Value and excitement from Argentina's Domaine Bousquet

Everything’s expensive these days. But that makes finding a value even more fun. Something you need or like that makes you go, “Wait – it’s only how much, now?”

Argentina has long been a respite for the value-seekers out there. From when I first fell for wine some 15 years or so ago until today, I’ve been able to find a lot of excitement from this diverse country, and for a very moderate cost.

Credit: Domaine Bousquet

One of the producers I revisit frequently is Domaine Bousquet. The winery has been making organic wine since 1997, based in Mendoza’s Uco Valley. Their entry-level wines are widely available and perform high in their category, and their wide range of varietals offers a lot to enjoy. The classic high-elevation terroir of this region is evident across the spectrum, with the wines providing juicy fruit, tangy acidity, and complex nuances.

But it hasn’t been a rosy picture for winemakers these past few years, especially if your market is America. U.S. sales have been down in recent years, and were down almost 5% by volume last year alone. Yet, according to Nielsen data, organic wines are slightly up (a percent or so). And Bousquet sports the best-selling organic Malbec in its price range.

So, if you’re looking to explore more wines from Argentina, save some money, and support organic winemaking, you’ve come to the right place.

These wines were received as samples and tasted sighted.

2023 Domaine Bousquet Chardonnay - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco, Tupungato
SRP: $13
Light yellow color. The nose pops with white peaches, limes, cantaloupe, and crunchy green apples, with notes of honeysuckle and celery seed. The palate shows a nice depth of texture with vibrant acidity and a fruit salad of green apples, white peaches, papaya, and orange slices. Steely but creamy vibes, and some flinty minerals and honeycomb notes. Accessible but nice complexity, too. (88 points)

2022 Domaine Bousquet Chardonnay Cameleon - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco, Tupungato
SRP: $15
Deep yellow color. The aromas sport rich pear, pineapple, yellow apple, along with honey, almond skin, sea salt, yellow flowers, and chalk dust. The palate is precise but generous, with creamy texture and lip-smacking acidity. Flavors of pineapple, papaya, and green apples mix well with tones of white and yellow flowers, sea salt, honeycomb, almond butter, and popcorn. Delicious, nuanced, crowd-pleasing, and complex. (91 points)

2022 Domaine Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco, Tupungato
SRP: $13
Deep purple color. Aromas of juicy black cherries, dark plums, sweet blueberries, with tones of violets, pepper, and barbecue jerky. Tangy acidity kicks off the palate with some suave tannins, and flavors of blueberries, black cherries, and plums. The fruit is bright and vibrant, and mixed nicely with tones of black pepper, violets, and nuances of oak and anise cookie. A lot of fun, with plenty of complexity and depth. (89 points)

2021 Domaine Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon Cameleon - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco, Tupungato

SRP: $20
Dark purple color. Nose shows saucy plums, tart currants, and a potpourri of black tea, earth, mocha, tobacco, tar, and white pepper. I get tangy acidity on the palate, with dusty tannins, and a fleshy, tangy mix of red and black currants and black cherry jam. Love the complex notes of tobacco, mint, oregano, clay, some bell pepper. The toffee and coffee nuances add complexity. This needs to be on a BTG list at a burger bistro ASAP! (91 points)

2022 Domaine Bousquet Malbec - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco, Tupungato
SRP: $13
Rich purple color. Aromas of mulled blackberries, black cherries, and dark plums, mixed with violet, potting soil, tobacco, with hints of graphite and leather. The palate is smooth and suave with chewy tannins and vibrant acidity. Tangy plums meet sweet blackberries and black cherries, and the fruit is mixed with cool notes of black tea, anise, violets, and earth. Fun, balanced, delightful, this is a crowd-pleaser that brings a lot of depth to the table. (90 points)

Value and cellar-worthy treats from Mendoza

Mendoza, Argentina is huge. And there’s a ton of diversity in terms of soil, climate, aspect. And then there’s the wide range of winegrowing methods, grapes, and styles of winemakers. It’s all a lot, so this week I’m breaking down wine from three producers worth checking out.

I’ve been a big fan of Trapiche, since their entry-level Malbecs interested me as a 20-something. The value and consistency were there, but they make a wide range of wines and styles. I’m tasting two of their Chards today, the widely-available Oak Cask wine and the high-end Terroir Series Finca Las Piedras, the latter of which is a stunner, a great candidate to throw in a Chardonnay blind tasting, or one to lay down for a few years.

Mascota Vineyards, a Valle de Uco producer that also makes a delightful Pinot Noir, comes out swinging with their Unanime Chardonnay, which offers value and a lot of depth and complexity.

Credit: Pelleriti Priore

Moving on to the reds, I was excited to taste new-to-me producer. They kicked off a new venture, Pelleriti Priore, in 2023 but founders Marcelo Pelleriti and Miguel Priore have been working together on Marcelo Pelleriti wines since 2009. These two wines are exception, deep, vibrant reds from the Valle de Uco, where they’ve clearly found some unique terroir. They’re worthy of a great cut of meat, time in the cellar, and sharing with great friends. If you’re looking for something exceptional from Argentina at a very reasonable price, check these out.

These wines were received as samples and tasted sighted.

2023 Trapiche Chardonnay Oak Cask - Argentina, Mendoza
SRP: $10
Rich yellow color. The nose pops with ripe apricot, dried pineapple, yellow apple, infused with notes of honey, floral breeze, some honeysuckle, along with almond skin and some bright minerals. The palate is tangy and inviting with broad texture and vibrant acidity, along with flavors of ruby red grapefruit, white peach, and green apples. Notes of flinty minerals, basil, white pepper, and crushed seashells add complexity. A dynamic and great value Chardonnay for sure. (89 points)

2022 Trapiche Chardonnay Terroir Series Finca Las Piedras - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco

SRP: $53
Light yellow color. The nose pops with white peach, ripe golden pears, mixed with complex tones of almond, hazelnut, vanilla bean, and these brighter elements of chalk and limestone dust. Deep but racy on the palate, plump but well-balanced, with flavors of green and yellow apples, white peach, mixed with almond, hay, and honeyed white tea nuances. Vibrant and complex with interesting essences of minerals, chalk dust, and lime juice running down a limestone cliff. Rich, crisp, complex, a lot going on here. From a cool single vineyard in the Los Arboles subregion, this seems like a special Chardonnay site expressed clearly. (93 points)

