a TI M ATKI N MW S PEC IAL R E P O RT Argentina 2016 Special Report by Tim Atkin MW £15 €19 $22 © 2015 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Contents Pg 05Introduction 07 Winemakers of Argentina 17 The 10 things you need to know about Argentina 25 Map of Argentina’s growing regions 26 A short guide to Argentina’s growing regions 28 The podium 29 The 2016 Argentinean top 100 32 A classification of Argentina’s best producers 34 A note about scoring and my classification 35 Tasting notes 124 Complete scores A-Z 147 Recommended restaurants in Argentina 147 Further Reading Thank you for buying a copy of this report, which is the result of a lot tasting, travel and hard work, as well as no little pleasure. Please respect the laws of copyright and don’t share the PDF with other people. Instead, encourage them to pay for their own copy, so that my team of experts and I can continue to write and publish first-hand reports on the major wine regions of the world. Muchas gracias por comprar una copia de este reporte, el cuál es el resultado de muchas degustaciones, viajes y mucho esfuerzo, aunque no poco placentero. Por favour respete la ley de derechos de autor y no comprata este PDF con otras personas. En su lugar, invítelos a comprar su propia copia. De esta forma mi equipo de expertos y yo podemos seguir escribiendo y publicando reportes de premera mano sobre las mayors regiones del mundo. Page 02 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Introduction Crisis, what crisis? It makes a pleasant change to be writing my 2016 report at a time of comparative optimism in Argentina. A year, never mind a week, is a long time in politics and the country has altered radically in the last 12 months. In fact, the upturn in its fortunes is even more recent than that. Mauricio Macri was elected president on November 23 and has set about righting Argentina’s economic woes with impressive energy since he took office in December. The peso has been devalued, effectively doing Catena, owner of Catena Zapata and a trained away with the “dollar blue”, which traded at 25- economist. “In the last month,” he says, “I have 30% above the official rate, exchange controls been contacted by an American and a Spanish have been relaxed and Argentina appears to investor, both of whom are looking to buy a be on the verge of settling its debts, allowing winery here.” Catena is a Macri fan. “This is the it to return to capital markets after a 15 year first time we’ve had a president who isn’t either ban. The government still needs to secure the a lawyer or a general. He’s an engineer and a necessary votes in Congress to repeal two laws practical, honest person who is used to solving that will allow it to pay its creditors through a problems.” $15 billion bond issue, but this appears to be a With the issues he has piled up on his desk, done deal. It will then be in a position to finance the travails of the wine industry are not at the top its budget deficit, which was an alarming 5.8% of the president’s agenda. But it was significant of GDP last year, and (it hopes) be in a position that at the end of January 2016, the government to reduce inflation, the long-term scourge of announced it would be providing a subsidy of 75 the Argentinean economy. Things are still million pesos to producers in the provinces of San problematic (the rate is around 25% and reducing Juan and Mendoza, mostly to finance the sale or it will depend on the wage demands of the major disposal of excess stock, said to be running at 200 trade unions), but they have been much worse. In million litres, to be followed by a second tranche 1975, lest we forget, inflation was running at of 75 million later in the year. The wine industry 1% per day. represents around 1.3% of GDP and the PRO This is not a report about politics or government clearly doesn’t want to see a repeat economics. But these two things have a direct of the events of January 2015, when vineyard impact on the wine industry. Outside investment workers took to the streets of Mendoza to protest has more or less dried up over the last decade – at the low price of grapes, falling exports, rock the sale of a majority share in Achával Ferrer to bottom bulk wine rates and rampant inflation. the Russian SPI Group in April 2011 was almost The economic situation – better but still far the only exception – and an over-valued peso (at from ideal – is only one thing wineries have to 9.5 to the dollar, compared with 14 today) was worry about at the moment. The 2016 growing impeding exports. With the new exchange rate, season has been one of the wettest on record imported barrels will be more expensive, but if (except in the north, where it has been incredibly that encourages producers to use less new oak dry), although a number of producers told me that this may be a blessing in disguise. the weather had improved in late February and Now, foreign investors are looking at Argentina once more, according to Nicolás early March, promising a warmer, drier end to the harvest. Volumes are likely to be down by as much Page 05 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report as 25% on 2015, but this is not another 1998, been for a while. But I believe that the country’s widely regarded as one of the worst ever vintages wines have entered a new and exciting phase. in Argentina. “We were less good at managing During my three week trip to write this, my our vineyards in 1998,” says Roberto de la Mota fourth annual report on Argentina, I tasted more of Mendel. “This has been a cooler year, with less good reds than ever, particularly from the 2012 disease pressure, particularly from botrytis, than and 2013 vintages. Equally significantly, many we saw in 1998.” of these wines are fresher, brighter and lower in 2016 could yet produce some very good wines, alcohol than their predecessors, with less new but the harvest may not be finished until the oak and sweet, so-called “caramelo” flavours. The middle of May. The higher parts of Gualtallary, whites, too, have improved beyond all recognition for instance, have experienced degree-days that in the space of five years. are closer to Burgundy than La Mancha. “It’s the Right now, there’s a dynamism and vitality sort of thing that happens once in 50 years,” says to the Argentinean wine scene that I haven’t Edy Del Popolo of Per Se and Dominio del Plata. seen since the 1990s. In fact, it’s even more In one sense, however, 2016 is part of a trend. exhilarating than it was then, thanks to the Argentina hasn’t had a hot, dry vintage since emergence of new regions, styles and winemakers 2012. 2013, 2014, 2015 and now 2016 have all and a renewed sense of self-confidence. No one been cool years, with significant amounts of rain knows what will happen to the economy over in the last three vintages. the next 12 months, but the future of the wine Argentina, in other words, is not without its industry looks extremely bright. problems, even if the outlook is more positive (assuming the 2016 harvest ends well) than it has Tim Atkin MW a dynamism and “ There’s vitality to the Argentinean wine scene that I haven’t seen since the 1990s. ” Page 06 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Winemakers of Argentina Clockwise from top left: Andrea Marchiori, Walter Bressia, Pancho Morelli, Alvaro Dávalos and Raul Dávalos, Bernardo Bossi, Gabriel Bloise, Eduardo Pulenta, Jeff Musbach Page 07 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Clockwise from top left: Marcos Fernández, Gustavo Bertagna, Hervé Joyaux Fabre, Osvaldo Domingo, Santiago Bugallo, Mariano di Paola, Gerardo and Andrea Michelini, Lorenzo Pasquini Page 08 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Clockwise from top left: André Weinert, David Bonomi and Edy Del Popolo, Paul Hobbs, Sofía Pescarmona, The Pulenta family, Manu Michelini, Noemi Cinzano Marone and Hans Vinding-Diers Page 09 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Clockwise from top left: Cristián Morelli, Federico Bizzotto, Francisco Tellechea, Gustavo Rearte, Daniel Pi, Mariana Paez, Fernando Maurette Page 10 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Clockwise from top left: The Dávalos family, Thibault Lepoutre, Giuseppe Franceschini , Guillermo Barbier, Xavier Grané, Leo Erazu, Agustín Lanus, Hubert Weber, Martín “El Gato” Kaiser Page 11 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Clockwise from top left: Alejandro Vigil, Javier Lo Forte, Rafael Racedo, Alejandro Pepa, Juan Carlos Rodríguez, Salvador “Chavo” Figueroa, Hervé Birnie-Scott, Mariana Onofri, Mariano Quiroga Page 12 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Clockwise from top left: Adrián Manchón, José-Luis Mounier, Marita Bressia, Matías Michelini, Juan-Pablo Michelini, Opi Sadler, José Spisso, Matías Riccitelli Page 13 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Clockwise from top left: Juan Manuel Gónzalez, Walter Carrizo, Roberto de la Mota, Thibaut Delmotte, Rafa Domingo, Juan Roby, Marcelo Pelleriti, Maria