You’ll not often find a bespoke selection of fine premium wines at such attractive prices. The folks from Wines of Argentina—especially their area manager, Liz Luzza—have organized these wines for winecurrent subscribers, and others who have a trusted source for wine advice, for accredited critics to taste and provide comments on these carefully selected 24 wines.

• Louise and Vic had a difficult time keeping their featured wines down to three each and they’ll both be purchasing quite a few of the wines in this fabulous list of 24. There’s more to Argentina than Malbec and Torrontés, although you must admit those two varietals do show extremely well and are improving over time. Pick up a few and see for yourself.

Louise loves – 2018 Susana Balbo ‘Signature’ White Blend earned 92 points at $21.95; 2017 El Esteco ‘Viñedos de Altura’ Malbec earned 91 points at $21.95 and 2016 Trapiche ‘Gran Medalla’ Cabernet Sauvignon earned 94 points at $26.95.

Vic Picks – 2016 Alamos ‘Selección’ Malbec earned 91 points at $16.95; 2017 El Enemigo Chardonnay earned 93 points at $23.95; 2018 La Mascota Malbec earned 92 points at $16.95.

New in Vintages (in stores now)

• The following 2018 Finca Sophenia ‘Altosur’ Malbec was sourced from hand-harvested estate vineyards at 1220 meters above sea level. Fermentation was by selected yeasts at controlled temperatures then aged three to four months in French and American oak barrels.

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Finca Sophenia ‘Altosur’ Malbec 2018
Tupungato, Gualtallary, Mendoza, Argentina $17.00 (13113) 14.0% alcohol
This vegan-friendly red offers profound aromas of ripe juicy black cherry, blueberry, clove, forest floor and a nice floral note in the background. A silky-textured wash of juicy black fruit flavours—cherry, blackberry and blueberry--meets freshly cracked black pepper and savoury notes in a delicious melange. Tannins are fine and a bit chalky, adding interest to the mouthfeel and the long dry and peppery finish. This medium-full bodied red has a lot to offer for the price tag and is a great partner to grilled red meats or enjoy sipping on its own. (Louise Boutin)

• The following 2017 El Esteco ‘Viñedos de Altura’ Malbec was sourced from the far North region of Calchaqui Valley with vineyards at 1800 meters above sea level with characteristics not found anywhere else—poor alluvial soils, high sun exposure, low humidity and a large spread in the diurnal temperature swings. ‘Viñedos de Altura’ translates to ‘Vineyards of Height’.

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El Esteco ‘Viñedos de Altura’ Malbec 2017
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, Argentina $21.95 (113191) 14.4% alcohol
There’s an obvious freshness on the nose of this hand-harvested and unfiltered Malbec. It bursts with mixed berry aromas in a gentle backdrop of forest floor and sweet vanilla. A cool and tangy stream of flavours—blueberry, blackberry raspberry, red cherry pie filling—delights the palate along with polished yet noticeable tannin, leading to a dry and tart finish with hints of dry savoury herbs. Enjoy this medium-full bodied red with tomato sauce pasta or artisan sausages on the grill. Aeratedecant one to two hours. (Louise Boutin)

• The following 2016 Trapiche ‘Gran Medalla’ Cabernet Sauvignon was produced to pay homage to the winery’s 125th anniversary. Fruit was sourced from some of the top vineyards in the Uco Valley at an average 1000 meters above sea level. Grapes were hand harvested and bunch selected. This was native-yeast fermented and macerated in small concrete pools for a minimum of 25 days at 23 – 25 °C. It underwent natural malolactic conversion and matured 18 months in new French oak barrels then a further six months in bottle before release.

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Trapiche ‘Gran Medalla’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

La Consulta, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina $26.95 (13608) 14.0% alcohol
This 100% cabernet sauvignon is worth a celebration with such a gorgeous nose—dark cherry, cassis, prune, tobacco and vanilla aromas setting the table for a feast of flavours—cassis, blackberry, black cherry and bell pepper, framed in polished, assertive tannin. This full-bodied beauty keeps giving on the endless finish with peppercorn, chocolate and dry herbs. This will further evolve with additional cellaring but it’s hard to resist now with a rare rib steak just off the grill or stuffed Portobello mushrooms. Aerate/decant two hours. (Louise Boutin) 


• The following 2018 La Posta ‘Pizzella Family’ Malbec was sourced from 100% hand-harvested Malbec 19-year-old vineyards at 1100 meters above sea level in Uco Valley: La Consulta. Ten percent matured in new French oak barrels and 30% in second-use barrels.