2023 Mascota Vineyards Chardonnay Unánime - Argentina, Mendoza
SRP: $20
Ripe yellow with a nose of richer elements like pear butter, almond brittle, and graham cracker, with bright tones of saline and chalk, and papaya drizzled with lime. The palate sports rich texture and crisp acidity, providing lovely balance. Flavors of white peach, yellow pear, and apricot abound, complemented by refined tones of white and yellow flowers, chalk dust, almond skin, and hazelnut. Rich but zesty, a lot of crowd-pleasing qualities combined with balance and poise. (91 points)

2021 Marcelo Pelleriti Malbec Signature - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco

SRP: $28
Bright purple color. A pleasantly smoky, earthy vibe with fig paste, black cherries, black currants, along with complex tones of spicy herbs, black pepper, graphite, minerals, and anise. The palate sports fresh acidity and a full body with moderate tannins and flavors of red and black currants and plums. All sorts of pepper, anise, leather, sage, earth, graphite, and minerals abound. Savory, precise, exciting, but this will take some years to show its best. (93 points)

2022 Marcelo Pelleriti Cabernet Franc Signature - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco
SRP: $28
Deep but vibrant purple color with aromas of smoky earth, sage, black pepper, and violets, over black cherries, plum sauce, and currants – lively but deep. The palate has firm grip with suave edges and vibrant acidity, making for a concentrated but balanced Cab Franc. An expressive fruit display of tangy black cherries, red and black currants, backed up by all sorts of complex savory and earthy tones (violet petals, black pepper, roasted red pepper, anise, herbal tea). This is expressive already but seems destined to spend a few years growing in the cellar. (93 points)

Domaine Bousquet's Ameri wines: a window into Mendoza's Gualtallary

Mountains and Bousquet Vineyards. Credit: Creative Palate

Domaine Bousquet has a long streak of putting out wines that provide value and speak to their unique Mendoza terroir.

The spark that this project dates back to 1990, when a Frenchman and third-generation winemaker Jean Bousquet visited Argentina and fell in love with it. Specifically with Uco Valley’s Alto Gualtallary zone at an altitude of about 4,125 feet. This is a high, arid, remote, scrappy area where winemakers struggle but achieve some amazing results. He took a gamble on some land in this desolate area, and it paid off.

Domaine Bousquet now farms more than 600 acres of vines and has a wide range of options available in terms of grapes, blends, styles, and price points. But across the board, we’re dealing with serious quality and value. The estate is now owned and operated by husband/wife duo Labid al Ameri and Anne Bousquet, and recently kicked off a full transition to fully biodynamic farming. Mendoza native Rodrigo Serrano crafts the wines here, joining in 2018 after stints at a lot of players in the broader region.

Their entry-level wines deliver so much personality and Mendoza mystique for very little cash ($13 a bottle). On the top tier of their lineup are the Ameri wines, which debuted in 2011 but are only made in certain vintages. These wines are sourced from single vineyards in Gualtallary and have a deep, stony minerality and an electric verve. They’re deep, tangy, expressions of their terroir, aged 12 months in French oak. They’re age-worthy, but still pack a ton of value.

If I had a burger bistro or a steak frites place, I would insist one of these wines be on that bottle list – and maybe another Bousquet Malbec red for my by-the-glass list. I’m pretty darn sure if people tasted these, they’d agree.

And if you haven’t tried Bousquet’s wines, they are widely available in the U.S. We’re their top market. And for $37, the Ameri wines are so reasonable, so you can always start there.

These wines were received as samples and tasted sighted.

2020 Domaine Bousquet Malbec Single Vineyard “Ameri” - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco, Tupungato, Gualtallary
SRP: $ 37
Deep purple. A warm, inviting, deep nose of cassis, juicy black cherries, tangy blueberries, laced with complexities of sage, tilled soil, dried rose and violet petals, anise cookie – lovely. The palate is plush and juicy with that crisp, high-elevation acidity that keeps things so focused, and moderate tannins provide support. I love the crunchy plums, tangy blueberries, and deep, plush black cherry fruit. Suave and fun but complex and built very well, with nuances of graphite, coffee grounds, chewing tobacco, some pine tar, and hints of oak. Ready to drink now but will cellar well for five years or so, too. (91 points)

2020 Domaine Bousquet Red Blend Single Vineyard “Ameri” - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco, Tupungato, Gualtallary
SRP: $37
Dark purple color. Lovely aromatic display of plums, black cherries, and cranberry relish, along with a savory-spicy host of tobacco, eucalyptus, dried violets, clove, some leather, and coffee grounds too. The palate sports crisp acidity which keeps this wine refreshing and moving forward, while smooth tannins provide moderate structure. Crunchy dark plums, juicy black cherries, and tangy cassis, the fruit is matched well with complex tones of tobacco, mint, violets, coffee, with some graphite and minerals. I love the tangy, spicy, herbal vibes, this is fresh and fun but complex as well and a great value. 60% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 10% Syrah. (91 points)

Wine Reviews: Mendoza wines from Traphiche

This week I’m headed to Mendoza, Argentina. Well, not physically, but at least through my senses. Mendoza’s Trapiche winery recently celebrated 140 years, and their lineup has a lot to offer.

You may be familiar with some of their more widely-available bargain brands – that’s  certainly how I first learned of them. From their fun and accessible Oak Cask label, their tiers go up and up, and at all price points, I’ve found the quality to be very reliable.

This week, I take a deep dive into some of their wines, with a focus on some of their Cabernet Sauvignons. It’s amazing the level of nuance and expression some of these 100% Cabs can show, and Trapiche has a diverse and deep lineup. And their Iscay Syrah-Viognier is one of the most exciting South American Syrahs I can remember sampling.

These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.

2021 Trapiche Cabernet Sauvignon Oak Cask – Argentina, Mendoza
SRP: $10
Juicy purple color. A nice mix of sweet black cherries and plums on the nose, with some toasty oak and pleasant savory spices, roasted red pepper, tobacco. The palate is smooth and ripe with soft tannins and medium acidity. Juicy blueberries and black cherries with notes of chewing tobacco, sage, earth, cocoa. Accessible and fun but stays lively and balanced, and offers a lot of realness at this price point. 100% Cabernet. (87 points)

2021 Trapiche Malbec Oak Cask – Argentina, Mendoza
SRP: $10
Bright purple color. A nose of saucy plums and baked figs, with earth tones, vanilla, violets, sweet coffee and cocoa. The palate shows suave tannins and moderate acidity, with ripe black cherries and fig paste. Notes of smoky earth, charcoal, mocha and roasted chestnut add complexity. Fun but fresh and balanced. (87 points)

