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20 Wines of Argentina being released through Vintages

Before you dive in, you may want to watch this video - Overall View and History of Wines in Argentina on youtube.

New in Vintages (available in LCBO stores now)

The following 2018 Gauchezco ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon was hand-picked from 100% cabernet sauvignon from a single vineyard—Alto Agreto in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina. Fruit was macerated for 48 hours then fermented for ten days then macerated post-fermentation for three days. Half of the wine was matured in third-use French wine (60%) and American oak barrels (40%) for ten months then bottle-aged a further six months before release. The price– quality balance tips well in your favour, pick up a few. Here’s a brief video on youtube from Gauchezco.

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Gauchezco ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Mendoza, Argentina $16.95 (17460) 14.0% alcohol
A dark-crimson hue in the glass, fresh aromas of black currant, black cherry and wisps of piquant spice waft easily. It blankets the palate with the spirited fruit flavours of Ribena ©, dark chocolate and plenty of tang and pizzazz. It’s medium-plus bodied with creamy-smooth mouthfeel and a supple tannin underpinning. There’s persistent purity of fruit and flavour through the lingering, balanced and bountiful finish and aftertaste. In a word... delicious. Pour alongside beef tournedos. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Finca Sophenia ‘Altosur’ Sauvignon Blanc was sourced at a high (1200 meters a.s.l.) in the southern part of the world; in Spanish – ‘Altosur’. The fruit is all estate grown, produced and bottled. Soils are of alluvial origin, loose and highly permeable. They were triaged and hand-harvested three times to achieve maximum ripeness and balance in the finished wine. The first sweep through the vineyards began early February had a second sweep in the middle of February and ended with the third sweep beginning early March, 2019. Fruit was gently pressed by a pneumatic press at low pressure followed by fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures with selected yeasts. Here’s a virtual tour at Finca Sophenia on youtube – enjoy!

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Finca Sophenia ‘Altosur’ Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Gualtallary, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina $16.95 (19385) 13.5% alcohol
Not as grassy as some other sauvignon blanc, this one offers a mix of green pear, gooseberry and flint aromas introducing a fresh wave of delicious flavours—green apple, honeydew melon, lime—and a peppery herb note defining the persistent sharp and crisp finish. This is medium-bodied with a nice round mouthfeel, perfect to pour alongside fish tacos with avocado crema and a squeeze of lime juice. (Louise Boutin)

• The following 2018 Luigi Bosca ‘Single Vineyard’ Malbec was sourced from 100% Malbec vines with an average age of 70 years from the, ‘Finca La Linda Vineyard’, at 960 m above sea level. The grapes were hand harvested with cluster selection then they are destemmed and sorted at the winery with only premium grapes selected. The must is cold-soaked macerated for three to five days at temperatures from 10 °C to 15 °C. Fruit is then fermented by selected yeast in small stainless steel tank with delestage and pressings. When fermented, the wine is placed in new French oak barrels for malo-lactic fermentation then matured for 12 to 14 months in barrel. Once wine is stabilized, filtered and bottled and stored for at least six months, it can be released. This is the first Argentina Malbec wine to be bottled with a DOC Luján de Cuyo. Take a virtual tour of Bodega Luigi Bosca on youtube.

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 Bodega Luigi Bosca ‘Single Vineyard’ Malbec 2018
 DOC Luján de Cuyo, Argentina $29.95 (74922) 14.4% alcohol
 Rich, lifted aromas of dark cherry/berry fruit, baking spice and savoury herbs waft easily from the glass. It dishes up a flow of pure palate-pleasing ambrosia with dark juicy Bing cherry, bramble berry and blueberry adorned with red licorice, espresso roast and notions of dark bittersweet chocolate. This is value-laden, medium-plus bodied, mellow and creamy smooth, with deft balance, persistent purity of fruit and a lingering, lip-smacking finish and mouth-watering aftertaste that’s icing on the cake. (Vic Harradine)

• The following wine is available online only, with two choices for delivery 1) directly to your home - with an added charge for delivery. 2) delivered to your choice of the most convenient LCBO store for you to pick up, with no delivery charge.