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La Posta ‘Pizzella Family’ Malbec 2018

Uco Valley: La Consulta, Argentina $16.95 (166298) 13.5% alcohol
Plum compote and blackberry plus a hint of baking spice and wood aromas introduce a über juicy and softly-textured flow of ripe blackberry and blueberry, a suggestion of dry coco powder and kirsch liqueur. Intense acidity emerges towards the end along with chewy tannin providing for a long fruit forward dry finish. Aerate/decant one hour and enjoy alongside traditional lasagna. (Louise Boutin)

• Winemaker Alejandro Vigil blended the following 2016 El Enemigo Bonarda with 85% Bonarda from East Mendoza’s warmer Rivadavia zone vineyards at 650 meters above sea level with 15% Cabernet Franc planted in high-altitude, cool-temperature vineyards in Gualtallary, Valle de Uco at 1470 meters above sea level.    

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El Enemigo Bonarda 2016
Mendoza, Argentina $24.95 (15120) 13.5% alcohol
Lifted aromas of black currant and dark cherry mingle with tarry notes and dark chocolate on the nose of this inky-black red. It blankets the palate with a medium-plus bodied, creamy-textured, spice and tang-laden river of bramble berry jam and black plum compote adorned by grilled savory herbs and plenty of pizzazz from cork pop to last drop. It finishes balanced and bountiful, lengthy and luscious. Pour with grilled back ribs mopped with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Susana Balbo ‘Crios’ Torrontés is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores. This wine was sourced from hand-harvested 100% Torrontés fruit from Salta and Uco Valley in Mendoza at an elevation of 1700 meters above sea level. It was fermented at a maximum of 13 °C and left on its lees for three months in oak to enhance structure in the wine. Susana Balbo is one the planet’s premier wine makers. This white gem punches well above its price

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Susana Balbo ‘Crios’ Torrontés 2019
Cafayate Valley, Salta, Valle de Uco, Argentina $14.95 (1834) 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of rosewater, piquant spice and tropical fruit provide segue to a crisp, clean and refreshing wash of tang-infused flavour with lemon curd, white grapefruit and hints of blood orange and mineral notes to the fore. It’s medium bodied with firm mouthfeel and plenty of acidity and pizzazz from twist top to last drop. Pour on its own over the next 12 or so months or alongside pan-seared fish or grilled calamari, both under a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2017 El Enemigo Chardonnay is sourced from 100% chardonnay grown in calcareous soils in Gualtallary vineyards at 1400 meters above sea level. This was matured in 500 L French oak barrels for nine months under an 80% covering of flor growth.

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El Enemigo Chardonnay 2017
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Argentina $23.95 (482984) 13.5%
The price-quality balance tips wildly in your favour. A fabulous nose of vanillin, hints of caramel, toasty/oaky notes, baking brioche and exotic spice provide segue to a medium-full bodied, creamy smooth and unctuous mouthful of palate flavours with yeast and mineral notes, Meyer lemon citrus and tang-infused green apple to the fore—not for the faint of palate. This showcases persistent purity of fruit and flavour, firm structure and plenty of pizzazz followed by a monumentally long finish and aftertaste of palate-flavour replays. With careful cellaring, drink now to 2024. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Susana Balboa ‘Signature’ Rosé was hand harvested from 60% malbec/40% pinot noir vines at an average 1200 meters above sea level. Fruit was then destemmed and lightly pressed then cold macerated with dry ice for one hour then fermented with selected yeasts at 12 °C for 25 days. Susana Balbo is one of the planet’s premier winemakers.

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Susana Balbo ‘Signature’ Rosé 2019
Altamira, Valle de Uco. Mendoza, Argentina $22.95 (493130) 13.0% alcohol
A good swirl or two will coax aromas of floral and mixed field berry fruit from the glass. It blankets the palate with a surge of sweet and tang, the yin and yang that encompasses an off-dry rosé. Flavours of watermelon and strawberry meet up with red currant and white grapefruit leaving a tang-infused finish and aftertaste—lip-smacking, crisp, clean and refreshing. Pour alongside prawn ceviche or mussels steamed in a shallow bath of white wine, garlic, cream and chopped leeks. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 La Mascota Rosé is 100% hand-picked malbec sourced from vineyards with deep stony soils. Fruit was bunch selected and destemmed at the winery with only three hours of skin contact before pressing, filtration and bottling.