2021 Trapiche Cabernet Sauvignon Broquel – Argentina, Mendoza
SRP: $20
Ripe and juicy on the nose but vibrant as well, with ripe black cherries and plums, along with violets, clove, coffee, some mesquite and tobacco. The palate sports crisp acidity and suave tannins, framing the dark plum and tangy currant jam fruit. Notes of tobacco, tar, violets, pepper, and earth add complexity. Well-balanced, there’s so much Mendoza authenticity packed into a small price tag. Crowd-pleasing but complex. All Cabernet aged 15 months in 20% new oak. (89 points)

2019 Trapiche Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Medalla – Argentina, Mendoza
SRP: $30
Deep purple color. Aromas of deep currants and blackberries, with dark, gravelly loam, and notes of charcoal, cocoa shavings, floral potpourri. The mouthfeel is beautiful, with suave tannins and vibrant acidity, and flavors of blackberries and tangy blueberries. There’s a deep presence of earth, iron, gravel underneath this wine, accented with pepper, bay leaf, violets, and nuanced vanilla and cedar. A refined example of Mendoza Cabernet goodness. All Cabernet from their Finca Las Palmas Vineyard, aged 18 months in new French oak. (91 points)

2018 Trapiche Cabernet Sauvignon Terroir Series Finca Laborde – Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco, La Consulta
SRP: $50
Vibrant purple color. Gorgeous plum and dark currants on the nose, laced with smoky earth, tobacco, anise and sage – a lot to unpack with air or in the decanter, but already a refined bouquet. The palate shows vibrant acidity and structured, fine-edged tannins, with a tart core of plums and currants. The earthy, gravelly, rocky tones provide a refined structure, and the savory, meaty, floral tones dance with time and air. I’d love to see this in a few years. From 40+ year-old vines, aged 18 months in new French oak. (93 points)

2019 Trapiche Iscay Syrah-Viognier –Argentina, Mendoza
SRP: $100
Deep purple color. The nose is an exquisite display of plum cake, fig paste, with cocoa, tobacco, beef jerky, and dusty earth vibes. The palate starts off with racy acidity and solid concentration, but the balance and mouthfeel is so pretty and alive. Tangy black currants and blueberries mix with nuances of roasted red pepper, black olive, grilled steak, black pepper, black tea. This really needs a decant or some time to coax out the nuances, but it’s beautiful. A long-aging stunner. Includes 3% co-fermented Viognier, aged 15 months in new French oak. (94 points)

This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.

Wine Reviews: International grab bag

This week’s report encompasses a range of wines that speak to diversity and value.

Oregon Pinot fans are surely aware of Willakenzie, which formed in 1991 and boasts a 420-acre estate in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Five years ago, Erik Kramer joined as winemaker, continuing on the Pinot legacy but branching out into Chardonnay as well.

I’ve known Mendoza’s Trapiche mostly for their widely-available and inexpensive Malbec, but they’ve got some gems in their portfolio as well. Take the Terroir Series, three single-vineyard Malbecs that offer nuance, depth and distinction at a very reasonable price. From vines all planted above 3,000 feet, winemaker Sergio Case is doing something special with these wines. Age-worthy and packed with value, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy a few of these apiece and forget about them in the cellar for a few election cycles.

For these hot, humid days, I also have some Cavas from Bella Conchi that offer a lot of fun without breaking the bank. And one rosé from Napa’s Smith-Madrone – only the third time they’ve made this one, but it really rocks.

These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted, while the Trapiche wines were tasted single blind.

2017 Trapiche Malbec Terroir Series Finca Ambrosia - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco, Gualtallary
SRP: $40
Dark purple color. Saucy but tart nose of red and black currants and cherries, along with mesquite, chewing tobacco, some sage, violet petals, and rich, loamy soil. The palate is precise and focused with dusty tannins and lively acidity. The black cherry and currant fruit is juicy but tangy, and topped in dustings of mesquite, tobacco, tar, leather, campfire, hints of mushroom and forest floor. There’s this stony, mineral essence that lingers long on the finish. Complex but vibrant, this is showing great right now but will do well with three-to-five in the cellar. From Gualtallary vines planted at 4,200 feet. (92 points)

2017 Trapiche Malbec Terroir Series Finca Orellana - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco, La Consulta
SRP: $40
Deep purple color. Ooh this nose is lovely! I get dark plums, black cherries, with these deep, stony, rocky, earthy tones (graphite, smashed rocks, paved road, potting soil), with violet and pepper nuances. The palate is grippy and well-structured with vibrant, lip-smacking acidity – the balance is on point. Tart black currant and blackberry fruit blends well with notes of tar, campfire, potting soil, roasted red pepper, anise and leather. I also get nuanced tones of coffee and mocha and a deep mineral presence throughout. A stony but bright finish. Wow, I’d love to see this in five years, but it’s so expressive young, too. From 62-year-old La Consulta vines at 3,250 feet, aged 18 months in French oak and a year in bottle. (93 points)

2018 Trapiche Malbec Terroir Series Finca Coletto - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco, Tupungato
SRP: $40
Deep purple color. So suave and inviting on the nose, with fig paste and plum sauce, doused in violets, clay and potting soil, some cocoa, anise and pencil shavings. Structured so well, grippy but refined tannins, balanced with crisp acidity. Tangy but deep plums, with figs and cranberry relish – interesting mix of fruit – backed up with complexities of violet and clove potpourri, tilled soil, graphite, minerals. This needs time to coax out the savory nuances packed in here, and this will age so nicely. Long, zippy, fresh, spicy finish. Aged 18 months in French oak and 12 months in bottle. From 57-year-old vines at El Peral, 3,700 feet. (92 points)

2019 WillaKenzie Estate Chardonnay Estate Cuvée - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Yamhill-Carlton
SRP: $75
Medium yellow color. The aromas are so fresh, with kiwi, yellow apples, topped in chalk, stony minerals, saline, some bread crumbs and honey. The palate is full of precise acidity and deep texture, with flavors of lemons and limes and crunchy yellow apples. Some floral perfume and saline tones blend well with biscuits, bread dough and some honey. A very clear and focused Chardonnay that should age nicely. Really surprising and delicious stuff. (92 points)

2018 WillaKenzie Estate Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Yamhill-Carlton
SRP: $50
Medium ruby color. The aromas are so juicy and fresh, with raspberries and fresh cherries, along with rhubarb and cola, rose petals and some earthy, clay tones. The palate shows suave tannins and crisp acidity, with tangy, fresh raspberries, cherries and red plums. The fruit is blended well with notes of rose petals, pepper, cola, some tobacco. Lots to unpack with air and time; this is delightful. (91 points)