• The following 2017 Trapiche ‘Terroir Series – Single Vineyard Finca Coletto’ Malbec was sourced from 100% Malbec from a single-vineyard, Finca Coletto, found at 1127 meters a.s.l. with an average age for vines at 57 years old on its own rootstock planted in alluvial, sandy soil on a layer of rock. Fruit was hand harvested from select bunches that were destemmed then fermented in concrete tanks, eggs and square tanks by wild yeasts during 25 days of controlled temperatures of 26 to 28 °C followed by 18 months of maturation in 75% new French oak in 300L barrels and 25% in one oak foudre of 3000L for 18 months then blended together, bottled and aged in bottle for 12 months before release. Watch Jamie Goode on youtube as he visits Trapiche.

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Trapiche ‘Terroir Series – Single Vineyard Finca Coletto’ Malbec 2017
El Parel, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina $44.95 (482968) 14.5% alcohol
Not a glimpse of light goes through this totally opaque fine red. It needs time to open-up but when it does, a complex nose of blackberry, purple plum, mocha, black tea, menthol and earthy notes will charm your senses. A bold yet silky soft flow of concentrated ripe black fruit flavours and a bright note of red plum fills the palate, accompanied with über fine, almost powdery tannins, offering a warm and dry finish with beautiful notes of black pepper and sweet vanilla. This is no doubt full-bodied with cellaring potential but can be enjoyed now with two hours of aeration/decant. This will be a hit with grilled beef tenderloin garnished with crumbled blue-veined cheese. (Louise Boutin)

Vintages Release: July 24, 2021

• The following 2019 Kaiken ‘Ultra’ Chardonnay was sourced from two sub appellations, Altamira in the Uco Valley with vineyards at 1200 meters a.s.l., with large, diurnal temperature range. The soils are chalky with sand, lime and stones. The second sub appellation is Vistalba, Luján Cuyo at 1050 metres a.s.l., with large diurnal temperature range, low humidity and long daylight hours. Soils are alluvial derived from water erosion from the Andes Mountains that are loamy sand and deep with stones at one meter deep—making the soil highly permeable. The wine was sourced from 100% hand-picked chardonnay from clone 95 and clone 96. Grapes were hand sorted at the winery and pressed by pneumatic press. There was weekly bâtonnage—stirring of lees—in tanks and barrels. 65% of the wine was fermented in concrete and 35% in new oak barrel—at a controlled 16 °C with the latter 35% aged a further 12 months in oak barrel before being blended together and bottled for three months before being released. Here’s a youtube video of three Canadians tasting Kaikin malbec and a Kaikin cabernet sauvignon.

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Kaiken ‘Ultra’ Chardonnay 2019
Uco Valley and Luján Cuyo, Argentina $19.95 (355552) 14.0% alcohol
You’ll find delicate aromas of salted caramel mingling with white peach, Meyer lemon, vanilla and a mineral touch in this beautiful white. The first sip will charm you with its creamy yet fresh mouthfeel carrying delicious flavours or orchard fruit, white grapefruit, exotic spice and a nice saline note trailing in the finish and aftertaste. The alcohol integration is impressive in this medium-full bodied beauty. Enjoy with seafood pasta or baked cod loin with lemon butter. (Louise Boutin)

• The following 2018 Alamos ‘Selección’ Malbec was sourced from 100% hand-harvested malbec from high altitude vineyards of 915 to 1525 meters that was destemmed and crushed prior to a two- to three-day cold soak followed by fermentation lasting 10 – 15 days in upright and conical tanks at a controlled maximum temperature of 26-29 °C and maceration of 18-20 days to achieve complete flavour and colour extraction. Induced malolactic fermentation was completed followed by 9 to 12 months maturation in medium to medium+ toasted French oak before the final blend was assembled. No suitable video found.

