tlainc

Don Cristobal 1492 Bonarda 2010, Ugarteche, Luján De Cuyo, Mendoza

Argentina’s red-wine rep has been built around Malbec, though these days Bonarda is starting to generate significant buzz too. Here’s a superb introduction to the variety at an unbelievable price. Opens with a rich nose of blueberry, strawberry and chocolate with spicy black pepper notes and a hint of bacon fat. Full and robust on the palate, with the chocolaty fruit core delivering plenty of flavour. Ripe, smooth tannins. A fine partner for meaty pasta or beefand-bean burritos. (VINTAGES panel, May 2011)

Fattoria Dei Barbi Brusco Dei Barbi 2007, Igt Toscana

very long legs, oakey, acidic, hint of chocolate, excellent ruby color, strong summer berries nose,good with steak and cheeses - good value

Traditional Tuscan expression – lots of earthy flavours, even a little gamey. The tangy bite that gets the taste buds craving food. If you’re a fan of late Fall this is your wine. Have with anything oven-roasted. (Billy Munnelly, www.billysbestbottles.com, Nov. 7, 2009) 87

Kaiken Malbec 2008, Mendoza

Francesco Minini Terre Avare Primitivo Di Manduria 2008, Doc

This red is 100% Primitivo, a grape variety that’s a very close kin to Zinfandel. Aromas of spiced plum, raspberry, blueberry and light herb emanate, leading the way to recurring flavours of berry, chocolate, sweet oak and spicy vanilla. Savoury on the palate, this medium-bodied wine has good balance, and impressive length. You can tuck this bottle away for up to 5 years, or open it tonight with fusilli in basil-tomato sauce, or grilled kebabs with eggplant, beef and mushrooms. (VINTAGES panel, Feb. 2010) 85

Sur De Los Andes Reserva Malbec 2007, Mendoza

This is textbook Malbec from Mendoza. The intense nose is a sensory thrillride, bursting with notes of cherry, cocoa, leather, cedar, blackberry, earth, and a hint of bacon. Dry and medium-full bodied, the palate is layered and complex, with rich fruit replays embroidered by lovely chocolate notes. The tannins and the acidity are beautifully balanced. Medium-long on the finish, with tantalizing spicy-cedar notes. Treat your friends to a taste of Mendoza, and serve with beef sliders or a hearty stew. (VINTAGES panel, March 2010) 85

medium bodied but good value -- 87

Casa De Illana Tresdecinco 2004, Do Ribera Del Júcar

Langa Centenaria Garnacha 2006, Do Calatayud

nice wine, well balanced, lots of nose, excellent color, complex chocolate offset with tanins
Colour: cherry, purple rim. Nose: ripe fruit, fruit expression, cocoa bean, new oak. Palate: flavourful, fruity, powerful, round tannins. Score: 90 (Peñín Guide to Spanish Wine, 2009) 86

Les Celettes 2009, Ac Côtes Du Rhône

Sainte Croix Vieilles Vignes Coteaux Du Languedoc 2009, Ac

A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Great depth and variety on the nose with nicely defined black fruits dominating, plus a confident raspberry edge. Lovely. The palate is medium bodied, soft, ripe and fresh with tremendous fruit presence with significant blackberry and red cherry tones. Dry, with a lightly tannic finish. This is an exceptionally good value for an old-vine creation from a renowned producer. Enjoy with grilled red meats. (VINTAGES panel, Aug, 2010) .. 86 ... nice wine, better with cheese than steak!

Casa Castillo Monastrell 2009, Do Jumilla