2018 WillaKenzie Estate Pinot Noir Emery - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
SRP: $75
Deep ruby color. Beautiful nose of tangy strawberries with warm raspberry jam, topped in complex tones of mint, pepper, anise, rhubarb, just a lot going on here. The tannins are chalky but structured, balanced nicely with zippy acidity, and the red cherry and strawberry fruit is juicy and fresh. The complexities of black tea, pepper, sage, oregano, cola and rhubarb go on and on and offer a lot to contemplate and enjoy. Pretty, balanced, with a very long finish. This could use at least two or three years, but what a beaut. (93 points)

2021 Smith-Madrone Rosé - USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District
SRP: $30
Deep watermelon color. Juicy strawberry aromas, watermelon, lemon, topped in a complex mix of roses and daisies, honeysuckle, saline and mint – smells so delightful. The palate sports juicy texture with vibrant acidity, and the balance between the depth and freshness is great. Watermelon, red apple peel and ripe pear fruit mixes with rose petals and honeysuckle. Air and warmth bring out notes of sea salt, chalk, white pepper and oregano add complexity. The nuance and balance are delightful. Cabernet Franc with 33% Merlot. Awesome value. (92 points)

N.V. Bella Conchi Cava Brut Reserva - Spain, Cava
SRP: $17
Light yellow color. The nose is bright and zesty with yellow apples, limes, tones of floral perfume and chalk dust. The palate is zippy and brisk with limes, tart apricot and yellow apples. Light bubbles and a chalky, talc-infused frame mixes with white and yellow flowers and slight biscuit tones. A lighter style but a lot going on as well, and solid value. (87 points)

N.V. Bella Conchi Cava Brut Rosé - Spain, Cava
SRP: $16
Bright watermelon color. Nose of red apple peel, tar cranberry, with floral perfume, crushed sweet tarts and hints of white pepper. Crisp and zippy on the palate with a tart, crunchy feel to the fruit (raspberry, red apple peel). Notes of chalk, limestone, sliced cucumber and some mint add complexity. A racy, fun appeal. (86 points)

N.V. Bella Conchi Cava Brut Seleccion - Spain, Cava
SRP: $17
Medium yellow color. Aromas of crisp green and yellow apples, with some hay, saline and crushed limestone – a lemony, fresh appeal. Nice textural depth on the palate, with bright acidity. Green apple and papaya fruit mixes with yellow flowers, fresh basil, cucumber slices and limestone elements. Lots going on here, with light biscuit dough on the finish. (88 points)

This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.

Wine Reviews: Chile & Argentina

It’s been a while since I’ve delved into some wines from Chile and Argentina, so I’m excited to share some new offerings.

Three reds from Argentina make an appearance in this report, and the Mascota Vineyards Unanime brand show juicy, lively styles that are great for a slight chill on a warm evening.

Most of the wines in this report hail from Chile, and these producers are also touting their sustainability efforts. Koyle is a biodynamic producer that gets 40% of its power supply from solar panels. And Emiliana is one of the largest organic and biodynamic producers in the world. What I love is how some of these producers are able to utilize these methods and produce delicious, interesting wines at super reasonable price points.

These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.

2017 Trapiche Cabernet Sauvignon Medalla - Argentina, Mendoza
SRP: $20
Light purple color. Vibrant but deep nose of black cherries and raspberries with rose petals, clove, cigar shop and sweet cocoa. Medium-bodied, smooth tannins, lively acidity. Tart blueberry meets juicy black cherries, and the fruit is topped in notes of mocha, tobacco, mint, rose petals. Nice earthy and tar tones, too. All Cabernet from estate vineyards, aged 18 months in French oak. (88 points)

2017 Mascota Vineyards Pinot Noir Unánime - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco
SRP: $25
Medium purple color. Smells of bright blueberries and black cherries, tossed with leather, tobacco, notes of iron, graphite and dusty earth. Structured well with round-edged tannins and vibrant acidity. Darker style but still fresh, with tangy black cherry fruit, which plays well of notes of potting soil, charcoal, graphite, leather, clay. A lot of complexity packed in here, and it gets more and more expressive with air. A Pinot Noir with this level of balance and depth at this price point is impressive, and from Argentina, no less. Aged 12 months in French oak. (89 points)

2017 Mascota Vineyards Malbec Unánime - Argentina, Mendoza
SRP: $25
Deep ruby color. The aromas pop with ripe plums and black cherries, deep fruit with notes of smoky earth, anise, warm fallen leaves, some vanilla, too. Medium-bodied, velvety smooth tannic structure, crisp acidity. A juicy but pleasant feel to the fruit (black cherries and figs), along with fallen leaves, cola, earth and some vanilla. Ripe but nuanced, this has a lot to offer. Aged a year in French oak. (89 points)

2019 Viu Manent Malbec Secreto - Chile, Rapel Valley, Colchagua Valley
SRP: $15
Medium purple color. Ooh, the nose cranks with spice (sage, pepper, grilled steak) along with plums and juicy black cherries. Medium-bodied on the palate, delightful acidity with smooth tannins. Tart currants and chew plums blend well with a host of pepper, charcoal-grilled meat and violet petals. There’s a nice depth of texture with lots of spicy and earthy complexity. I was shocked to see this price point. Includes a “secret” blend of 15% other grapes. (89 points)

2019 Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva “Serie Riberas” Palo Santo Vineyard - Chile, Rapel Valley, Colchagua Valley, Marchigüe
SRP: $17
Vibrant purple color. Aromas of tart plums and currants, laced with oregano and mint, along with leather, campfire, dark chocolate shavings and some graphite. Full-bodied with nice grip and moderate acidity. Tart plums and rich blackberry fruit blends well with lots of delicious, spicy tones of bell pepper, sage and coffee. Notes of tar, graphite and vanilla add complexity. Rich but savory, nice and lively, this could even age. Really good stuff for the price. Includes some 5% combined Carmenere and Syrah, aged 10 months in 21% new French oak. (89 points)

2019 Viña Tarapacá Gran Reserva Organic Red Blend - Chile, Maipo Valley
SRP: $20
Light purple color. Nose pops with sweet plums and currants, cocoa, tossed with coffee, anise and spicy black tea. Jammy and rich on the palate with medium acidity and smooth tannins. Flavors of plum sauce and currant jam are whipped together with spicy pepper, mint, charcoal and violet petal and earth tones. Fun, accessible, grill-friendly wine that has a ripe appeal but also spicy, floral complexity. 31% Cabernet Franc, 26% Syrah, 22% Carmenere, 11% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 12 months in 20% new French oak. (87 points)