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Alamos ‘Selección’ Malbec 2018
Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina $16.95 (322800) 13.5% alcohol
Opaque in the glass, this purple/black wine has crimson edges. Aromas leap from the glass with violets, black berry fruit and hints of dark plum and blueberry. It envelops the palate with a flavour-infused wash of black currant, black cherry and mulberry robed in peppery spice and underpinned by soft tannin. It’s medium-full bodied with good texture and plenty of balancing tang and acidity on the palate and throughout the tasting experience. It finishes lengthy with palate replays persisting through the aftertaste. Pour with grilled rack of lamb or grilled medium-rare striploin. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2018 Kaiken ‘Terroir Series’ Malbec-Bonarda-Petit Verdot is a blend of 80% malbec/15% bonarda/5% petit verdot sourced, primarily—renowned malbec and petit verdot—from Los Chacayes, Uco Valley 100 km to the south of Mendoza at 1250 meters a.s.l. It is a temperate climate with cold winters, and warm summers with cool evenings making for a wide diurnal temperature range. Soils are rocky with mixed with coarse sand and lime. The bonarda was sourced from Agrelo, Luján Cuyo which is 40 km to the south of Mendoza at 950 meters a.s.l. with a semi-arid and windy climate with cold winters, and warm summers with wide diurnal temperature shifts between days and nights. Grapes were hand-picked during March and April and were hand-selected at the winery with pre-fermentation maceration for seven days at a controlled 10 °C while fermentation lasted seven days at a controlled 26 °C in concrete tanks using selected and indigenous yeast strains while malo-lactic fermentation occurred naturally in concrete tanks, as well. Wine was then matured in French oak barrels—1/3rd new, 1/3rd second use, 1/3rd third use—for 12 months then 6 months in bottle before being released. Most wines from 2018 in these appellation and sub-appellations showed a return to normal yields, fruitier, riper wines with higher alcohol, better balance and rounded tannin.

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Kaiken ‘Terroir Series’ Malbec-Bonarda-Petit Verdot 2018
Los Chacayes, Mendoza, Argentina $18.95 (450163) 14.5% alcohol
Very oaky on the nose at first, this red blend offers beautiful dark cherry, blackberry, allspice and cedar aromas after a vigorous swirl. Expect high acidity blanketing the tongue before flavours of mixed berry, purple plum and green peppercorn pull in along with chalky tannins, taking you on a dry, fruity-peppery astringent finish. Aerate/decant two hours and pour alongside rare flank steak on the grill or lamb burgers. (Louise Boutin)

• The following 2018 Catena ‘D. V. Catena-1910 Tinto Historico’ was sourced from four High Mountain Estate Vineyards with a blend of the following grapes—75% malbec/19% bonarda/6% petit verdot. The vineyards are: Lunlunta at 920 meters a.s.l. with soils of alluvial origin with loamy clay in the topsoil and rounded rocks on the bottom. Gualtallary at 1450 meters a.s.l. with soils of alluvial origin with gravel and limestone in the topsoil and rounded rocks on the bottom. Eugenio Bustas at 1090 meters a.s.l. and loam-sand soils with thick calcareous layers and rounded rocks on the bottom. El Mirador at 750 meters a.s.l. with aeolian and alluvial silt loam soil. This wine went through extensive cold maceration for five days at 8.8 °C then fermented for 16 days with a post fermentation maceration for 22 days. Barrel selection depended upon vineyard and vintage. First-, second- and third-use barrels used. Here’s a short video from Catena.