and Armando Loson, Jorge Riccitelli Page 14 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Clockwise from top left: Lucia Romero, Manuel Gónzalez, Marcos Etchart, Nicolas Catena, Julio Viola, Susana Balbo, Paola Pulenta, Pablo Martorell, Alejandro and Lucia Martorell, Sofía Groppo Parisi Page 15 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Clockwise from top left: Tommy Hughes, Agustín Lombroni, Santiago Achaval, Alejandro Sejanovich, Sebastian Zuccardi, Pepe Galante, Alejandro Cánovas, Juan Prates Page 16 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 10 things you need to know about Argentina Argentina is the fifth biggest and are protected by hail nets), but growing wine-producing country in the fine wine grapes is harder. That, in essence, is world, with 226,388 hectares Argentina’s challenge. of vineyards at the most recent official The search for cooler sites has been one of count and an annual production of 13.36 the themes of the last 20 years and has seen million hectolitres in 2015. Only France, companies go higher, further south and, more Italy, Spain and the United States make more recently, east towards the Atlantic coast, in vino. Argentina’s viticultural roots date back to the case of Trapiche’s Costa & Pampa project. the 16th century, but its modern wine industry The Uco Valley, especially the upper parts of is extremely vibrant and has seen dramatic the Gualtallary sub-region, is the most highly changes in the last 20 years. publicised example of this, but Argentineans Although annual per capita consumption are exploring all four points of the compass in is nothing like as enthusiastic as it once was – an attempt to mitigate the effects of heat and Argentineans knocked back a remarkable 90 long sunshine hours and produce more elegant, litres in the early 1990s, compared with fewer nuanced wines. New areas such as Calingasta, than 30 litres today – the country still drinks Chañarmuyo, Chapadmalal, Chubut, El Challao, more than two and half times what it exports, Jujuy, Lago Hermoso, La Pampa, Payagosta- even if much of it is pretty basic “vino corriente”. Salta (home to the highest vineyard in the world, Wine is a much more important part of daily Colomé’s Altura Máxima at 3,111 metres) and life in Argentina than in it is Chile, Brazil or Valle de Canota are all part of this trend. Uruguay, or even the rest of the Southern Hemisphere for that matter. As well as a source Malbec is the country’s best of pride, wine is the national beverage of choice. grape and its global calling card. That’s unlikely to change any time soon, however The variety’s dominance is sometimes popular Fernet Branca or Quilmes beer may be exaggerated, at least in statistical terms. It’s among younger consumers. been higher in the past – a lot of old vineyards were pulled out in the government-sponsored This is one of the hottest, driest vine pull schemes of the1980s - but today it and most continental climates in only represents 17% of Argentina’s 226,388 the wine world, although it hasn’t hectares. But when it comes to sales overseas, seemed that way in rain-affected Mendoza it’s a different story: Malbec accounts for 51% in 2016. Most Argentinean vineyards are of Argentina’s exports and is regarded as the planted in what are essentially desert conditions country’s USP. and, in a normal growing season, would struggle What’s more, the Malbec that is grown in to survive without irrigation, either from wells Argentina is very different to what you find in or the Andes. Dry farmed vineyards are rare, the south-west French regions of Cahors and but not unheard of. Growing grapes in Argentina Bordeaux, according to scientist and economist is comparatively easy (as long as you have water Aldo Biondillo, who has been conducting clonal Page 17 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report research into the grape, partly funded by the with a significant percentage of Malbec include Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Andeluna Pasionado Cuatro Cepas, Atamisque Tecnológica, at his Tempus Alba winery in Assemblage, Bodega Tacuil Viñas de Dávalos, Mendoza since 2000. “The DNA of Argentinean Bodega Vistalba Corte A, Buscado Vivo o Malbec is completely different,” he says. Muerte La Verdad, Caro, Catena Zapata Nicolás, There’s no doubt that Malbec is a versatile Cheval des Andes, De Angeles Viña 1924 Single grape, capable of producing very different styles Vineyard Gran Corte, Fabre Montmayou Grand of wine, depending on where it is grown and how Vin, Finca Flichman Dedicado, Mendel Unus, it is made. We are starting to see clear variations Norton Gernot Langes, Per Se Francesca, Per in aroma, structure and flavour between Malbecs Se La Craie, Pulenta Estate Gran Corte, Pyros grown in Agrelo, El Cepillo, Gualtallary, Luján Special Blend, Riglos Gran Corte, Trapiche Iscay, de Cuyo, Maipú, Paraje Altamira, the Pedernal Tres 14 Imperfecto, Weinert Cavas de Weinert Valley, Río Negro, Salta, San Pablo, Vista Flores Gran Vino, Zorzal Field Blend and Zuccardi Zeta. and Vistalba. Decisions in the vineyard and the winery clearly have an impact on style, but Other red grapes have enormous each of these places seems to give Malbec an potential, particularly Cabernet individual stamp. Biondillo is working with 14 different Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Bonarda and Pinot Noir. Famous rock bands wineries in his Circulo project, to plant the same are often faced with a conundrum when they’re three clones of Malbec (whittled down from 16) playing live: at what point do they dip into their in eight different parts of the country. “I agree back catalogue and play their greatest hits? They that we need to sell our terroirs, but first we need may want to showcase new material, but the to know what genetic material we are working crowd is impatient to hear something they can with, so that we are comparing apples with sing along to. apples, and not with pears or oranges.” Within People like familiarity. It’s one of the reasons a decade, Biondillo plans to have developed a brands are so successful, and not only in music. “scientifically based sensory map of Malbec”. But it’s also dangerous to stick with the tried and This is all part of the challenge to make even tested. Innovation and an element of surprise are more of Argentina’s signature grape. As Santiago vital in most walks of life. Just as a shark needs Achával of Achával Ferrer and Mater Vini puts it: to keep moving to stay alive, so artists need to “The next big thing after Malbec is more Malbec, be creative. but from different sites and older geologies. Argentina faces a similar dilemma with That’s why our current search has taken us to Malbec. I’m not suggesting that the country’s places like the Valle de Canota and El Challao.” best variety is predictable or has run out of gas The list of the country’s best Malbec (see above). Indeed, you could argue that Malbec producers is long and getting longer by the is more exciting today than it has ever been, vintage. My favourites, all of whom have one with the development of new sub-regions and or more wines in my Top 100 wines of the year, an increasing focus on terroir. But Argentina is include: Achaval Ferrer, Altos Las Hormigas, sometimes regarded as a producer of Malbec and Bodega Aleanna, Bodega Cuarto Dominio, nothing else. Catena, Chakana, Colomé, De Angeles, Dominio One of the things that surprises people about del Plata, Doña Paula, Entonado, Luca, Mendel, Argentinean wine is its diversity. How many Noemía, Norton, Per Se, Pulenta Estate, other New World countries grow Aglianico, Puramun, Riccitelli Wines, Salentein, Terrazas Alicante Bouschet, Ancellotta, Barbera, Bonarda, de los Andes, Tintonegro, Trapiche, Viña Cobos, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Caladoc, Weinert and Zuccardi. Carignan, Dolcetto, Grenache, Marselan, Merlot, It’s also significant that Malbec, regarded mostly as a blending grape in France, works well with other varieties, most notably Cabernet Mourvèdre, Nebbiolo, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Tannat and Tempranillo, as well as Malbec? Which grapes have most potential? Right Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, in Argentina, now, the one that gets the most attention is too. The examples are numerous, but top cuvées Cabernet Franc. There’s no denying that the Page 18 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report variety is capable of special things in Argentina, is Bonarda, and yet it’s the second most planted particularly in Mendoza. If you haven’t tried red grape in Argentina, with 19,214 hectares. Andeluna’s Pasionado, Atamisque’s Serbal, Even on the domestic market, the variety’s Bodega Aleanna’s Single Vineyard Grand image is not particularly glamorous. Over half Enemigo, Pulenta Estate’s Gran Cabernet Franc, of those plantings are in the scorching, desert- Salentein’s Numina or Zorzal’s Eggo Franco, you like conditions of eastern Mendoza, grown on are missing out on