2018 Viña Maquis Cabernet Franc Gran Reserva - Chile, Rapel Valley, Colchagua Valley
SRP: $24
Deep ruby color. Ripe but tangy fruit on the nose (black cherries, plums) along with lots of spicy pepper, paprika, black tea, warm clay, violets – really inviting and complex. Medium-bodied, nice dusty tannic grip, fresh acidity – the balance is lovely. Tart plums and juicy red and black currants, suave and tangy, and this has a delightfully spicy mix of pepper, coffee grounds, tar, violets, roasted red peppers and potting soil. Seriously complex and vivacious, this is a gorgeous Cabernet Franc for an awesome price. Aged one year in French oak. (91 points)

2018 Viñedos Emiliana Coyam - Chile, Rapel Valley, Colchagua Valley
SRP: $35
Deep purple color. The nose shows deep plums and blackberries along with smoky earth, graphite, warm rocks, sweet pipe tobacco and some smoked meat tones. Deep and suave on the palate with nice grip and vibrant acidity – so fresh. Tart currants and black cherry fruit, laced well with earth, iron, minerals, spicy pepper and pepperoni tones. Complex, deep but fresh, this is beautiful and should improve nicely over the next 42% Syrah, 39% Carmenere with Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Malbec, Carignan, Tempranillo and Mourvedre. (90 points)

2019 Viña Koyle Carménère Gran Reserva ­ Chile, Rapel Valley, Colchagua Valley
SRP: $17
Deep ruby color. The nose is ripe and spicy with cherries and blackberries, mixed nicely with tar, chewing tobacco, freshly-paved road, and some cool soy and roasted red pepper tones. Crisp acidity frames this wine nicely, a dusty tannic feel, this is fresh and fun with cherries, raspberries and red plums, a tangy and bright approach with the fruit. Notes of black pepper, clove, dried rose petals, black tea and scorched earth adds complexity. Fun but complex and balanced wonderfully, this is a brisket-friendly Carmenere with 10% Tempranillo and 5% Petit Verdot, aged 14 months in French oak. (90 points)

2019 Viña San Pedro Cabernet Sauvignon 1865 Selected Vineyards - Chile, Maipo Valley
SRP: $15
Medium purple color. Lovely nose of black currants and blackberries, with tobacco, violets, warm clay, some vanilla and cedar. Silky tannins on the palate with vibrant acidity and a nicely balanced feel. Tart currants and smoky black cherries are woven together with anise, loamy earth, tobacco, with some dark chocolate shavings and coffee. Accessible and fun, but sports solid complexity for the price point as well. (88 points)

This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.

Wine Reviews: International Grab Bag

This week I have a few wines from around the globe that didn’t fit nicely into a larger tasting theme. But, these are wines I want to highlight for several reasons.

Argentina’s Domaine Bousquet is a producer I’ve grown to associate with quality wines and very low prices, and the 2018 “Virgen” red blend for $13 is a great example.

M. Chapoutier’s Bila-Haut label returns once again with an exceptional L’Esquerda red blend. And I also enjoyed some wines from Maryland’s Big Cork Vineyards.

These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.

2018 Domaine Bousquet Virgen - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco, Tupungato

SRP: $13

Bright purple color. Juicy and lively aromatics of roasted figs, plum sauce, black cherries, with smoky charcoal, black pepper and leather notes. Fresh and bright on the palate with light tannins and medium-plus acidity. Fun and fresh but loaded with fruit (black cherries, plums, fig paste), and backed up with notes of charcoal, coffee and leather. Lots and lots to offer for a wine at this price point, and this lighter, fresher, more savory style is really interesting to see at $13 or less. 35% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc. (87 points)

2017 M. Chapoutier Côtes du Roussillon Villages Domaine de Bila-Haut L'Esquerda - France, Languedoc Roussillon, Roussillon, Côtes du Roussillon Villages

SRP: $28

Deep purple color. Dark but lovely nose of roasted plums, black currants and cherries, along with deep, pure, fruit, I get complex notes of pepper, leather, scorched earth, grilled herbs, lavender. Full-bodied on the palate with solid structure but the tannins are rounded around the edges, and the acidity is medium. Black cherries, cassis and blueberry, the fruit is loaded with complex pepper, sage, leather, clove anise, roasted chestnut and that lavender note again, which is a really cool accent. Deep, complex, vibrant, drinking well now but will improve with a few years in the cellar for sure. Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault sourced from a 40+ year-old vines, a single-vineyard planted in granite and schist soils. (91 points)

2014 Ruffino Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Ducale Oro - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

SRP: $41

Light purple color. Aromatic and inviting with notes of cherries, plums, cedar, mint, tobacco, graphite, with smoky tones as well. Full yet velvety with medium-dusty tannins and lively acidity. Cherries and plums, a nice tangy edge to the fruit, with a complex mix of incense, rose hips, tobacco, pepper and earth. Coffee and cedar notes woven in well, this is balanced, fun and fresh but shows solid complexity. 85% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot, and 5% Colorino. (89 points)

2018 Ovum Big Salt - USA, Oregon, Southern Oregon, Elkton

SRP: $18

Pale lemon color. The nose pops with peach nectar, guava, lemon juice, along with lemon verbena, mint, chalk dust and some sea salt. Medium-bodied on the palate with a lightly creamy texture and medium-plus acidity. Peachy, juicy and fun, tropical yet salty and bright, not too rich or nectary. Floral, spiced tea, and honeyed notes add complexity. Everything is balanced quite nicely, and I love the freshness in here. Really good value. 45% Riesling, 45% Gewurztraminer, 8% Early Muscat, and 2% other white varieties, co-fermented in stainless steel. (88 points)

2017 Big Cork Vineyards Viognier - USA, Maryland

SRP: $27

Light yellow color. On the nose, a nice mix of lime, white peach, papaya, with brighter notes of sea salt, honeysuckle, white pepper and crushed chalk. Medium+ bodied, pleasant texture, but this has surprisingly fresh acidity, and the balance is lovely. There’s honeyed depth with notes of marmalade, almond and wax, but it shows a ton of vibrancy, with juicy white peaches, limes, notes of honeysuckle and chalk. For those who have grown wary of chunky Viogniers, this is a real treat, and worth seeking out. Includes 6% Chardonnay, 13.3% alcohol. (88 points)

2016 Big Cork Vineyards Cabernet Franc - USA, Maryland

SRP: $47

Light purple color. Spicy, earthy nose of pepper, smoke, leather and bell pepper (inviting scents to this Loire-lover), along with cherries and plums. Medium+ bodied, medium-light tannins, crisp acidity, this has a structured but accessible and zesty feel. Cherries and plums mix well with bell pepper, leather, smoke, anise, but it’s woven in nicely. Dusty yet bright, with pleasantly spicy and earthy appeal. All estate Cabernet Franc aged 15 months in oak. (87 points)

2016 Big Cork Vineyards Cabernet Franc Black Label Vintner Select - USA, Maryland

SRP: $70

Deep ruby color. The nose shows sweet red cherries, black cherries, plum sauce, along with sweet clove, anise, spiced black tea and cedar. On the palate, the wine combines medium tannins with refreshing acidity and rich but tangy fruit (plums, black and red cherries), and the combination is velvety and quite balanced. Lots of complex flavors of bitter black tea, anise, clove, charcoal, along with cedar and coffee notes. I’d love to age this for 5-8 years, or if drinking now, give this a good decant, because it really blossoms with air. All estate Cabernet Franc aged 29 months in barrel. (89 points)

This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.