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Catena ‘D. V. Catena-1910 Tinto Historico’ 2018
Mendoza, Argentina $19.95 (555466) 13.5% alcohol
Watch for a complex and generous nose of purple plum and blackberry combined with notes of cinnamon, sage and sweet tobacco. It glides on the palate with juicy flavours of black mixed berry, ripe dark cherry, plum and a spike of orange zest meeting fine powdery tannins, taking you to a dry finish with lingering notes of pepper and dry herb. There is a lot of hard work going into this medium-full bodied beauty under $20. From pork to lamb on the grill or duck confit, this will be a great partner. (Louise Boutin)

Vintages Release: August 7, 2021

• Nicolas Catena Zapata selected Tupungato as an ideal place to plant chardonnay vines some twenty years ago. The following 2019 Catena ‘Appellation Tupungato – High Mountain Vines’ Chardonnay was sourced from 100% chardonnay from vineyards at 1450 meters a.s.l. planted in soils of alluvial origin with clay, gravel and limestone topsoil and rounded rocks in the sandy loam sub-soil. The wine was cold settled for 12 hours at 5 °C then fermented for 25 days with post-fermentation maceration for six hours followed by nine months on its lees in 100% French oak. Catena is Argentina’s most awarded winery.

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Catena ‘Appellation Tupungato – High Mountain Vines’ Chardonnay 2019
Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina $19.95 (10964) 13.5% alcohol
Pleasing aromas of buttery notes, wood spice and notions of vanilla precede a delicious mouthful of pure ambrosia with oodles of flavour—baked apple, Meyer lemon and yellow peach—along with deft balance, persistent purity of fruit, good mouthfeel with a clean crisp finish and aftertaste that replay most of the palate flavours. Pour with roast chicken, pulled pork or white pizza with an inspired three-cheese topping—Brie, Boursin and Blue Stilton. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2018 Durigutti ‘Proyecto Las Compuertas – Cinco Suelos, Finca Victoria’ was sourced from hand-harvested 100% malbec from five organically managed vineyards chosen by soil types: 1) deep clay; 2) limestone; 3) stony; 4) sandy; 5) river stones planted in 1914 between 910 and 1520 meters a.s.l.. Alcoholic fermentation was carried out by indigenous yeasts in concrete eggs without epoxy lining for 22 days at controlled temperatures between 22 to 25 °C followed by natural malo-lactic fermentation with native bacteria in 3rd- and 4th-use barrels over 35 days. It then aged for three months in 500L 3rd- and 4th- use oak barrels then more than 11 months in concrete eggs without epoxy lining before bottling. Here’s a short and concise video about wines from Durigutti.

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Durigutti Family Winemakers ‘Proyecto Las Compuertas – Cinco Suelos’ 2018
Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina $29.95 (12670) 13.3% alcohol
Rich and luscious on the nose with aromas of black Bing cherry, dark plum, blueberry and hints of crème de cassis on this limited-production beauty. It blankets the palate with a surge of flavours—mulberry, black juicy cherry and brambleberry—underpinned by perceptible and acceptable soft tannin underpinning that’s easily ameliorated with a two-hour aeration decant. This is well balanced with good purity of fruit, texture and mouthfeel. The finish lingers mouth-watering and lip-smacking good. Very good now, even better after careful cellaring to 2023 and beyond. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Matias Riccitelli ‘Tinto de la Casa is a blend of two separate parcels of malbec with 50% from Gualtallary with vineyard soils of loam clay one meter deep and underpinned by rocky subsoil and great permeability at 1100 meters a.s.l. and the other 50% from Las Compuertas at 1400 meters a.s.l. with calcareous soils giving spicy tones to the wine. The grapes were hand-picked into small 20 kg cases to keep the integrity of each bunch, while a meticulous hand selection is performed before vinification. Both parcels are harvested the same day to allow a co-fermentation of the two. 50% are fermented whole cluster while the balance is destemmed. Grapes are moved by gravity into small French oak casks where fermentation takes place with wild yeasts at temperature controlled 26 to 28 °C. The cap is pushed down gently and the wine is slowly extracted. It’s then aged in French oak casks until next harvest—approximately 12 months. They do not use herbicides or systemic products. They manage their viticulture and viniculture through agro-ecological practices. Here’s a video with winemaker Matias Riccitelli on how he is fashioning his wines.

