Report from ... Argentina Tasting - July 21, 2011

On what very well could have been the hottest day of the year, with the humidex hitting a close-to record of 47C, the Argentineans staged a tasting of their big, bold wines from their piece of the world.  While they might be used to these high temps, we cool climate Canadians were a little taken aback (and sweaty) ... I joked with the folks at Q-Water (the official water supplier of the event) that they just might be the most popular booth in the building - and by the time I was ready to leave, they were my favourite ... I had more to drink there then at the 20+ producer booths that were in attendance.

Over 50 wines from 20+ producers were poured, sipped and for the most part, savoured (before spitting) and below my list of some of the highlights ... most of these wines are either already in, or are coming soon, to the Ontario market:

Bodegas Catena Zapata ...
- Catena Malbec 2008 ($19.95 - #478727) ... a real beauty for Malbec fans and newbies alike: dark fruit, pepper, raspberry jam, yet with some nice delicacy. (****+)
- Tilia Torrontes 2010 ($12.95 - #186403) - *** 1/2
- Tilia Malbec 2009 ($12.95 - #160945) - *** 1/2

Bodega Luigi Bosca ...
- Reserva Malbec 2008 ($17.95 - #79293) ... good fruit with smoky vanilla notes. (*** 1/2)

Callia ...
Interesting to note this is the only San Juan Valley (average of about 4 inches of rain per year) wine on the general list
Tried two of the same wines from different years: Alta Malbec ($11.00 - #160978)
- 2010 ... great flavours with dark and spicy fruit (****)
- 2009 ... smoother then the '10 but retains the pepper with lovely raspberry fruit (****+)

Chakana ...
- Estate Selection Malbec 2009 ($19.95 - #219261) ... 18 months of oak has made this wine deep, dark, rich and fruity; possesses chocolate, white pepper and good tannins on the finish. (****+)
- Reserve Malbec 2009 ($14.95 - #18671) - *** 1/2+

Domaine Jean Bousquet ...
- Cabernet Sauvignon Organic ($11.95 - #218875) ... black fruited and smooth. (*** 1/2)

Don Cristobal ...
- Cristobal 1492 Chardonnay 2011 (~$12.95) ... peach and banana chip on the nose with plenty of pear flavours in the mouth along with other sweet fruit.  Great refresher on this hot day. (****+)
- Oak Reserve Shiraz 2008 ($13.95 - #236133) - ****+

Familia Zuccardi ...
- Serie A Chardonnay / Viognier 2010 ($14.95 - #262097) ... 75% Chardonnay that`s fruity as hell with sweet vanilla undertones, simply lovely.  In Vintages March 2012. (****)
- Q Tempranillo 2008 ($19.95 - #973503) - *** 1/2+

Finca Martha ...
- Gran Malbec 2009 ($16.95 - Consignment) ... 12 months in new French oak, vanilla and chocolate that`s smooth and creamy with big black fruit that is embedded with a touch of spice; slight hint of oxidation here, but that only adds to the character. (****+)

Finca Flichman ...
- Paiseja de Barrancas 2007 ($17.95 - #17129) ... a blend of Syrah, Malbec and Cabernet; smoky vanilla, white pepper and black raspberry; truly a mouthful (****+)
- Misterio Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 ($8.00 - #163949) - *** 1/2+
- Misterio Malbec 2010 ($8.20 - #28803) - *** 1/2+

Graffigna ...
- Centenano Reserva Shiraz 2008 ($12.95 - #164731) ... very fruit driven. (*** 1/2)

Humberto Canale ...
- Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2010 ($12.99 - Consignment) ... melon and quince dominate with a refreshing long finish, very approachable wine. (*** 1/2+)
- Estate Pinot Noir 2010 ($14.99 - Consignment) - *** 1/2

Kaiken ...
- Reserve Malbec 2009 ($14.95 - #58339) ... continues to be an excellent value, looking to try Malbec, this is a great place to start without breaking the bank on a bottle: spiced black cherry, strawberry and vanilla. (****+)
- Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 ($19.95 - #135202) - ****

Navarro Correas ...
- Alegoria Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 ($19.95 - #154583) ... black cherry and mint lead the charge with a chocolate finish, sippable and smooth. (****+)

RJ Vinedos ...
- Joffre E. Hijas Grand Chardonnay 2009 (~$16.95) ... gentle fruit for easy drinking enjoyablilty; hints of pear make it quite pleasurable. (*** 1/2+)

Trapiche ...
- Broquel Malbec 2008 ($14.95 - #234385) ... this one`s BBQ ready with its black cherry and chocolate interlaced with spice, smooth and lush. (****+)

Trivento ...
- Amado Sur Malbec 2009 ($15.00 - #37036) ... a blend of Malbec, Bonarda and Syrah, this is just a beautifully supple red bledn with a little bite on the tongue. In Vintages January 2012. (****+)

Valle de la Puerta ...
- La Puerta Alta Bonarda 2009 ($14.95 - #261990) ... lovely red fruit with a hint of spice and good acidity; get to know the Bonarda grape and you`ll learn to love it, and this is a good place to start. (****+)
- La Puerta Torrontes 2010 ($8.95 - #197970) - *** 1/2

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