Wine Reviews: Year-End Round-Up

Happy holidays, wine-lovers! I sure hope your holidays are filled with friends, family, fun, and plenty of good wine. As the year wraps up, I have a bunch of wines that didn’t fit neatly into a particular category, so I wanted to include them in my final grab bag report of 2018. And this one has some goodies.

Starting with Argentina’s Domaine Bousquet: Their vineyards, in the Andes foothills appellation of Tupungato, sit in gravelly, sandy soils at about 4,000 feet in elevation. The wines have lots of juicy fruit but the freshness is really attractive, and the balance and depth for their prices is quite impressive.

Ferraton Père & Fils deliver yet again with a pair of sub-$20 Rhone blends, a white and a red, which offer up a lot of class and style in this price point. At $30, M. Chapoutier’s new vintage of the Occultum Lapidem red blend is insanely good, deep, and cellar-worthy.

Italy’s Abruzzi region has a few value-friendly wines in this report, as well as an Amarone that would pair perfectly with a snowstorm and a campfire. Portugal’s Douro provides a few tasty red blends in this report, while I’ve included three American reds from Inconceivable. Lastly, Troon, from Oregon’s Applegate Valley, comes through again with an excellent pair of Tannat-based reds. They excel with all sorts of grapes and wines, and I loved these reds for their uniquely fresh, crunchy, lip-smacking appeal.

All of these wines were received as samples and tasted sighted.

2017 Domaine Bousquet Chardonnay Reserve - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco, Tupungato
SRP $18
Medium yellow color. Nose shows honey, peanut brittle, almond and ginger on top of yellow apples and apricots. Plump and rich texturally, but zesty acidity, and the balance is quite nice. Juicy apples and apricot mixed with graham cracker, almond, honeyed white tea, with salty, floral tones, too. Rich but fresh, a nice combination of elements here, this is delicious and good for the price. (88 points)

2017 Domaine Bousquet Malbec Reserve - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco, Tupungato
SRP: $18
Rich purple color. Deep and saucy but bright with spiced cranberry sauce, fig paste, smoky blackberries, with pipe tobacco, charcoal pit, and sweet, spiced black tea – lots going on here. Rich texture, velvety tannins, the acidity is vibrant. Tangy black cherries, plum, cranberry jam, with lots of herbal, earthy, spicy elements, an underlying mineral, floral aesthetic. Toffee and cocoa notes woven in nicely. Lots on offer here, but it’s still fresh, fun, and easy-drinking style for consumption over the next few years. Includes 5% apiece of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, aged 10 months in French oak. (90 points)

2017 Ferraton Père & Fils Côtes du Rhône Blanc Samorëns - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône
SRP: $16
Light yellow color. Juicy peaches and guava, some lemon crème pie, sea salt and honey. Juicy, plump, waxy texture but fresh acidity. Yellow apples, peaches, guava, the fruit is topped in flowers, honey, hay, sea salt. All elements woven in quite nicely, and there’s a delicious mineral kick on the zesty finish. A blend of Clairette and Grenache Blanc. Solid value, loving the freshness. (88 points)

2017 Ferraton Père & Fils Côtes du Rhône Villages Rouge Plan de Dieu - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages Plan de Dieu
SRP: $18
Light purple color. Super spicy on the nose, with sage, menthol, black pepper, bay leaf, scorched earth, over top of raspberries and black cherries. Suave and velvety on the palate, medium/full-bodied with moderating acidity. Raspberries, black cherries, plum sauce, the fruit is mixed with anise, pepper, earth and leather. Lots of interesting flavors here, this is really nicely done for the price. 65 % Grenache, 25% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre. (88 points)

2016 M. Chapoutier Domaine de Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem - France, Languedoc Roussillon, Roussillon, Côtes du Roussillon Villages Latour
SRP: $30
Deep purple color. Nose of concentrated black currants and dark plums, mixed with lots of violets, menthol, anise, grilled herbs, some leather and pepper, too. Serious grip from the tannins but the acidity is lovely and balancing, and the black fruit is dark and deep but crunchy. Lots of black pepper, sage, mint, coffee anise, this is packed with depth and flavor but stays fresh. This has the stuffing to age and improve for at least a decade. 50% Syrah, 30% Grenache and 20% Carignan from vines averaging 60 years old. (92 points)

2017 Fattoria La Valentina Pecorino - Italy, Abruzzi, Colline Pescaresi IGT
SRP: $16
Deep yellow color. Aromas of pineapple, lemon, papaya, with some flowers and honey. Juicy and plump on the palate with crisp acidity, and flavors of pineapple, apricot and lemon cake. Notes of sea salt, minerals, whipped honey and almond, this is rich and deep but stays lively and crisp, too. Complexity is impressive. All stainless steel. (89 points)

2015 Fattoria La Valentina Montepulciano d'Abruzzo - Italy, Abruzzi, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
SRP: $14
Rich purple color. Plump and juicy on the palate with plump black cherries, cassis, coffee, vanilla. Chewy texture on the palate with medium/light tannins and moderating acidity. Juicy black cherries, plums, topped in smoke, earth, coffee and vanilla. Juicy, accessible, fun stuff. Mostly stainless steel with some Slavonian oak. (86 points)

2015 Fattoria La Valentina Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Spelt - Italy, Abruzzi, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
SRP: $21
Light purple color. Aromas of dark cherries, plums, blackberry, along with earthy, dark flower petals, clove, some leathery notes. Smooth texture on the palate, dusty tannins with moderating acidity, fresh black cherries and plums abound. I get notes of smoky charcoal, leather, mint, clove and earth. Some floral and savory elements on the finish. This is in a good place now but could do well with a few more years. Aged 16 months in Slavonian oak. (90 points)