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Matias Riccitelli ‘Tinto de la Casa’ 2019
Gualtallary and Las Compuertas, Luján Cuyo, Argentina $29.95 (19400) 14.0% alcohol
Beware, this deep purple shaded, unassuming labelled, fruit bomb will stain your teeth, but you won’t be able to resist it. Blueberry compote aromas burst out of the glass along with ripe blackberry, licorice and earthy notes. The palate is treated to a silky river of ripe and juicy black fruit flavours aligned with the aroma profile, plus a zesty tang adding vivacity to an already exciting wine. Tannins are ripe and polished, slightly grippy on the gums, bringing character to the fruit-forward, mild peppery, spectacular long, dry and fresh finish. If you manage to get a bottle from this small production, only 50 cases, pair with mushroom risotto, lamb chops or gourmet sausages on the grill. (Louise Boutin)

• The following 2018 Viña Cobos ‘Felino’ Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from 100% hand-harvested cabernet sauvignon from premium vineyards at 700 meters a.s.l. to 1200 meters a.s.l. in the highly rated appellations of Valle de Uco and Luján de Cuyo. The fruit was fermented by indigenous and selected yeasts in eight- and seventeen-ton closed top stainless steel tanks then matured in American oak barrels, 10% new, for eight months. It was bottled un-fined in February, 2020. This vintage saw scant rainfall along with great thermal amplitude turning the grapes into excellent quality all through the manual harvesting. Here is a youtube video with a tasting of Viña Cobos ‘Felino’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2016.

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Viña Cobos ‘Felino’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Valle de Uco and Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina $19.95 (132365) 14.3% alcohol
There are perfumed aromas of violets, minty notes and luscious dark cherry/berry fruit enhanced with notions of white pepper spice, tobacco leaf and grilled savoury herbs. It’s creamy smooth and surprisingly mellow on the palate with flavours of black plum, black cherry and hints of pie cherry supplying the balancing tang and acidity. Well-integrated soft tannin is barely noticeable, if not at all, after a two-hour aeration/decant. Pour with a premium cut of beef grilled medium-rare. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: August 21, 2021

• The following 2019 Catena ‘High Mountain Vines-White Clay Appellation’ is a blend of 60% sémillon/40% chenin blanc sourced from vineyards at 950 meters a.s.l. and is from the Catena family, who are well known for their excellence in high altitude vineyards in Argentina. This wine was sourced from an area known for its alluvial origin with clay topsoil and rounded stone rocks in the subsoil—30% clay/40% silt/30% sand. This wine was cold-settled for 12 hours at a controlled temperature of 5 °C with a post-fermentation maceration of six hours when it then spent six months on its lees before bottling.

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Catena ‘High Mountain Vines-White Clay Appellation’ 2019
Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina $19.95 (19392) 13.5% alcohol
There’s plenty to enjoy in this sémillon/chenin blanc blend starting with the inviting nose. Aromas of lemon, waxy yellow apple, white peach and chamomile flowers waft easily from the glass followed by a nicely-textured stream of juicy orchard fruit infused with bright citrus flavours and a subtle mineral undertone which is gently carried through the persistent, fresh-tasting finish. This charming, dry, mid-weight white would complement pan-seared scallops. (Lisa Isabelle)

• The following 2020 Bodegas Salentein ‘Reserva’ Rosé was sourced from 100% syrah at 1000 meters to 1300 meters a.s.l.. It was fermented with selected yeast at a temperature controlled from 16 to 18 °C for 15 to 20 days. It matured for 6 months on its lees. It saw no oak. We’ve been advised from a reliable source this wine is vegan-friendly. Here’s a virtual tour of Bodegas Salentein on youtube.

