vanilla. Smooth and fresh on the palate with an easy-drinking tannic appeal and medium acidity. Straightforward but fun with blueberries and black cherries, with tones of spiced tea, tobacco and mint. Balanced, crowd-pleasing stuff. (86 points)
2020 Tilia Merlot – Argentina, Mendoza
SRP: $11
Deep ruby color. Nose sports red currants and red plums with fun tones of rose and violet petals, with coffee and clove. Medium-bodied, with smooth tannins and moderate acidity. Raspberry and red cherry fruit blends well with these roasted red pepper and paprika tones, rose petals. Just fun, fresh, bright feel. Another great value here. (88 points)
2020 Tilia Bonarda – Argentina, Mendoza
SRP: $11
Bright purple color. The nose boasts blueberries and blackberries with a nice mix of smoky, campfire tones, earthy, charcoal elements, tobacco and cedar. Medium-bodied with smooth tannins and refreshing acidity – everything is right down the middle. Black cherries and blueberry fruit blends well with graphite, tobacco and violets. Drink now with some grilled meat and veg kebabs – impressive. All Bonarda in stainless steel. (87 points)
2020 Tilia Malbec – Syrah – Argentina, Mendoza
SRP: $11
Bright purple. A juicy nose with black cherries and blueberries, along with some pepper, smoky earth, violet petals. Fresh and bright on the palate with dusty tannins, an accessible feel with juicy black cherry fruit. Notes of pepper, potting soil, some violet and rose petal potpourri. A crowd-friendly wine that shows a lot of balance and complexity at this price point. (87 points)