2013 Pasqua Amarone della Valpolicella - Italy, Veneto, Valpolicella, Amarone della Valpolicella
SRP: $50
Deep purple color. The nose shows lots of roasted plums and figs, cassis, violets, and some cool incense, coffee, earth and peppery notes. Full and rich, grippy but not too heavy or harsh, with some medium acidity for balance. Suave but tart black cherries, raisings and roasted figs, backed up with black licorice, coffee, cedar and dark chocolate. Impressive depth, but not heavy, this shows some interesting earthy, savory elements on the finish as well. Cellar-worthy but surprisingly accessible in its youth. 65% Corvina, 25% Rondinella, 5% Corvinone and 5% Negrara. (90 points)

2016 Dow Douro Reserva Vale do Bomfim - Portugal, Douro
SRP: $13
Deep purple color. Nose is deep and dark with roasted plums, blackberries, violets, earth, warm black tea. Juicy on the palate, a medium/full-bodied frame with velvety tannins and lively acidity. Dark, saucy fruit (plums and black cherries) mixed with dark chocolate, violets, loamy earth, charcoal. Warm, lovely, dark and earthy but vibrant, this is so good at this price point. (88 points)

2015 Quinta do Vesuvio Douro Pombal do Vesuvio - Portugal, Douro
SRP: $28
Rich purple color. Nose shows lots of plums, black cherries and blackberries, topped in vanilla, cocoa, but also soy and spicy herbs. The palate shows structured tannins (not harsh), moderating acidity, and lots of tangy black cherries and cassis. Quite complex in terms of the pepper, earth, sage, smoky charcoal and mineral tones. Showing well now but will improve over the next few years. A blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Naciona and Tinta Amarela, aged 10 months in French oak. (89 points)

2015 Inconceivable Wines Pinot Noir - California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County
SRP: $25
Medium ruby color. Bright red and juicy black cherries, along with sweet raspberry, cola, with cocoa, mint and sweet tobacco. Juicy but really fresh on the palate, with vibrant acidity and smooth, light tannins. Red cherries and juicy plums, tangy but plump fruit, mixed in with notes of roasted chestnut, mint, eucalyptus, cola and roses. A lot going on here for the price. Aged 10 months in 60% new French oak. (88 points)

2014 Inconceivable Wines Cabernet Sauvignon - Washington, Columbia Valley
SRP: $25
Light purple color. Nose shows tangy black cherries and juicy plums, I get a nice mix of earth, cocoa, cedar and eucalyptus. Full-bodied (14.5%) with slightly chewy tannins and medium acidity. Tangy black currants and cherries, nice zip to the fruit. Mixed in with tobacco, earth, charcoal and some moderate cocoa and cedar. Fun stuff, accessible but nice complexity as well. Includes some Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, this wine spends 23 months in a mix of used and new French oak. (88 points)

2014 Inconceivable Wines Red - Washington, Columbia Valley
SRP: $25
Light purple color. Nose boasts juicy plums and sweet black cherries, along with a nice mix of tobacco, smoky charcoal, pepper and earth. Full-bodied and smooth, light grip to the tannins, not harsh but nice structure, medium acidity, all balanced quite well. Plums, blackberries and tart black cherries mix with tobacco, pepper, leather, soy, some cocoa and vanilla. Complexity and balance is really impressive at this price point. Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Viognier. (90 points)

2016 Troon Vineyard Tannat - Oregon, Southern Oregon, Applegate Valley
SRP: $40
Deep purple color. Tart but deep on the nose, with tangy black cherries, dark plums, and loaded with lavender, violets, roses, inky and coffee and clove. Full-bodied with some serious grip to the tannins, but moderated by lovely acidity. Tart black cherries, cassis, lovely fruit mixed with complex notes of flowers, potpourri, clove, anise, rocky earth. Long, full, complex, I’m stoked to see what this does with five years or so in the cellar. Aged 18 months in mature oak. (90 points)
2016 Troon Vineyard Cuvée Pyrénées - Oregon, Southern Oregon, Applegate Valley
SRP: $60
Bright purple color. Aromas of tart blackberries, sour cherries, black currant, raspberry, such bright and lively fruit mixed in with sage, violets, clove, warm leather and herbs. Crisp and lively acidity from start to finish on the palate, with velvety tannins and vibrant red and black fruit (currants, plums, raspberries), laced with savory herbs, lots of violets and floral potpourri. Deep earthy, mineral element here, too. Vibrant and delicious now but I’d be interested in what this does over the next few years. Tannat and Malbec, co-fermented, aged 18 months in old oak. (91 points)

This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.

Wine Reviews: International Grab Bag

This week, I’m tackling another group of wines from all over the globe.

Starting off with the newest vintage of Trivento’s flagship Malbec, Eolo, the 2014 again delivers a mouthful of delicious, complex, cellar-worthy Mendoza goodness.

A few Spanish wines make an appearance in this week’s report, including two inexpensive but solid Riojas from renowned producer Bodegeas Lan. Carpenè Malvolti brings a pair of Italian bubbles into the mix. And South African stalwart Mulderbosch delivers four wines that bring serious quality at their respective price points.

There’s a new red blend from Virginia winery Early Mountain that I really want to highlight. The inaugural 2015 vintage of their Rise red (a Merlot-based blend), really shines. It should, considering the price point, but this is a serious, delicious, Virginia red blend that will stand the test of time.

I also received three wines from the Firstleaf wine club. Consumers can fill out a quick quiz to generate their first three-pack of wines for $15, plus shipping. The wines each come with story cards that provide technical and more general information about the wine or region. Members can rate their wines on the club’s website, and those ratings are used to generate more personalized wine selections for future shipments. I tasted three wines from an introductory shipment.

All of these wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.