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Bodegas Salentein ‘Reserva’ Rosé 2020
Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina $17.95 (19555) 13.0% alcohol
A pale blush pink introduces this appealing rosé before the fragrant nose leads with pretty orchard blossom aromas entwined with sweet citrus and strawberry notes. Ripe red apple, pear and nectarine flavours dominate the palate while a hint of strawberry compote appears on the aftertaste. Dry, medium-light bodied with a smooth yet refreshing mouthfeel, it offers a lengthy fruit-forward finish and would pair well, served chilled, with a variety of light appetizers. (Lisa Isabelle)

• The following 2019 Bodega El Esteco ‘Old Vines’ Malbec is a partnership between Adrianna Catena—historian and viticulturist—and winemaker, Alejandro Vigil. The grapes from this wine were sourced and hand-harvested from 100% Malbec vines averaging over 70 years of age. Maceration takes place in large ovoid 3000 L vats for 5 days then primary alcoholic fermentation starts immediately with indigenous yeasts. After primary fermentation takes place, wine is de-vatted and restored to ovoid vats for a natural second, non-alcoholic, malo-lactic fermentation. The wine is then bottled unfiltered and allowed to rest and settle in bottle for six to eight months before release. Here’s a youtube video about Bodega El Esteco.

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Bodega El Esteco ‘Old Vines - 1946’ Malbec 2019
Valles Calchaquies, Salta $26.95 (19391) 14.0% alcohol
There’s tremendous value in this well-crafted malbec. The potent and captivating nose announces an array of aromas—blackberry, blueberry and dark plum with notions of tobacco leaf, espresso bean and a delicate floral note. A palate-coating wash of rich, ripe dark fruit is enhanced with hints of vanilla, baking spice and dusty cocoa adding interest and depth. Medium-full bodied and well-structured with outstanding purity of fruit, evolving tannins and bright acidity, it finishes long, flavourful and delicious. (Lisa Isabelle)

Vintages Release: September 4, 2021

• The following 2019 Estancia Los Carnones ‘Anko’ Torrontés was sourced from 100% torrontés grapes undergoing gentle whole-cluster pressing then eight hours of maceration at 8 °C before fermentation by indigenous yeasts for 14 days at maximum temperature of 23 °C. The soil profile of Estancia Los Cardones is unique in the Calchaquí Valleys as it is a very shallow rocky soil with abundant chipped slate stone on the surface, full of disintegrated mica at 1700 meters a.s.l.. ‘Anko’ means high waters in the indigenous language in Salta. There was no malo-lactic conversion and the wine saw not a splinter of oak. Here’s the owner of Estancia Los Carnones on youtube.

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Estancia Los Carnones ‘Anko’ Torrontés 2019
Salta, Argentina $16.95 (19394) 12.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas abound with rose petals, tropical fruit and citrus to the fore. It’s medium-bodied with good mouthfeel and plenty of fruit flavour and racy pizzazz on the palate, finish and aftertaste. A river of flavour bathes the palate—ripe yellow peach, lemon curd and racy white grapefruit decorated with a crisp, clean and refreshing finish and aftertaste. This punches well above the price and deserves your attention for summer and fall outdoor sipping and for matching with lighter-styled appetizers at any time of year. Pick up an armful. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Familia Schroeder ‘Alpataco’ Pinot Noir was sourced from estate-grown vineyards of 100% pinot noir that was hand harvested, and hand selected on vibratory tables before three days of maceration at low temperature with CO2, 30% of which were whole berries, then a final three days after fermentation. Fermentation was achieved with selected yeasts and enzymes in stainless steel tanks for 12 days followed by an induced by bacteria malo-lactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks. It was kept on its lees in stainless steel tanks with periodical stirring until finally stabilized and bottled. Here’s a youtube video about Familia Schroeder. All in Spanish, no captions or translation in English.