bottlings of brilliant varietal high trellises called “parrales” and often flood expressions of this wonderful grape. irrigated. Historically, Bonarda was grown for Cabernet Franc delivers as a blending its yield and disease-resistance, and still is to a component, too, as we know from Bordeaux. Its large extent, as well as its ability to add acidity partnership with Malbec – as sensual as the best to Malbec. tango – is particularly special. Just get hold of Some people mistake the grape for the a bottle of Bodega Teho’s Zaha Malbec from the Bonarda (Croatina) grown in Oltrepò Pavese or Toko Vineyard, Dominio del Plata’s Benmarco Lombardy (Bonarda Piemontese and Uva Rara). Expresivo, Per Se La Craie, Salentein’s Gran Vu But it turns out that the variety is not Italian, or Tres 14 Imperfecto. But Cabernet Franc works but French. According to ampelographers, well with one or more of the other red Bordeaux Bonarda is none other than Corbeau, also known varieties, too. Good examples include, Achaval as Charbono in California. Now that Bonarda’s Ferrer’s Quimera, Luigi Bosca’s Finca Los Nobles identity is clearer, perhaps its stock will rise. Field Blend, Norton’s Gernot Langes, Mendel’s Look out for the wines from Altos Las Hormigas, Red Blend and Pulenta Estate’s Gran Corte. Bodega Aleanna, Bodega Iaccarini, Cara Sur, What Cabernet Franc doesn’t have going for it is abundance. A mere 750 hectares, of which only 57 hectares are planted in what is arguably Chakana, Dante Robino, Morelli Vino de Cava and Zuccardi. Pinot Noir needs no such help with its its best terroir in Gualtallary, is not going to keep identity, but it’s fair to say that the variety is the world supplied for long. When you compare not normally associated with Argentina. For plantings with those of Cabernet Sauvignon some time, Chacra in Río Negro has been the (15,859 hectares) and Syrah (13,029,), it starts coruscating exception to the fairly dull fare on to look insignificant. Syrah is not yet as exciting offer. Yet on my last three visits to the country, as it should be in Argentina – although the 2013 I’ve been increasingly impressed by a growing Finca Las Moras Gran Syrah from San Juan is number of wines from Gualtallary, Neuquén, the most promising I’ve had yet – but Cabernet San Pablo, Río Negro. I even had a good one Sauvignon is well suited to the country’s range of from La Consulta this year. Apart from Chacra, micro-climates and there’s more of it. noteworthy Pinots are made by Altocedro, Paul Hobbs of Viña Cobos, who knows a thing or two about the variety from California, Familia Schroeder, Gen di Alma, Luca, Manos Negras and Salentein. thinks that it’s under-rated in Argentina. This may be true, but Cabernet Sauvignon is Argentina’s white wines have increasingly bottled as a varietal wine. A list of undergone a transformation. If the best producers would include Achával Ferrer, you were to ask most people which Andeluna, Bodega Tacuil, Bressia, Casarena, Latin American country produces the continent’s De Angeles, Dominio del Plata, El Esteco, El best Chardonnays, Rieslings and Sauvignon Porvenir de Cafayate, Fabre Montmayou, Finca Blanc, they would nominate Chile, which benefits Decero, Finca La Anita, Kaikén, La Mascota, from the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean, Lagarde, Mendel, Navarro Correas, Norton, but Argentina is raising its game by the vintage, Piedra Negra, Pulenta Estate, Riglos, Salentein, producing wines that can be every bit as good. SonVida, Terrazas de los Andes and Viña Cobos. What’s more, it makes a more diverse range of The grape is also the backbone of high-end wines white wines than its Andean neighbour, using such as Bressia Profundo, Catena Zapata Nicolás, an extensive list of grape varieties that includes Riglos Gran Corte and Cheval des Andes. Albariño, Chenin Blanc, Fiano, Gewürztraminer, The one grape that almost no one talks about Marsanne, Muscat, Palomino, Petit Manseng, Page 19 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Pinot Gris, Roussanne, Sauvignon Gris, described as “green Michelini” because of his Semillon, Sylvaner, Tocai Friulano, Torrontés, fondness for earlier-picked, lower alcohol wines. Verdicchio and Viognier, as well as the less First at Doña Paula, then at Finca Sophenia exquisite delights of Pedro Giménez and and now at Passionate Wine and Zorzal (where Sultanina Blanca. he works with his brothers, Juan Pablo and Argentina’s most distinctive white grape is Gerardo), Michelini has made a series of brilliant Torrontés, or rather a range of Torrontés, since Sauvignon Blancs. Look out in particular for the this highly perfumed variety, which resulted Zorzal Eggo Blanc de Cal. from a natural crossing of Muscat of Alexandria Michelini isn’t the only excellent Sauvignon and Criolla Chica, has at least three major clones Blanc producer, mind you. Doña Paula and (Riojano, Mendocino and San Juanino). The Finca Sophenia are still right up there in terms received wisdom is that the best examples come of quality, as is Colomé, whose Altura Máxima from the high altitude vineyards of Salta (where Sauvignon Blanc comes from the highest the superior Riojano clone is predominant). vineyard in the world, Bodega Tacuil, also in Outstanding wines are certainly made there by Salta, and O. Fournier, whose Alfa Crux is made the likes of Alta Vista, Colomé, El Esteco and El in a Graves-like style. I’d also recommend the Porvenir de Cafayate, but you’re just as likely to barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blancs from La find impressive Torrontés in Mendoza, especially Giostra del Vino, made by the Italian Giuseppe in the Uco Valley, where Passionate Wine and Franceschini. Dominio del Plata both make distinctive styles, Riesling is another unlikely success story the first with skin contact, the second with barrel in Argentina. There’s not a whole lot of it in fermentation. the ground (111 hectares to be precise), but Plantings of Torrontés dwarf those of other what’s planted has real potential, especially in premium white grapes. The three clones account Gualtallary (Doña Paula), Las Compuertas (Luigi for 10,632 of Argentina’s 226, 338 hectares Bosca) and Chapadmalal (Trapiche’s Costa & under vine. But Chardonnay (6,352 hectares) Pampa), mostly made in a dry style. is growing in importance and quality. Not so The last member of this trio is the most long ago, Argentinean Chardonnay looked recent, as well as the most exciting site for to California rather than Burgundy for its Riesling and other aromatic varieties such inspiration. The results were drinkable, but as Albariño and Gewürztraminer. It’s an rarely exciting. The pioneering work or Catena in unirrigated estate situated five kilometres from the higher reaches of the Uco Valley (Gualtallary) the Atlantic on what was previously a diary farm. has changed all that. The limestone soils of Even the Uruguayans don’t grow grapes this Catena’s Adrianna Vineyard are responsible close to the ocean, but the early indications are for two of the country’s (and South America’s) that Trapiche is on to a winner. best Chardonnays: White Stones and White And what of Argentina’s other whites? Bones. Further Uco Valley producers to look out Well, there are a handful of decent Viogniers for are Andeluna, Atamisque, Chakana, Doña (Alamos, DiamAndes, Escorihuela Gascón and Paula, Luca, Navarro Correas, Norton, Revolver, Lagarde), a Gewürztraminer or two (Rutini and Riccitelli Wines, Rutini, Salentein Terrazas de Mar & Pampa) and at least one very good Pinot los Andes, Trapiche and Zuccardi, while Bodega Gris (Piedra Negra), but the variety with the del Río Elorza (Río Negro), El Porvenir de greatest promise is Semillon, just as it is in South Cafayate (Cafayate) and Pulenta Estate (Agrelo) Africa. Plantings are reasonably sizeable at 799 make very good Chardonnays in other regions. hectares, and Marcelo Miras, Passionate Wine, If great Chardonnay was rare in Argentina even a decade ago, top Sauvignon Blanc was almost an oxymoron. The country’s dry, Riccitelli Wines and especially Mendel make exciting interpretations of the grape. White blends are under-represented in continental climate was considered too hot to Argentina, especially at the top end. Producers produce wines with varietal typicity. One person seem wary to step out of well-defined stylistic has transformed the image of Sauvignon Blanc varietal boxes, which is a shame. But this is in Argentina: Matías Michelini, sometimes changing. A handful of wineries are combining Page 20 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report varieties to good effect, most notably Blanchard At its lowest point, the Uco is 1,000 y Lurton, Bodega Underground, Bressia, metres in altitude; at its highest (at least as Dominio del Plata, La Giostra del Vino, Finca far as viticulture in concerned) around 1,600 Agostino, Morelli Vino de Cava, Mythic Estate, metres. The further north you go, the higher Monofri Wines, Passionate Wine and Piedra the vineyards and the cooler the