argentinan wine review Archives

DiamAndes Gran Reserva 2008

Country: Argentina
Region: Mendoza
Grape: 75% Malbec, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon
ABV: 14.5%

Colour: Medium+ purple core, lighter on the rim.

Nose: Cassis, prune, blackberry, violet, touch of smoke, cedar.

Palate: Medium body, medium+ tannins, medium acidity. Wood, blackberry, mineral, tar, touch of nuttiness.

Finish: Long finish, mineral, liquorice.

Score:81/100

Fairly integrated wine, perhaps if it was consumed 2-3 years ago it would’ve held onto more fruits. The wine is reasonably complex, full of dark fruits, smoke, cedar notes on the nose. The palate is very mineral forward, with blackberries, tar, and touch of nuttiness that reminds me of Oloroso sherry, with a long finish.

Bodega Chakana Estate Selection Red Blend 2011

Colour: Dark purple core, medium ruby rim.

Nose: Violets, blackberry, black raspberry, plum, black cherry, chocolate dust, cedar, faint pear.

Palate: Dry, full bodied, medium+ acidity, medium silky tannins. Plum, blackberry, black cherry, dried Asian dates.

Finish: Long finish, dark fruits, touch of orange puree, spice.

Score: 81/100

Caught my attention when Parker gave this wine a 94, and available for only like $23CAD back then. Really different from few years ago. The wine aromas and flavour are now integrated, developed some interesting notes not typically found in red wines, such as pear and orange. The tannins soften up quite a bit, but you still notice the alcohol even served at 16 degrees Celsius. Should hold onto the fruit for few more years, good value, bold red, but I disagree with the 94 Parker.