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Familia Schroeder ‘Alpataco’ Pinot Noir 2019
Patagonia, Argentina $14.95 (19386) 13.5% alcohol
Dry strawberry, red cherry and potpourri aromas come to mind when sniffing this bargain, well-crafted pinot. It is bright and well balanced on the palate with flavours of red cherry, tangy raspberry, a touch of earthiness and a nice peppery and savoury delicious dry finish. This medium-bodied gem is perfect for salmon on the grill or tuna tartare. (Louise Boutin)

• Cafayate sits at 1700 meters a.s.l. and is arguably the best-known wine region, other than Mendoza, in Argentina. This high altitude is what defines the terroir of the region and makes it suitable for growing grapes despite its close proximity to the equator. Due to the high altitude, Cafayate receives intense sunlight which causes the skins of the grapes to thicken significantly as a protection against the sun. Though the days are bright and warm, true to a desert climate the nights can be very cold which causes the growing season to be extended and ultimately leads to a balanced structure. The soils in Cafayate consist mostly of free-draining chalky loam and in some areas can be quite rocky. The vines depend on snow melt from the Andes for much of its irrigation as there is very low rainfall/humidity. This wine matured for nine months in French and American oak barrels. Piatelli’s head winemaker explains where the winery is and their viticulture and viniculture practises in this youtube video.

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Piatelli Vineyards ‘High Altitude – Reserve’ Malbec 2019
Cafayate Valley, Salta, Argentina $16.95 (452029) 14.5% alcohol
Dark and opaque in the glass, this has earned its stripes as ‘Black Wine’. Sexy aromas of exotic spice and incense make way for notes of black cherry/berry, blueberry and hints of violets and pipe tobacco on the nose of this smooth and mellow, medium-full bodied, gorgeous, value-packed wine. Delicious flavours of black currant, dark bittersweet chocolate and blueberry envelop the palate. It’s nicely balanced with good tension provided by excellent acidity. It’s stylish and textured with deft balance and an underpinning of soft, ripe tannin. It lingers on the finish providing palate replays and a delightful lip-smacking aftertaste. The price-quality ratio skews well in your favour. Hearty kudos to Piatelli winemaker and vigneron, Valeria Antolin. She is one intelligent and accomplished person. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2017 El Enemigo Syrah – Viognier was sourced from 92% syrah grown in vineyards planted in sandy soils at 1470 meters a.s.l. and 8% viognier grown in vineyards planted in deep calcareous, rocky soils at 1400 meters a.s.l.. Grapes were fermented with wild yeast and the maximum fermentation temperature reaching 28 °C for 15 days, and 20 days of maceration. It was matured for seven months in 100-year-old foudre then bottled unfiltered. Here’s a brief overview of El Enimigo on youtube. Enjoy!

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El Enemigo Syrah – Viognier 2017
Gualtallery, Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina $24.95 (19390) 13.5% alcohol
Deep purple in colour, this expressive red presents intriguing aromas of dark plum, blackberry and cassis with notions of spiced charcuterie, black peppercorn, violet and a dusty mineral note. Well-structured and rich, it caresses the palate with waves of ripe, dark fruit layered with baking spices, savoury herbs and a touch of mint. The medium long finish lingers with a pleasant balance of tasty fruit, bright acidity, and silky tannins. Enjoy this versatile red with your favourite mixed grill. (Lisa Isabelle)

Vintages Release: September 18, 2021

• The following 2018 Kaiken ‘Ultra’ Malbec was sourced from 100% Malbec from three separate vineyards located in Valle de Uco sub-regions—Los Chacayes, Altamira and Gualtallary—with vineyards found between 1200 and 1600 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 lasting 7 days at 26 °C in concrete tanks using commercial 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 being released.

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Kaiken ‘Ultra’ Malbec 2018
Mendoza, Argentina $19.95 (50849) 14.5% alcohol
The price-quality balance tips well in your favour—pick up a few. Aromas of dark berry fruit, spice and floral notes herald a medium-full bodied, creamy-smooth mouthfeel 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 two hours before service. Pour alongside grilled striploin, gourmet burgers or Sunday roast beef dinner. (Vic Harradine)

Cheers and stay safe: Lisa, Louise, Dave, Vic