resulting Negra. temperatures. Nonetheless, this is a region where dry farming is very rare indeed. Without The Uco Valley has established water from wells or the Tunuyán or Las Tunas itself as one of the New World’s rivers, vines would struggle to survive, such is greatest wine regions. If you’d visited in the the intensity of the sunlight. Diurnal variation early 1990s, the idea that this isolated corner of (up to 20°C in summer and 18°C in winter) helps Mendoza province would one day be regarded to mitigate the dry heat (and preserve acidity in as the source of the majority of Argentina’s best the grapes) but this is still an extreme region. reds would have been fanciful. Plantings had Not so long ago, the main focus in the dwindled to a nadir of only 6,000 hectares as Uco was on altitude and, to a lesser degree, growers, incentivised by government vine pull aspect. But now it’s on soil type, water holding schemes, uprooted vineyards and replaced them capacity and drainage. This growing interest in with fruit and veg. In the space of a decade, the terroir is reflected in the number of soil pits (or town of La Consulta, the location of many of the “calicatas”) that are regularly dug all over the Uco’s oldest plantings, lost 80% of its vines. region, as well as in the recent creation of Paraje Today, the valley today is almost Altamira, the country’s first GI (Geographical unrecognisable. The Andes are still there, Indication), based on a rigorous study by providing one of the wine world’s most dramatic Professor Ricardo Pérez Valenzuela. backdrops, but almost everything else has The valley is divided into three sub-regions, changed. There are more vineyards (plantings following political and geographical boundaries have more than quadrupled to 27,600 hectares), rather than differences in terroir. From north over 100 brands and 20 wineries. The Uco has to south, these are Tupungato, Tunuyán and also become a tourist and “lifestyle” destination, San Carlos. Very few wineries use these terms complete with four real estate projects and its own on their labels these days. They are far more golf course. It has gone from backwater to boom likely to talk about smaller viticultural zones town, attracting investors from sources as diverse within the Uco, such as Chacayes, El Cepillo, as France, Russia, Spain and the United States. Gualtallary, La Consulta, Los Arboles, Paraje What’s even more remarkable is the wine quality that is emerging from the Uco, although Altamira, San Pablo and Vista Flores. Gualtallary is the most recently developed the potential has always been there. The first of these, and yet it’s arguably the one with the vineyards were planted as long ago as the 1920s most potential, having the both the highest by Italian and Spanish immigrants and, in some altitudes and the greatest concentration of cases, are still producing impressive wines. The limestone. It’s equally well suited to whites – as major Argentinean wineries valued the fruit they the Chardonnays from Catena and Luca, the produced for its colour, perfume and acidity, but Sauvignon Blancs from Zorzal and Passionate very few of the resulting wines were stand-alone Wine and the Riesling from Doña Paula have bottlings. demonstrated – as it is to reds, especially Although generally regarded as a single Malbec and Cabernet Franc, but also Pinot homogenous region, the Uco is surprisingly Noir. Additional producers to look out for are diverse. It is only 43 miles in length and Altos Las Hormigas, Bodega Aleanna, Gen de 25 in width, yet the valley’s vineyards vary Alma, Finca Ambrosía, Navarro Correas, Per considerably. The valley is bounded on four sides Se, Revolver, Riglos, Tres 14, Trapiche, and - by desert in the south, the Andes in the west, Zuccardi. by gorges and dry riverbeds in the east and by a But the Uco isn’t only about Gualtallary. series of hills, or “cerillos” to the north – adding Paraje Altamira, as that GI designation makes to its sense of isolation. clear, is making many of the Uco’s best reds at Page 21 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report the moment, including Zuccardi’s Piedra Infinita wine regions are often divided, geographically and Aluvional, Mendel’s Finca Remota, Altos Las rather than stylistically it must be said, into Hormigas’ Appellation Altamira Malbec, Bodega three groups: the northwest (Salta, Catamarca Teho Zaha Malbec from the Toko Vineyard and and La Rioja), Cuyo (Mendoza and San Juan) Achával Ferrer’s Finca Altamira, and is arguably and Patagonia (Neuquén and Río Negro). This the valley’s equivalent of a Grand Cru. Add the is a crude, but still useful, way of understanding wines from La Consulta, where the vines tend the country. to be older, and a handful from Vista Flores and Could any of these areas challenge Mendoza’s Los Arboles and you have a valley with at least supremacy in the coming decades? Definitely five distinct, high-quality sub-zones. not in terms of quantity, but there are signs that Most exciting of all is that the best is yet to the quality of what is emerging from some of come. The average age of the Uco’s vineyards these new (or recently rediscovered) areas could is young – the result of that vine pull as well as match some of the best wines in Mendoza. Four the recent boom in plantings – and some of the of them are particularly promising: Calingasta, finest terroirs may still be undiscovered. But Chapadmalal, Payogasta-Salta and the Pedernal that’s in the future. What the valley is producing Valley, each of which has already produced some right now has radically changed the profile of excellent wines. Argentinean wine. Calingasta is an old vine-growing region in one sense. Some of the vines in Barreal, its There’s life beyond Mendoza. It’s most interesting sub-region, were planted in hard to think of another country where the 1920s, grown at 1,500 metres of altitude on a single region dominates the wine pergola trellising and located even closer to the industry the way Mendoza does in Argentina. Andes than the Uco Valley on the western side Buenos Aires may be the nation’s political, of the “precordillera” (foothills) of this majestic economic and artistic hub, but Mendoza is its mountain range. “It’s a really old area,” says undisputed wine capital, with the wineries, the Sebastián Zuccardi, who is one of the partners in vineyards and the research institutions to prove an exciting new venture called Cara Sur, making it. A quick glance at the statistics confirms this. wines from Bonarda, Criolla and Moscatel Tinto. Out of 226,388 hectares under vine, 160,983 are “Historically, the grapes were used to make in Mendoza, equivalent to 71%. Not even Rioja, cheap wines, but the potential is huge here.” which bestrides the Spanish wine scene, can match it. Mendoza’s vineyards are far from uniform. If Calingasta is a traditional region, Chapadmalal is all about the shock of the new. There were no vineyards planted here until There are significant differences between the Trapiche converted an old cattle farm situated sub-zones of Luján de Cuyo (Perdriel, Agrelo a few miles from the Atlantic to the south of and Ugarteche), the traditional heart of the Buenos Aires. They started with 10 hectares Argentinean wine business, let alone the of Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and scorching flatlands of eastern Mendoza and the Gewürztraminer and have now added another cooler, higher, Andean-influenced Uco Valley, 15 hectares, extending the line up of grapes whose northern end in particular is producing to include Albariño, a first for Argentina. The some of the most elegant whites and reds in vineyards are dry farmed (not surprising giving the country. And yet there is a very real sense the comparatively wet climate) and after six in which Mendoza, to many consumers, is years in the ground are producing some of the Argentinean wine. country’s most refined white wines under the That’s only part of the picture, however. The other 29% of this large varied winemaking expert eye of chief winemaker, Daniel Pi. I’m also increasingly impressed by the country adds welcome complexity to the tableau. wines emerging from the Pedernal Valley in San The latitude of Argentina’s vineyards stretches Juan, a high, windy, isolated spot with altitudes from 22° to 42° latitude, or to put it another way, that vary between 1,250 and 1,500 metres. from Jujuy in the north to Chubut in the south, a Considerably cooler than the majority of San span that is almost as long as Chile’s. Argentina’s Juan’s vineyards, with silex and limestone soils, Page 22 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report it has enormous potential. There are only 800 Agustín Lanus (Altos Terruños), Mario Malatto hectares planted here, most of them owned by (Filus), Juan Pablo Michelini (Zorzal and 2km), Las Moras, Pyros and growers who sell their Cristian Moor and Teresita Barrio (Moor- wines to other wineries, but there are surely Barrio), Karim Mussi (Altocedro), Mariana more to come. Onofri (Onofri Wines), Lorenzo Pasquini Every bit as exciting is Colomé’s (Cheval des Andes), Matiás Prieto (Entre Vero), biodynamically farmed Altura Máxima vineyard Mariano Quiroga (El Porvenir de Cafayate), in Payogasta-Salta: 25 hectares of Malbec, Pinot Gaspar Rastrilla (Casa de Uco), Gustavo Rearte Noir and Sauvignon Blanc planted at a light- (Achával Ferrer), Matías Riccitelli (Riccitelli headed 3,111 metres above sea level, making Wines) and Sebastián Zuccardi (Zuccardi). The it the highest vineyard in the world. Growing future of Argentinean wine is in excellent hands. grapes in such an isolated spot, two and half hours’ drive from the main Colomé winery Argentina is increasingly focused (which is pretty secluded itself), is extremely on expressing its vineyards - and tricky, with no sunlight until 10 am because of shadows from the surrounding peaks. This quartet of regions has added its vintages. It’s hard to wander into a vineyard these days without stumbling on a soil pit, or “calicata”, dug to show what lies beneath considerably to the diversity of Argentina’s wine the surface in the so-called root zone. Even ten scene. The exciting thing is that I could have years ago, these were very rare in Argentina, chosen another half a dozen up- and-coming but no one plants a vineyard these days without sites. And with more adventurous winemakers thinking about soils and geology. The work constantly searching for new and interesting of viticulturists such as Pedro Marchevsky locations, there are surely plenty more to be (Humberto Canale), Martín Kaiser (Doña Paula), discovered. Or rediscovered. Edy del Popolo (Dominio del Plata and Per Se), Mendoza will always be the centre of the Alejandro Sejanovich (Casarena, Tintonegro, Argentinean wine industry, but as the emphasis Manos Negras and Bodega Teho), Luis Reginato shifts from technique to terroir – as evidenced (Catena and Chaman) and the Chilean Pedro by the number of soil pits or “calicatas” that Parra (Chakana and Altos Las Hormigas) has litter the country’s vineyards – so Argentina will been vital in this respect. continue to experiment and explore new areas. I can’t wait to taste the results. Not so long ago, the main focus was on altitude – that desire to temper heat again – but now it is on soil type, water holding capacity Young winemakers are having and drainage. The greater understanding of the a growing impact. It may be a sign influence of calcium carbonate and limestone that I’m getting old, but the average age in wine flavour (although this is a controversial of the country’s oenologists seems to be falling. subject, as some argue that both have no taste) The extreme example is Manuel Michelini, son of and structure has been particularly beneficial to winemakers Gerardo and Andrea Michelini and Argentina, bringing what I identify as a soil- the man behind Plop!, who is all of 20, but there derived freshness to many of the top wines, are more recently qualified people working in the especially from Alta Mira and Gualtallary. There industry that any time in the last 25 years, a sure are almost certainly great vineyard locations sign that people see a future in wine once more. that have not yet been discovered in Argentina, I’ve probably missed a few of the leading but Argentineans are making more of what they names, but look out for the wines from Lucas Amoretti (Entonado), Agostina Astegiano have than ever thanks to better viticulture. Argentina doesn’t have an appellation (Avarizza), German Berra (Finca Flichman), system. Or, if it does, this tends to be based on Gabriel Bloise (Chakana), Agustín Lombroni political or geographical boundaries rather than (Bodega del Río Elorza), Santiago Mayorga soil types. This is further complicated by the (Cadus), Raul Dávalos (Bodega Tacuil), Leo fact that some would-be appellations – Cafayate, Erazu (Altos Las Hormigas), Marcos Fernández Perdriel and Gualtallary – are registered as (Doña Paula), Fernando Gabriel (El Relator), brand names. But the establishment of Paraje Page 23 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Altamira as a GI (Geographical Indication) argues that Argentina generally swings between three years ago as, based on the work of the warm and dry vintages (La Niña-affected) and academic Professor Ricardo Pérez Valenzuela cool and wet ones (El Niño-affected). The former and a rigorous study of soil types, is a first step were 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, towards something more meaningful. Could 2006 and 2012, while the latter include 1998, Argentina develop a Burgundian-style system 2001, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, of communes and recognised vineyard sites? 2015 and now 2016. In other words, the last hot For now, it’s some way off, but it’s a tantalising vintage was in 2012. prospect. One important feature of vineyard The economy is finally getting expression, as opposed to the desire to correct back on track. A year ago in these and manipulate wines in the cellar, is vintage pages I argued that Argentina needed variation. It’s tricky to generalise about such a better and less corrupt politicians to run its large wine country, but vintage summaries still finances and institutions. I also suggested have a degree of validity. What we can say is that that Mauricio Macri, then the mayor Buenos 2013, 2014, 2015 and the on-going and very late Aires but considered an outside bet for the 2016 harvests have been cooler than normal. presidency, sounded like a promising and The temptation is to regard these as “inferior” competent potential successor to Cristina to hotter recent years like 2012, but that is not Fernández de Kirchner. Well, it happened on necessarily so. 2015 was certainly tricky, and November 23rd last year. It’s too early to say for 2016 is proving no less so, but 2013 and 2014 certain whether Macri’s victory marks what the in particular have produced some outstanding Financial Times called “the beginning of a new wines with appealing freshness and balance. era” for Argentina, but that does seem to be the “We really love cool vintages,” says Edy Del case. Thanks to the devaluation of the peso – Popolo of Per Se and Dominio del Plata, “because necessary and brave – most wineries are looking they provide better precision: more frank, pure to the future with renewed confidence. The and delineated wines with more authenticity industry needs outside investment, dollars and a and natural acidity and less alcohol. To make stable economic base. And after a decade in the profound wines, the sites are key. Expressing doldrums, things are finally looking up. the different vintages is part of that.” Del Popolo Page 24 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Map of Argentina’s growing regions Page 25 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report A short guide to Argentina’s growing regions Argentina’s vineyards stretch from 22° to 42° latitude. Most are planted within sight of the Andes, although altitudes vary considerably, from 250m to just over 3,100m. Here are the most important details about each of the wine regions. Grape varieties of particular interest are highlighted in bold. Catamarca Vineyard area: 2,651 hectares Main varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah, Torrontés In a nutshell: Isolated, mountainous and generally less well developed, wine-wise than neighbouring Salta. The centre of the wine industry is the Fiambala Valley, but this is one Argentina’s least well-visited regions. Recent plantings in the Santa Maria district by Michel Torino are promising. La Pampa La Rioja Vineyard area: 7,455 hectares Main varieties: Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec, Syrah, Tannat, Torrontés In a nutshell: The site of Argentina’s first vineyards. Some good wines here – the Fairtrade and organic projects are particularly interesting – while the La Vineyard area: 216 hectares Riojana co-operative is one of the country’s best. Main varieties: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet An area with as yet unrealised potential, although Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Viognier the wines from Valle de la Puerta are worth looking In a nutshell: Mostly known for the production out for, as are those from Chañarmuyo. of a single winery (Bodega del Desierto), this is a new, isolated vineyard area that has been making wine since 2004. The initial results are promising, made with help from American guru, Paul Hobbs. Mendoza Vineyard area: 160,983 hectares (including San Rafael and the Uco Valley) Main varieties: Bonarda, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chenin, Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Tempranillo, Tocai Friulano, Torrontés, Semillon, Viognier In a nutshell: The hub of the Argentinean wine industry. A large and varied area that produces most of the country’s best wines. Maipú, East Mendoza and San Rafael tend to produce cheaper styles than the best sub-regions: traditional Luján de Cuyo (which