The 2006 Clos des Andes is 100% Malbec sourced from an 80-year-old vineyard in Lujan de Cuyo & aged for 12 months in 50% new French oak. Dark ruby/violet in colour, it offers up an alluring bouquet of pain grille, pencil lead, spice box, & black cherry. This leads to a wine with excellent density, layered fruit, & spicy black fruit flavours nicely concealing enough structure for 2-3 years of further development. This rich, well-balanced effort will be at its best from 2010 to 2019. These days if youre drinking a Malbec its probably from Argentina. The most planted grape in that country, varietally-labeled Argentine Malbecs are one of the wine markets great values, prized for their slight herbal component & dark, luscious fruit. Structurally, Argentinas Malbecs are much different than those grown in the grapes native France; they are riper, fruitier & fleshier. In France, the best iterations of Malbec can be found in the Cahors, where it can be quite decadent. It is also planted in the Loire Valley, where it is called Cot & is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon or Gamay, & in Bordeaux, where it has fallen from favour in many of the regions great blends because it is difficult to grow. In the United States, the varietal is frequently added to Meritage wines
- Bordeaux style blends
- but it is rarely found on its own. Argentina is regarded as one of the most dynamic wine-producing nations in the world, & possibly the most important wine-producing region in South America. Only four countries in the world produce more wine than Argentina. Considerable investments (much of which has come from famous French, Italian & California wine producers) have been made in new vineyards & winemaking technology in the past several years, which along with recent plantings of more premium varieties of grapes, has made Argentina much more competitive internationally. The Mendoza region is the most important region in Argentinas wine industry. & Malbec, among other Bordeaux varietals grown here, reigns supreme

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The violet-coloured 2006 Poesia, sourced from an 80-year-old vineyard in Lujan de Cuyo, was barrel fermented & aged for 18 months in new French oak. It is a blend of 60% Malbec & 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. It exhibits a brooding nose of smoky new oak, mineral, damp earth, black currant, black cherry, & blackberry followed by a plush, nearly opulent wine with great depth of fruit, complex flavors with notes of espresso & chocolate emerging on the palate, superb grip, & 5-7 years of ageing potential. Drink this superb effort from 2013 to 2030. These days if youre drinking a Malbec its probably from Argentina. The most planted grape in that country, varietally-labeled Argentine Malbecs are one of the wine markets great values, prized for their slight herbal component & dark, luscious fruit. Structurally, Argentinas Malbecs are much different than those grown in the grapes native France; they are riper, fruitier & fleshier. In France, the best iterations of Malbec can be found in the Cahors, where it can be quite decadent. It is also planted in the Loire Valley, where it is called Cot & is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon or Gamay, & in Bordeaux, where it has fallen from favour in many of the regions great blends because it is difficult to grow. In the United States, the varietal is frequently added to Meritage wines
- Bordeaux style blends
- but it is rarely found on its own. Argentina is regarded as one of the most dynamic wine-producing nations in the world, & possibly the most important wine-producing region in South America. Only four countries in the world produce more wine than Argentina. Considerable investments (much of which has come from famous French, Italian & California wine producers) have been made in new vineyards & winemaking technology in the past several years, which along with recent plantings of more premium varieties of grapes, has made Argentina much more competitive internationally. The Mendoza region is the most important region in Argentinas wine industry. & Malbec, among other Bordeaux varietals grown here, reigns supreme.

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Deep & intense ruby red with violet shades colouring, this wine has plenty to offer. Its complex aroma violet, honey, fig, cherry & ripe plum which combine with spicy notes of black pepper & aromatic herbs. After a few minutes, the wine shows hints of vanilla & leather provided by the french oak. Its got a creamy texture with sweet hard tannins. Persistent lengthy finish. Its a wine to enjoy with red meat, foigrass, & cheese boards. Also a perfect match for chocolate & cakes with nuts like walnut hazelnut. Drinks well now & upto 8 years old. ...

Ruby red with violet shades. Morello cherry & ripe plum aromas are complemented with hints of black pepper, cassis & subtle vanilla. Full of stone fruit, the wine also has a spiciness from the addition of Cabernet Franc. Persistent & tannic with soft, elegant oak, good acidity & a long finish. 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc. ...

Dark violet hues lead into spicy perfumes of liquorice & black cherry. These follow through to the palate which adds a touch of vanilla & caramel from the French oak. It is rounded & juicy, with hints of chocolate alongside the rich black fruit. ...

Punta Final shows deep violet colours with red hues. Strong floral tones of violet & rose combined with red fruits such as blackcurrant & raspberry. Subtle notes of vanilla from the time spent in oak. On the palate, the wine is smooth & silky with round tannins & a long & persistent finish. ...

Opaque, youthful violet in colour. On the nose this wine is fragrant & perfumed with notes of savoury black fruit, plum, mocha & a touch of lavendar. On the palate it is rich & unctuous with smooth, velvety tannins & flavours of black cherry & touches of cedar & sweet spice. Very well balanced with a long, complex finish. ...

Dark, inky violet in the glass. An elegant combination of ripe plums, blackberries & violets on the nose, with hints of spicy black pepper, chocolate, vanilla & mocha. Concentrated & rich, with red & black fruit flavours, supported by vanilla & tobacco, fresh acidity & excellent structure & length. ...

Brilliant lemon yellow tones & greenish reflections show its freshness. An elegant, subtle, yet complex wine with aromas of apricot, pear & apple, flowers, spices & exotic freshness. It is warm, fresh, tasty, complex, balanced, & lingers fpr some time in the mouth. Treixadura (100%) ...

This Ribeiro white has glossy yellow & green highlights. The nose is elegant & intense, emphasising the fruity aromas (pear, citrus), & floral. Excellent & well-balanced on the palate, but with forcefulness & persistence. Treixadura (50%), Palomino (50%) ...