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La Mascota Rosé 2019
Cruz de Piedra, Maipú, Mendoza, Argentina $16.95 (15182) 12.5% alcohol
Delicate aromas of floral notes and red berry fruit introduce a palate-surge of flavour—blood orange, spice infused passionfruit and red berry fruit. It streaks across the palate with oodles of lip-smacking tang and pizzazz leading to a dry, crisp and mouth-watering finish that leaves the palate clean and refreshed. Pour with pan-seared halibut or trout under a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2018 Zuccardi ‘Q’ Malbec was sourced from select vineyard lots in Praje Altimira at 1000 meters above sea level and select vineyard lots in Vista Flores at 1100 meters above sea level. Fruit was bunch selected at harvest with tanks filled by gravity then fermented with native yeasts. Wine underwent skin maceration for 20 days with delestage and pigeage then full malolactic fermentation and aged in oak and concrete. One of Zuccardi’s vineyards was voted “(#1) Best Vineyard in the World” in 2019.

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Zuccardi ‘Q’ Malbec 2018
Praje Altimira, Vista Flores, Argentina $19.95 (723478) 14.5% alcohol
Lifted, alluring aromas of violets, exotic spice and black raspberry provide segue to a medium-full bodied, deftly balanced surge of palate-enveloping flavours of black currant, pie cherry and black plum cloaked in delightfully racy tang, sweet vanilla and oodles of pizzazz. It’s satin-smooth textured with a firm tannin underpinning and persistent purity of fruit from cork pop to last drop on the lengthy finish and aftertaste. Give this a go with a gaucho-sized slab of grilled beef. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2016 Alamos ‘Selección’ Malbec was hand-picked from fruit in vineyards at 900 meters close to the Andes Mountains in the cool-climate district of La Consulta, Mendoza. It’s common for La Consulta to have snow in winter and cool nights during summer. There’s also intense sunlight and mineral-rich run off from mountain snowmelt translating into the rich, layered aromas and flavors of Argentina’s hallmark grape. 

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Alamos ‘Selección’ Malbec 2016
Mendoza, Argentina $16.95 (322800) 13.5% alcohol
Black raspberry and black plum aromas abound on the nose juxtaposed with notions of leather and grilled herbs. This is value-packed, smooth, powerful and elegant on the palate with harmonious flavours appearing on the first sip—ripe mulberry, baking spice, sweet vanilla and plenty of pizzazz from tang and acidity. This is medium-plus bodied with excellent mouthfeel and a lengthy finish and aftertaste. Lovely to sip on its own, an inspired pairing with Cape Malay bobotie will appeal to all adventurous carnivores. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2018 Catena Cabernet Sauvignon is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores. This 100% cabernet sauvignon is sourced across Catena’s high-mountain vines located in Primera Zona, Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo and Valle de Uco.

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Catena Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Mendoza, Argentina $19.95 (985002) 13.5% alcohol 
The price-quality ratio swings wildly in your favour here. Tobacco, dark cherry/berry fruit and grilled savoury herb aromas abound. This gorgeous cab envelops the palate with a plush, full-bodied swath of ripe black plum, juicy black cherry and hints of cassis and mocha. It’s complex, deftly balanced and dense with a lengthy finish enhanced by lip-smacking tang and acidity. Give this a go with grilled gourmet sausage, steak or backyard burgers. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: August 8, 2020

• The following 2018 La Posta ‘Estela Armando’ Bonarda was sourced from the vineyards of Estela Armando of 100% Bonarda—Argentina’s 2nd most-planted red varietal—at 700 meters above sea level with an average vine age of 53 years. 40% of the wine was matured for 10 months in 2nd and 3rd use French oak barrels.