includes Agrelo, Perdriel, Lunlunta, Ugarteche and Vistalba) and the cooler, higher altitude Uco Valley (see separate entry). Page 26 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report framed by a dry, cactus-strewn desert and spectacular scenery. Some increasingly good red blends here, as well as varietal Malbecs and Tannats. Still best known for its Torrontés Riojano, but plantings are now shared equally between reds and white. Increasingly impressive. San Juan Vineyard area: 47,926 hectares Main varieties: Bonarda, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Moscatel, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Torrontés, Ugni Blanc, Viognier In a nutshell: A large, mostly hot area that is second only to Mendoza in size. Produces a lot of basic, quaffing wine, much of destined for Neuquén Vineyard area: 1,741 hectares Main varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon domestic consumption, but more recent plantings in the higher, cooler Pedernal and Calingasta Valleys are spectacularly good. Makes some of Argentina’s best Syrahs. In a nutshell: Comparatively new, low-lying Tucumán (for Argentina) area created thanks to a large Vineyard area: 94 hectares irrigation dam a decade or so ago. Quality is good Main varieties: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, rather than spectacular, as this is quite a warm Malbec, Tannat, Torrontés, Syrah area. But the wines are improving with every year, In a nutshell: Best known for its share of the as the vines get older. The red, iron-rich soils of Calchaquí Valley (with neighbouring Catamarca Añelo are very promising, especially for Pinot and Salta). Plantings are comparatively small and Noir of all things. are mostly located in the sparsely populated Tafí del Valle department. High altitude viticulture Río Negro Vineyard area: 1,674 hectares Main varieties: Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, (starting at 1,800m) is the theme here in a region that has real promise. Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Uco Valley Ugni Blanc Vineyard area: 27,600 hectares In a nutshell: The oldest vine-growing region in Main varieties: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Patagonia and the source of most of its best wines, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, with greater freshness and longevity than those of Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Tempranillo Neuquén to the west. Marked diurnal temperature In a nutshell: . Currently the most exciting region swings and old vines make this an area to watch in Argentina, thanks to a combination of foreign for everything from Pinot Noir to Malbec, via investment, high altitudes, the proximity of Merlot and Riesling. the Andes, old vines (especially in La Consulta) and new plantings in Gualtallary. The potential Salta Vineyard area: 3,051 hectares Main varieties: Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chenin, Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Tannat, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Torrontés In a nutshell: Contains the highest vineyards in the world (Altúra Maxima is at 3,111 metres), of Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Malbec (particularly if they are grown on limestone) is enormous, especially as some of the new vineyards mature. Look out for sub-regional wines from recently delimited Paraje Altamira, as well as Chacayes, Gualtallary, La Consulta, San Pablo and Vista Flores Page 27 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report The podium Winemaker of the Year Sebastián Zuccardi Young Winemaker of the Year Matías Riccitelli Winemaking Legend Pepe Galante Red Wine of the Year 2013 Zuccardi Finca Canal Uco, Paraje Altamira White Wine of the Year 2013 Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Bones Chardonnay, Uco Valley Sparkling Wine of the Year 2006 Cruzat Gran Millésime, Mendoza Red Wine Discovery of the Year 2013 Buscado Vivo o Muerte La Verdad, Gualtallary White Wine Discovery of the Year 2014 Blanchard y Lurton, Uco Valley Page 28 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report The 2016 Argentinean top 100 A personal selection of the country’s best wines MALBECS t Bes 2013 Achaval Ferrer Finca Altamira Malbec, Uco Valley 2013 Achaval Ferrer Finca Bella Vista Malbec, Perdriel 2013 Achaval Ferrer Temporis Malbec, Mendoza 2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Piedras, Gualtallary 2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation, Paraje Altamira 2013 Bodega Aleanna El Enemigo Malbec, Mendoza 2014 Bodega Cuarto Dominio Chento Single Lot Malbec, Mendoza 2013 Casa de Uco Malbec, Vista Flores 2013 Catena Fortuna Terrae Malbec, Uco Valley 2013 Catena Mundus Bacillus Terrae Malbec, Uco Valley 2014 Chakana Ayni Malbec, Paraje Altamira 2013 Colomé Altura Máxima Malbec, Salta 2013 Colomé Auténtico Malbec, Salta 2013 De Angeles Viña 1924 Single Vineyard Gran Malbec, Vistalba 2013 Dominio del Plata Susana Balbo Limited Edition Malbec, Paraje Altamira 2012 Doña Paula Alluvia Parcel Malbec Bush Vines, Gualtallary 2012 Doña Paula Selección de Bodega Malbec, Mendoza 2012 Entonado Malbec, Luján de Cuyo 2013 Luca Nico by Luca High G Lot Malbec, Gualtallary 2013 Mendel Finca Remota Malbec, Paraje Altamira 2013 Noemía Malbec, Río Negro 2012 Norton Lote A112 Malbec, Agrelo 2014 Per Se Volare del Camino Malbec, Gualtallary 2013 Pulenta Estate Single Vineyard Malbec, Gualtallary 2013 Puramun Malbec Reserva, Mendoza 2014 Riccitelli Wines República del Malbec, Vistalba 2014 Salentein, Single Vineyard Malbec Plot No. 21, Uco Valley 2011 Terrazas de los Andes Single Parcel Los Castañoas Malbec, Las Compuertas 2013 Tintonegro Finca La Escuela Malbec, Paraje Altamira 2013 Tintonegro La Escuela Vineyard La Piedra Malbec, Paraje Altamira 2013 Tintonegro 1955 Vineyard Malbec, La Consulta 2012 Trapiche Terroir Series Malbec Cristina y Bibiana Coletto, Tupungato 2012 Trapiche Terroir Series Malbec Finca Ambrosía, Gualtallary 2012 Trapiche Terroir Series Malbec Finca Orellana de Escobar, La Consulta 2013 Viña Cobos Malbec, Perdriel 1994 Weinert Estrella Malbec, Luján de Cuyo 2013 Zuccardi Aluvional Malbec, Paraje Altamira 2013 Zuccardi Aluvional Malbec, La Consulta 2013 Zuccardi Aluvional Malbec, Gualtallary 2015 Zuccardi Concreto Malbec, Paraje Altamira 2013 Zuccardi Finca Canal Uco, Paraje Altamira 2013 Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita, Paraje Altamira Page 29 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report RED BLENDS t s e B 2013 Andeluna Pasionado Cuatro Cepas, Tupungato 2011 Atamisque Assemblage, Uco Valley 2015 Bodega Tacuil Viñas de Dávalos, Molinos 2013 Bodega Vistalba Corte A, Vistalba 2013 Buscado Vivo o Muerte La Verdad, Gualtallary 2012 Casa Bianchi Enzo Bianchi, San Rafael 2013 Caro, Mendoza 2011 Catena Zapata Nicolás, Mendoza 2013 Cheval des Andes, Mendoza 2013 De Angeles Viña 1924 Single Vineyard Gran Corte, Vistalba 2012 Fabre Montmayou Grand Vin, Mendoza 2013 Finca Flichman Dedicado, Tupungato 2013 Mendel Unus, Mendoza 2010 Norton Gernot Langes, Mendoza 2014 Per Se Francesca, Gualtallary 2014 Per Se La Craie, Gualtallary 2012 Pulenta Estate Gran Corte, Mendoza 2012 Pyros Special Blend, Pedernal 2013 Riglos Gran Corte, Tupungato 2011 Trapiche Iscay, Mendoza 2013 Trapiche Iscay Syrah/Viognier, Uco Valley 2013 Tres 14 Imperfecto, Gualtallary 1983 Weinert Cavas de Weinert Gran Vino, Luján de Cuyo 2013 Zorzal Field Blend, Gualtallary 2012 Zuccardi Zeta, Uco Valley OTHER REDS t Bes 2014 Altocedro Pinot Noir, La Consulta 2012 Bodega Aleanna El Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Gualtallary 2013 Casarena Lauren’s Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Agrelo 2014 Catena Appellation Cabernet Sauvignon, Agrelo 2013 Chacra Treinta y Dos Pinot Noir, Río Negro 2015 Chacra Sin Azufre Pinot Noir, Río Negro 2013 De Angeles Viña 1924 Single Vineyard Gran Cabernet Sauvignon, Vistalba 2013 Finca Las Moras Gran Syrah, San Juan 2015 El Porvenir de Cafayate Laborum Single Vineyard Tannat, Cafayate 2012 José-Luis Mounier Laguna Brava Tannat Selected Reserve, Cafayate 2013 La Mascota Gran Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon, Paraje Altamira 2013 Luca Nico de Luca High G Lot Pinot Noir, Gualtallary 2012 Pulenta Estate Gran Cabernet Franc, Agrelo 2013 Riglos Gran Cabernet Sauvignon, Tupungato 2013 SonVida Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza 2013 Viña Cobos Marchiori Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Perdriel 1994 Weinert Estrella Cabernet Sauvignon, Luján de Cuyo 2015 Zorzal Eggo Franco, Gualtallary 2013 Zuccardi Finca Los Membrillos Cabernet Sauvignon, La Consulta 2014 Zuccardi Emma Zuccardi Bonarda, Paraje Altamira Page 30 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report WHITE AND SPARKLING t s e B 2014 Blanchard y Lurton, Uco Valley 2013 Bressia Lágrima Canela, Uco Valley 2013 Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Bones Chardonnay, Uco Valley 2013 Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Stones Chardonnay, Uco Valley 2015 Colomé Altura Máxima Sauvignon Blanc, Salta 2006 Cruzat Gran Millésime, Mendoza 2015 Dominio del Plata White Blend, Uco Valley 2014 La Giostra del Vino Saltimbanco Sauvignon Blanc, Mendoza 2014 La Giostra del Vino Bacán Sauvignon Blanc Reserva, Vista Flores 2015 Mendel Semillon, Paraje Altamira 2014 Piedra Negra Gran Lurton, Uco Valley 2013 Salentein Single Vineyard Plot 2 Chardonnay, Uco Valley 2015 Riccitelli Wines Old Vines Semillon, Patagonia Page 31 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report A classification of Argentina’s best producers FIRST GROWTHS Achával Ferrer Pulenta Estate Altos Las Hormigas Riglos Catena Zapata Salentein Colomé Tintonegro De Angeles Trapiche Doña Paula Viña Cobos Mendel Zuccardi Per Se SECOND GROWTHS Bodega Aleanna Fabre Montmayou Bodega Tacuil Luca Bodega Vistalba Noemía Bressia Norton Chacra Riccitelli Wines Cheval des Andes Weinert Cruzat Zorzal Dominio del Plata THIRD GROWTHS Andeluna La Giostra del Vino Atamisque La Mascota Bodega Teho Navarro Correas Caro Piedra Negra Casa Bianchi Rutini Casarena Terrazas de los Andes Chakana Tres 14 Cuarto Dominio FOURTH GROWTHS Alta Vista Gen de Alma Buscado Mater Vini Corazón del Sol Passionate Wine El Esteco Puramun El Porvenir de Cafayate Pyros Finca Ambrosía SonVida Finca Flichman Viñalba Fuego Bodega Page 32 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report FIFTH GROWTHS Amalaya Manos Negras DiamAndes de Uco Marcelo Miras Domaine Bousquet Moor-Barrio Finca Decero O Fournier Finca La Escarcha San Pedro de Yacochuya Finca Sophenia Tempus Alba José-Luis Mounier Viña Vida Lagarde CRUS BOURGEOIS Abremundos Huentala Wines Alpamanta Humberto Canale Altocedro Kaikén Altos Terruños La Revancha Altupalka Leo Borsi Anko Los Toneles Antucura Luigi Bosca Avarizza Mapema Blanchard y Lurton Marcelo Pelleriti Bodega del Desierto Mariano di Paola Bodega del Río Elorza Mariflor Bodega Elvira Calle Melipal Cadus Montechez Cara Sur Monteviejo Casa de Uco Morelli Vino de Cava Chaman Mosquita Muerta Chandon Mundo Revès Clos de los Siete Mythic Vineyards Cuvelier de los Andes Nieto Senetiner Deumayen Ojo de Agua Entonado Onofri Wines El Relator Paimán Entre Vero Pascual Toso Escorihuela Gascón Piattelli Etchart Plop! Familia Cassone Proemio Wines Familia Schroeder Pucará Filus Bodega y Viñedos Revolver Finca Agostino Trivento Fin del Mundo Tukma Fincas Don Martino Underground Finca La Anita Vaglio Finca Las Moras Vallisto Finca Quara Ver Sacrum Fernando Dupont Vicentin Giménez Rilli Viña Alicia Hacienda del Plata Viña Las Perdices Huarpe Wines Page 33 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Some notes about scoring and my 2016 classification The wines for this report were tasted in Argentina variations and stylistic nuances. I hope I am a over a period of three weeks in January and sufficiently experienced taster to judge a wine for February 2016. Around two-thirds of these what it is, warts, beauty spots and all. were sampled at individual wineries, while the This report runs to more than 50,000 words. rest were assessed at bespoke sighted tastings Rather than provide a tasting note for every one of organised by Winifera and Wines of Argentina the 1,093 wines I sampled, I have concentrated on in Mendoza and Buenos Aires, sometimes in the the 688 brands that scored 90 points or more. It presence of a representative from the bodega in is a measure of the improvements in Argentinean question. Almost all of the wines I assessed were wine that there were 161 of these in my first bottled, but there were a few wines that I tasted as annual report and nearly four times that number (nearly) finished samples from tank or barrel. here. Despite some tricky recent vintages, When I taste at a winery, I am more than happy to discuss the wines (but not my final Argentina’s wines are getting better and better. I’ve suggested a drinking window for each score or tasting note) with the person who made wine and, where appropriate, provided its varietal them. Some critics would argue that this exerts make up. an influence on the taster, but I see it differently. Talking to winemakers and viticulturists is the Have a look at the example below to see how I’ve organised the information for each wine: best way to understand local conditions, vintage score Wine name Red White Rosé Sparkling Sweet Alcohol level, Region Short tasting note, drinking window My 2016 Classification This is my second attempt to classify Argentina’s Dominio, Fuego Bodega, Gen de Alma, Mater best producers, an annual exercise that has Vini, Moor-Barrio, Per Se, Pyros, Riccitelli stimulated some debate, as well as criticism Wines, SonVida, Tintonegro and Tres 14 – but in some quarters. This is very loosely based I think that’s irrelevant. It’s what’s in the glass on the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, with five that counts. Time may prove me wrong, but I different bands (first, second, third, fourth and think that these wineries will help to define the fifth growths) and a larger group of so-called Argentinean wine scene over the next quarter of Crus Bourgeois. Unlike the Bordeaux system, a century. which rated the properties according to market My classification has changed significantly price, my only criterion is quality. This year, I since last year. Nineteen of my 75 classed have increased the number of classified growths growths are new this year – Bodega Vistalba, to 75 to reflect what I see as the dynamism and Bodega Tacuil, Casa Bianchi, Caro, Dominio del excitement of the Argentinean wine scene, and Plata, Finca Ambrosía, Finca La Escarcha, La boosted the crus bourgeois to 75, too. Mascota, Finca Sophenia, José-Luis Mounier, My 2016 classification is a snapshot of the Luca, Marcelo Miras, Moor-Barrio, Navarro Argentinean wine industry and is very much my Correas, Puramun, Pyros, SonVida, Tempus opinion. Mindful that a critic should attempt Alba, and Weinert – while four wineries have to reward talent, irrespective of a long track been promoted to first growth status (Per Se, record in some cases, I have chosen my favourite Pulenta Estate, Tintonegro, and Trapiche). It’s all producers, rather than parroted the opinions change among the 75 crus bourgeois, too, where of others. Some of my classified producers have there are 43 new names, several of which will made only a handful of vintages or fewer – surely be promoted next year. Buscado, Casa de Uco, Corazón del Sol, Cuarto Page 34 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Tasting notes Reds 98 98 2013 Colomé Altura Máxima Malbec Salta 14.5% You’d expect the highest vineyard in the world to produce something special, and that’s definitely the case here. Picked at the end of April, this high altitude Malbec has matched up to the abundant promise of its first vintage in 2012. Powerfully aromatic and focused, it’s dense, profound and textured, packed with crunchy, spicy blackberry and black cherry fruit and destined for further development in bottle.2017-26 2013 Zuccardi Finca Canal Uco Paraje Altamira 15% Made with slightly older vines than the Piedra Infinita bottling, this is another remarkable wine from the Zuccardi team. Dark, dense and powerful, with enormous fruit weight, very little oak influence, compact, but finely judged tannins and a bright, mineral-edged finish. Sappy, complex and complete. 2018-28 97 2013 Achával Ferrer Finca Altamira Malbec 97 2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary Piedras 97 2013 Zuccardi Aluvional Malbec 97 2013 Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita Malbec Uco Valley 14% The Achaval Ferrer vineyard is made up of five blocks, amounting to 7 hectares in total that were planted in 1925. The result is the freshest and finest red in the winery’s stellar line-up. Floral, scented and enticing, this is an effortlessly pure, complex Malbec with stylish oak and layer after layer of flavour supported by chalky minerality. 2017-26 Gualtallary 14.2% There’s a huge difference between Altos’ two Gualtallary bottlings in 2014, so make sure you choose this one. Focused, intense and typically chalky, this is polished and well balanced with intense blackberry and orange peel notes, understated oak and a finish that lingers for over a minute on the palate. Essence of the upper Uco Valley. 2017-26 Paraje Altamira 14.5% A wine that encapsulates the exciting changes that have taken place at Zuccardi (and in Argentina) over the last decade, this is a world-class red from an exceptional, limestoneinfluenced site. Focused, floral and nuanced, with notes of wild herbs, red and black fruits, fine tannins and pithy acidity. 2017-26 Paraje Altamira 15% A selection of the best, limestone-rich spots in the Zuccardis’ Paraje Altamira vineyards, this is as good as it gets from Argentina right now. Inky, concentrated, yet refreshing, with very little oak influence but masses of dark, spicy, aromatic fruit weight. Closed and brooding, but with the focus and balance to unfurl its complexity in bottle. 