2014 Trivento Malbec Eolo - Argentina, Mendoza, Lujan de Cuyo
SRP: $79
Deep purple color. Rich and enticing on the palate with waves of plums, blackberry, currant, kirsch, backed up by complex and evolving notes of anise, scorched earth, coffee grounds, mint chocolate chip, violets. Solid grip but no harsh tannins, this is velvety and smooth with medium acidity and pretty dark plum, blackberry and black currant fruit. Complex elements of leather, scorched earth, eucalyptus, mint, dark chocolate, tobacco. A complex mineral, earth, smashed rock element, too. A long-ager for sure but this is beautiful young. (92 points)

N.V. Carpenè Malvolti Rosé Cuvée Brut - Italy, Veneto, Veneto IGT
SRP: $20
Bright watermelon color. Aromas of wild strawberries, white cherries, roses, spicy herbal notes. Juicy and fleshy on the palate but tangy, too, with watermelon and strawberry fruit. Notes of spicy herbs, rose petals, baby’s breath, which combines well with the fruit. Finishes fresh and salty. 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Raboso. (87 points)

N.V. Carpenè Malvolti Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore 1868 - Italy, Veneto, Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
SRP: $19
Pale straw color. Aromas of sea salt, dandelion, magnolia petals, baby’s breath and green apples. Tart and brisk on the palate with lemon, green apples and limes, backed up with a floral punch of magnolia, rosewater and dandelion. Sea salt and dusty, flinty notes add complexity. Crisp and delicious, quite complex for the price. 100% Glera. (88 points)

2017 Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc - South Africa, Western Cape
SRP: $17
Medium yellow color. Super fresh and green and crunchy on the nose (limes, kiwi, green apples) with white pepper, sea salt, lemongrass and fresh, floral breezy notes. Crisp and zesty on the palate but nice depth and texture. Green apples, apricot, lemons and limes, backed up with sea salt, honeysuckle, an interesting herbal/spicy note that accents the wine but doesn’t dominate the other elements. So well put-together, this is a great vintage of this wine which is, per usual, killer for the price. (90 points)

2016 Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc Single Vineyard Block A - South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch, Bottelary
SRP: $33
Deep yellow color. Whoa! On the nose, a burst of tropical insanity (pineapple, white peaches, some lemon curd) doused in lamp oil, sea spray, nougat, honey butter, hay and rich vanilla. Plump and juicy on the palate, zesty but rich, with flavors of key lime pie, bruised yellow pear and fresh white peaches. Rich and suave but bright, too, with really cool minerals, ginger, musky cologne and sea spray, honeyed white tea. From 33-year-old vines, this shows the ripeness of the vintage and was aged 10 months on in French oak barrels. (91 points)

2017 Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé - South Africa, Coastal Region
SRP: $12
Pale watermelon color. Fresh and floral nose with white pepper, nettle, rose petals, and some juicy strawberry and white cherry aromas. Crisp acidity frames the wine nicely, but there’s a plush, inviting mouthfeel as well. White cherries, strawberries, watermelon, mixed together nicely with white pepper, sliced cucumber, nettle, rose hips, some breezy, salty notes. Lovely balance with fruit, freshness and complex flavors. (88 points)

2015 Mulderbosch Faithful Hound - South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch
SRP: $22
Light purple color. The nose shows gobs of black cherries, currants and blueberries, along with lots of black pepper, leather, sage, bay leaf, vanilla and cedar. Tangy acidity keeps this full-bodied, medium tannin red stay fresh, but this is also a big and dark wine loaded with black currants and blueberries. Lots of black pepper, cigar smoke, menthol, with dark chocolate and vanilla woven in nicely. Ready to go or could hold for a few years, this packs a lot of complexity for the price point. A blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec, aged in 30% new French oak. (89 points)

2017 Delia Tempranillo - Spain
SRP: $9
Medium ruby color. Juicy raspberries, cherries and red currants on the nose with sweet roses, tobacco and cola. Medium-bodied and fresh on the palate with light, easygoing tannins. Raspberries, cherries and strawberries, juicy but tangy fruit, mixed with roses, herbs, menthol, smoke and coffee. Light and fresh but lots of fun, and really solid for the price. (86 points)

2015 Bodegas LAN Rioja Crianza D-12 Eighth Edition - Spain, La Rioja, Rioja
SRP: $20
Light purple color. Aromas of tangy black cherries mixed with spice rub, tobacco, leather, vanilla and cedar. Full-bodied, smooth tannins, with tangy acidity, and it mixes well with the crunchy, tart black cherry and currant fruit. Notes of scorched earth, tobacco, leather, some black olive, topped with vanilla and coffee. Delicious, early-drinking Rioja. (87 points)

2010 Bodegas LAN Rioja Gran Reserva - Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja
SRP: $25
Deep purple color. Smells of tart black cherries and currants, tangy plums (just smelling it makes my mouth water), with mint, tobacco, coffee, loamy soil and graphite notes. Fresh acidity frames the wine nicely, solidly-gripping tannins mix with tart black cherries and currants, backed up with violets, black pepper, mint, black tea, coffee, lots of complex elements. Underlying earthy, mineral notes, this is a vibrant and fresh wine but also structured and ageworthy. Tempranillo from Rioja Alta and 10% Mazuelo. (89 points)
 

2015 Early Mountain Vineyards Rise - USA, Virginia, Central Virginia, Madison County
SRP: $95
Deep purple color. The nose shows gorgeous depth of fruit (blackberry, cassis, dark plums, roasted fig), along with lavender, violets, sweet cocoa and wet forest/woodsy notes. Solid tannic backbone on the palate but underlying fresh acidity keeps it in lovely balance. Tart black cherries, currants and plums, tangy but bountiful fruit, laced with anise, violets, clove, coffee, all woven together so nicely. Pure, delicious, complex, I’d love to cellar this for a decade. Early Mountain makes a serious statement with the inaugural vintage of this Rise red. 57% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 14% Petit Verdot, and 14% Tannat, sourced from their Quaker Run vineyards on the southern side of Doubletop Mountain. 240 cases produced. (91 points)

2017 International Archives Sémillon - Australia
SRP: $22
Deep yellow color. Nose shows apricot, pineapple, lemongrass, honey and a rosewater note. Plush texture, moderate acid keeps it bright as juicy white peach and pineapple fruit carry the wine. Honey, some cotton candy notes, baby’s breath and cut flower stem notes. Fun, crowd-pleasing stuff for the money. From Firstleaf. (85 points)

2017 Paso del Tiempo Syrah - Spain
SRP: $26
Deep purple color. Nose of juicy raspberries, sweet plums, cola, coffee, roses. Full-bodied with soft tannins and medium acidity. Tart plums meet sweet raspberries and candied cherries, backed up by roses, sweet cola and coffee. Fun, simple, crowd-pleasing stuff. From Firstleaf. (85 points)

2017 PrimaZon Malbec - Argentina, Mendoza
SRP: $26
Light purple color. Aromas of dark plums and black cherries, along with violets, warm clay, tobacco, cedar, espresso. Fresh acidity on the palate frames the wine nicely, and it has velvety, accessible tannins. Tangy black cherries, plums, raspberry jam, the fruit is mixed with cola, coffee, sweet pipe tobacco and vanilla. Fun, pleasant, widely-likeable stuff. From Firstleaf. (86 points)


This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.