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La Posta ‘Estela Armando’ Bonarda 2018
Guaymallén, Mendoza, Argentina $15.95 (261586) 13.5% alcohol
Deep purple shaded like its label, this single varietal red opens the door with intense aromas of blue and black fruit, ripe raspberry and a discrete smoky note. Tangy cherry and black cassis take the lead on the flavour trail, quickly joined by a sweeter cherry pie filling note, dark chocolate and a spicy cinnamon hint persisting in the dry finish and aftertaste. This is medium-plus bodied with astringent tannin and it pairs well with lamb burgers garnished with feta cheese, fresh mint and pickled red onions. Aerate/decant one hour. (Louise Boutin)

• The following 2018 Susana Balbo ‘Signature’ White Blend was hand-picked from vineyards at 1050 meters above sea level. The sauvignon blanc and semillon was macerated for six hours with dry ice stripping during 36 hours and racked to concrete eggs then fermented with native yeasts. Torrontés was pressed without maceration then fermented in stainless steel and rested on lies for a month enhancing texture. It received batonnage once a month spending four months in French oak barrels 60% new and 40% second-use. This is a 35% semillon/35% sauvignon blanc/30% torrontés blend. Susana Balbo is one of the planet’s premier winemakers.

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Susana Balbo ‘Signature’ White Blend 2018

Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina $21.95 (558734) 13.5% alcohol
A lot of meticulous work went into this unusual white blend and it’s no surprise it keeps scoring high one vintage after another. This gorgeous combination of vibrant aromas—green pineapple, fresh cilantro, passion fruit and white flower—wakes-up the senses. This is a palate-feast for the citrus lovers with a bonus of tropical fruit flavour, a hint of honey and mineral notes delivered in a very harmonious fashion. This medium-bodied beauty offers a long delicious pithy finish with a sweet twist. Try with coconut shrimp or chicken satay over a bed of jasmine rice and a sprinkle of fresh mint. (Louise Boutin)


• The following 2017 Finca La Celia ‘Reserve’ Malbec / Cabernet Franc is a blend of 80% malbec and 20% cabernet franc sourced in the La Consulta, Uco Valley, Mendoza region. Co-fermentation with malbec and cabernet franc was in concrete vessels for 10 days then 80% stayed in concrete vessels while the remainder was in pre-loved French oak barrels, both for eight months before bottling.


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Finca La Celia Reserve Malbec / Cabernet Franc 2017
La Consulta, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina $14.95 (618280) 13.5% alcohol
Although cabernet franc only contributes for a fifth of the blend, it can’t hide on the nose with its red cherry and jalapeno aromas mingling with black plum and cedar notes. This is a nice tart fruit and savoury combination of flavours flowing with ease on the palate, until it shows more character midway through with peppery notes amplified in the dry savoury finish. This medium-bodied red is an excellent value and a great companion to red sauce pizza or well-seasoned pork chops on the grill. (Louise Boutin)

• The following 2017 Luigi Bosca ‘Terroir Los Miradores’ Malbec was sourced from the single vineyard of Los Miradores with its 10-year-old vines of 100% malbec at 1150 meters above sea level. A portion of the wine matured for one year in French oak barriques. A continental climate, with a wide diurnal range of temperatures between day and night are a huge plus as well as well-defined seasons and plenty of sunshine hours contributing to both good growth of vines and ripening of fruit. The grapes are harvested manually, clusters are selected, then they destemmed with the best grapes chosen. The must is cold-macerated three to five days at 10 °C to 15 °C then fermented with selected yeast in 6000 L stainless steel tanks delestage and pressings. Part of the wine is aged in new French oak barriques in which malolactic conversion takes place and in which it’s matured for 12 months. It is then blended with the wine kept in stainless steel tanks, then stabilized, filtered and the final blend is bottled. Bottled wine is stored in the winery for at least six months before this limited-production malbec is released to the market. Only 200 cases of 6 bottles available to the LCBO’s over 600 stores – don’t dawdle if you wish to purchase.

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Luigi Bosca ‘Los Miradores Vineyard’ Malbec 2017
Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina $34.95 (568899) 14.7% alcohol
Smoky, fruit-forward aromas of black plum, mulberry and black cherry flourish along with savoury herbs and spice on the nose. A gorgeous wave of plush ambrosia blankets the palate with palate flavours of bramble berry jam, sweet vanilla and cassis nicely juxtaposed to tang and lip-smacking acidity. This is complex and structured with persistent purity of fruit, deft balance, soft, ripe tannin and lengthy, balanced, fruit-forward finish. This is a limited-production gem that should fly of the shelves. Aerate/decant a couple of hours before service. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2018 La Mascota Malbec is a single-vineyard bottling from their estate vines. Hand-harvested, bunch-selected fruit from stony soils was destemmed and crushed. After which fermentation and maceration occurred in stainless steel tanks during a minimum of 25 days at 23-25 ºC. A natural malolactic fermentation was spontaneous. It matured 12 months in new French and American oak barrels then filtered and bottled before release.

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La Mascota Malbec 2018
Cruz de Piedra, Maipú, Mendoza, Argentina $16.95 (555805) 14.0% alcohol
Enticing aromas of black licorice, and dark berry fruit abound on the nose. A pleasing wash of sweet and tang palate flavours—vanilla and ripe black juicy cherry mingle with black licorice and excellent balancing acidity. This is well balanced, with oodles of fruit flavour with a very lengthy and lip-smacking finish, and every sip as good, or better, than the previous. There are no rough edges and the price-quality ratio skews well in your favour. Consider a multiple purchase. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2018 El Esteco ‘Old Vines – 1947’ Cabernet Sauvignon has a great history with El Esteco’s Las Mercedes estate in Cafayate, Salta. It’s a home to 467 pergola-trained cabernet sauvignon vines whose origins can be traced back to 1947 (now 73-year-old vines) delivering ruby red wines typical of Cafayate terroir. At harvest, fruit is taken immediately to the winery sorting line followed by a pre-fermentation maceration in ovoid 3,000-litre vats for five days, after which the alcoholic fermentation immediately begins using native yeasts. The wine is then restored to the ovoid vats for a natural malolactic fermentation. Then it’s bottled unfiltered and aged in the bottle for the following 6 to 8 months before release; seeing no oak.

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El Esteco ‘Old Vines – 1947’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Cafayette Valley, Salta Argentina $24.95 (15082)
Aromas of black and blue field berry fruit mingle with piquant spice and earthy notes on the nose. A medium-plus bodied, fully textured cab spills over the palate with a lively, boisterous flow of black fruit—bramble berry, plum and cherry—robed in perceptible tannin and excellent tang and acidity. It finishes with a balanced and very lengthy finish and aftertaste with plenty of flavour and pizzazz. Aerate/decant for three hours before serving with a thick cut of grilled Canadian AAA beef. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: August 22, 2020

• The following 2018 La Mascota Chardonnay was bunch selected and hand harvested into small bins then further destemmed with berry selection. Must was cooled to 10 °C and controlled-temperature fermentation was held to 15 °C for 20 days. It underwent malolactic conversion and 30% sur lie before maturing for nine months in French and American oak barrels then filtered and bottled.

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La Mascota Chardonnay 2018
Cruz de Piedra, Maipú, Mendoza, Argentina $16.95 (126870) 13.5% alcohol

Keep an eye out for this exceptional-value cool-climate chardonnay. Delicate pear aromas are surrounded with Meyer lemon zest, marzipan and a touch of nutmeg. Expect similar elegance on the palate with a textured flow of orchard fruit flavours, complemented with slightly toasted brioche, lemon curd and chalky minerality adding dimension to the tasty dry finish. Pour this bargain gem alongside shrimp pasta in a light creamy/lemony sauce. (Louise Boutin)

• The following 2019 Luigi Bosca Rosé was sourced from estate vineyards of pinot gris and pinot noir at 780 meters above sea level in Lujàn de Cuyo and Maipú, Mendoza. This saw no oak.

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Luigi Bosca Rosé 2019

Lujàn de Cuyo and Maipú, Mendoza, Argentina $18.95 (553032) 13.1% alcohol
This salmon-shaded rosé presents with aromas of tart cherry, cremini mushroom and a whisper of ginger. Expect flavours of tangy red cherry, cranberry, white pepper and laurel, wrapped in mild chalky tannin. More a food-friendly wine than a patio sipper, try this medium-bodied blend with grilled steelhead trout burgers or chicken brochettes. (Louise Boutin)

• The following 2016 Zaha ‘Toko Vineyard - El Corte’ is a blend—78% malbec/22% cabernet sauvignon—sourced from prime vineyards at 1220 meters above sea level boasting a cool-climate growing area.


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Zaha ‘Toko Vineyard - El Corte’ 2016

Paraje Altimira, Mendoza, Argentina $24.95 (629972) 14.3% alcohol
Concentrated black fruit, black pepper, red bell pepper and floral notes make up the nose of this complex red blend. Cabernet sauvignon brings a robust structure to the otherwise fruit forward—cassis, plum, blackberry—peppery and herbaceous character of this serious red. This is definitely full-bodied with firm tannin, great acidity and a sustained dry fruity-savoury finish. This has a good five years of cellaring potential but can be enjoyed now after two hours of aeration/decant. Pair with well-seasoned lamb chops on the grill. (Louise Boutin)

• The following 2018 Bodegas Salentein ‘Reserve’ Malbec was sourced from 100% Malbec from estate vineyards in Tunuyán between 1110 and 1350 meters above sea level. It was fermented at controlled temperature 29 to 30 °C for two weeks then aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels and bottled unfiltered.

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Bodegas Salentein ‘Reserve’ Malbec 2018
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Mendoza $17.95 (640854) 14.0% alcohol
This dark-ruby red gem offers up fruit-forward aromas of black raspberry, blueberry and juicy black Bing cherry. A profusion of tang-laden red and black currant flavours interwoven with Ribena ©, cassis and hints of kirsch liqueur and savory herbs blanket the palate persisting through the well-balanced, lengthy finish. It’s well balanced, full flavoured and food friendly. The quality-price balance tips well in your favour. What’s not to like. (Vic Harradine)

Classics Catalogue Release: September 3, 2020

• The following iconic 2016 Nicolas Catena Zapata was sourced from various premium estate vineyards from 950 to 1450 meters above sea level that account for the following final blend—61% cabernet sauvignon/31% malbec/8% cabernet franc. The 10% whole-cluster and 90% whole-berry fruit was hand-loaded into 225 to 500 liter 1st and 2nd use French oak for a 100% barrel fermentation of 15 days. Wild yeast fermentation temperature was kept low with cap management by hand. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation occurred in barrel with wine maturation in French oak barrels for 18 months. An amazing 210 separate-row micro-vinifications from different lots and harvest times contributed to this fabulous wine. And… it should improve now to +2024 with careful cellaring.

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Nicolas Catena Zapata 2016
Mendoza, Argentina $122.95 (510958) 13.5% alcohol
Enchanting aromas of dark berry fruit, exotic spice and mocha precede a medium-full bodied, fully textured surge of spice-laden and tang-infused crunchy red fruit—pie cherry and red currant—interlaced with sweet-tinged vanilla, mocha and ripe black plum and cherry along with wisps of licorice and earthy notes. This has complexity with balance and a touch of elegance. The finish lingers with mouth-watering charm. Pour after a two-hour aeration/decant with your favourite cut of premium, grilled beef. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: December 12, 2020

• The following 2018 Kaiken ‘Ultra’ Malbec was sourced from 100% Malbec from three separate vineyards located in Valle de Uco sub-regions: Los Chacayes, Tunuyán, Paraje Altamira, San Carlos and Gualtallary, Tupungato from vineyards found between 1,200 and 1,600 meters above sea level. Fruit was manually harvested and sorted by hand on winery arrival. Juice was cold-macerated for 7 days at 10 °C with fermentation lasted 7 days at 26 °C in concrete tanks using selected and native yeasts. Post-fermentation maceration lasted 20 days with natural malolactic fermentation in concrete tanks. It matured in French oak barrels—1/3rd new/1/3rd second use/1/3rd third use—for 12 months then a further 6 months in bottle before released.

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Kaiken ‘Ultra’ Malbec 2018
Mendoza, Argentina $19.95 (50849) 14.5% alcohol
Aromas of dark berry fruit, spice and floral notes herald a medium-full bodied, well-textured and deftly balanced stream of palate flavours—bramble berry and blueberry decorated with spice and savory herbs—all underpinned by ripe tannin. There’s structure, good integration of oak along with a lengthy finish. Aerate/decant for three hours before service. Pour alongside grilled striploin, gourmet burgers or Sunday roast beef dinner. (Vic Harradine)

Cheers, Louise and Vic