2018-27 Page 35 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 2013 Achával Ferrer Finca Bella Vista Malbec Perdriel 14% The vines around the winery in Perdriel are mostly over 100 years old and it always shows in the density of this varietal Malbec. The cooler vintage seems to give the wine a little more purity and definition in 2013. Liquorice, mulberry and pepper spice notes are complemented by stylish oak. Structured enough to age, but almost drinkable now. 2016-23 2013 Achával Ferrer Temporis Malbec Mendoza 14% Made with a third of each of the Finca wines - which was why there was no Temporis in 2012 - this is always the most expensive bottling at Achaval, but not necessarily the best. In 2013, it’s just a notch below the Finca Altamira, showing plush, bramble, plum and liquorice flavours, fine tannins and an attractive, volatile lift. Dense and age worthy. 2017-24 2015 Bodega Tacuil Viñas de Dávalos Molinos 15.7 % Described as an “aperitif” by Raul Dávalos Senior, who likes to tease visitors, this cofermented blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a single vineyard on this huge estate. Big and broad, yet focused at the same time, this is smooth and chalky with fine tannins and intense damson and blueberry notes, finishing with a minerally bite. 2016-22 2013 Catena Mundus Bacillus Terrae Malbec Uco Valley 14.1% This ambitious new release from Catena (US$300 a bottle, no less) is a radical departure for the winery that shows the left field thinking of winemaker Ale Vigil. Old wood, 50% whole bunches and partial carbonic maceration all contribute to the complexity of this remarkable Malbec, sourced from the same chalky soils as White Bones Chardonnay. Fresh and sappy with aromatic red fruits and notes of clove, pepper spice and bramble and a lingering finish. 2016-25 2011 Catena Zapata Nicolás Mendoza 14% Consistently among the best red blends in Argentina, and a wine that ages brilliantly, this cuvée includes only 25% Malbec this year, partly because the Agrelo Cabernet was so good in 2012. Last made in 2006, it’s a finely balanced wine that combines the two grapes to perfection, with notes of graphite, cassis, blueberry and subtle oak underpinned by plenty of structure and concentration. 2016-28 2013 Cheval des Andes Mendoza 14.8% Is Cheval des Andes finally starting to fulfil its enormous potential? So it would appear, because this is the best vintage yet of this Malbec-dominated blend. There’s less oak and the Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot are delivering greater freshness on the palate. Spice, acidity, creamy vanilla oak, fine tannins and notes of mint, blackberry and dried herbs. 2017-24 2014 Colomé Auténtico Malbec Salta 14.5% Made as a tribute to Raúl Dávalos, who used to own Colomé and who hates oak, this very old vine cuvée, some of it produced from ungrafted vines, sees no barrels at all. Dense, compact and focused, it’s an amazing wine with layers of wild, aromatic complexity and dense blackberry fruit. 2017-25 Page 36 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 2012 Doña Paula Alluvia Parcel Malbec Bush Vines Gualtallary 14.5% Sourced from one of the best vineyards in Gualtallary, much of it planted on an old riverbed, this is wonderfully scented and hedonistic, unfurling aromas of thyme and rosemary and flavours of blackberry, tapenade, sweet oak and chalky, palate-cleansing acidity. And the vines are only five years old. 2017-26 2013 Mendel Finca Remota Malbec Paraje Altamira 14.4% To my mind, this is the best release yet of Finca Remota, made in a cool vintage and benefiting from the extra freshness. Aromatic, violet-scented and very fine, it’s a super concentrated wine with beautifully delineated oak, notes of dried herbs and vibrant, chalky, blueberry and damson fruit. 2017-26 2014 Per Se La Craie Gualtallary 14.4% This co-fermented blend of Malbec with 20% Cabernet Franc comes from the same vineyard as Per Se’s Iubileus, but has more limestone influence, as its name suggests. There are only two barrels, neither of them new, of this exceptional wine. Fresh, chalky and refined, with dense black fruit flavours, subtle oak, a hint of green herbs and a mineral flourish. Long and complex on the palate, this is a wine for the cellar. 2019-28 2012 Pulenta Estate Gran Corte Mendoza 14.5% This brilliant blend of Malbec with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Tannat is nearly always the best wine at Pulenta Estate, and that’s the case in the excellent 2012 vintage. The combination of varieties is seamless here, demonstrating finesse, oak integration, fine tannins and notes of mint, tobacco, dried herbs, cassis and bramble. 2016-25 2013 Riglos Gran Cabernet Sauvignon Tupungato 14.5% Riglos’ vineyard in Gualtallary is one of the best Cabernet sites in Argentina, especially in a cooler vintage like 2013. Showing very pure varietal flavours, with dense blackcurrant and blackberry fruit, masses of dry extract, fine-grained tannins and notes of green herbs and mint supported by acidity. 2017-25 2013 Tintonegro 1955 Vineyard Malbec La Consulta 14% Guess when this vineyard was planted? Actually, it’s a combination of two sites, one of which was planted in 1941. This is a stunning wine, showing layers of dark, savoury blackberry and liquorice flavours, smooth tannins, bright acidity and a balanced, nuanced finish. Very complete. 2017-26 2011 Trapiche Iscay Mendoza 14.5% Combining Malbec from Gualtallary with 30% Cabernet Franc from Maipú, this is a very similar blend to the 2010, but is a step up in quality. Perfume, pepper spice, some capsicum, stylish oak and chalky minerality: this is one of the best candidates for your cellar in Argentina. 2016-26 Page 37 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 2012 Trapiche Terroir Series Malbec Finca Ambrosía Gualtallary 15.5% The highest of the three vineyards that are used for the Terroir Series, this is also from a young site. It’s the most refreshing and focused of the trio, with red and black fruits, stylish oak and the chalky minerality that is so typical of the best wines from Gualtallary. 2016-26 2013 Tres 14 Imperfecto Gualtallary 14.5% As well as being the chief winemaker at Trapiche, Daniel Pi makes this, his own brand, on the side. It’s a brilliant, co-fermented blend of Malbec with 3% Cabernet Franc from Gualtallary, that’s layered, refreshing and very complex. Spicy, peppery and stylishly oaked, it has a mineral-edged finish that lingers enticingly on the palate and a touch of whole bunches. 2017-26 2013 Viña Cobos Malbec Perdriel 14.9% Is this the best wine in Argentina? Some critics seem to think so. It’s certainly a very impressive Malbec, but it’s one that’s made in a particular style: aromatic, concentrated and lavishly oaked, with ripe plum and blackberry fruit, attractive spices and plenty of alcohol. This is slightly fresher than the 2012, pointing to a slight shift in style. 2016-24 1983 Weinert Cavas de Weinert Gran Vino Luján de Cuyo 14% Anyone who thinks that the best Argentinean wines are incapable of ageing for 30 years or more should try a bottle of this remarkable Bordeaux blend, still available from Weinert. Complex, savoury and slightly feral, it’s a sweet, figgy, floral, mature red with notes of dried herbs and incense. 2016-22 1994 Weinert Estrella Malbec Luján de Cuyo 14.5% A wine that spent 15 years in old wooden “toneles” before bottling, this is a remarkable old vine Malbec that wouldn’t look out of place in Rioja or Tuscany. Complex and still evolving, it’s concentrated, stylish and smoky with plenty of tannic backbone and sweet, figgy flavours. 2016-24 2013 Zuccardi Aluvional Malbec Gualtallary 14.5% One of the great things about the Aluvional series is how different they taste. Made with purchased fruit from Tupungato Winelands, this is fresh, richly aromatic and peppery with fine-grained, but firm tannins, notes of thyme and rosemary and a frisson of chalky minerality. 2017-28 2013 Zuccardi Aluvional Malbec La Consulta 14.5% The La Consulta site is a stony, river-derived soil at lower altitude and tends to produce the darkest and most concentrated of the three Aluvional bottlings. Chalky, savoury and dense, with understated oak and punchy tannins, it’s a wine that will age effortlessly in bottle. 2017-26 Page 38 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 96 2013 Zuccardi Finca Los Membrillos La Consulta 14.5% The Zuccardis are increasingly regarded as Malbec specialists, but they are equally adept at making Cabernet Sauvignon if this varietal expression is anything to go by. Subtle oak, mint and dried herbs, blackcurrant sweetness, some graphite and green pepper and textured, finely judged tannins. 2018-26 95 2013 Andeluna Pasionado Cuatro Cepas 95 2013 Bodega Aleanna El Enemigo Malbec 95 95 95 95 Tupungato 14.6% The four grapes in question are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and just a little Merlot, which struggled in 2013. This is a lovely, refined wine showing leafy, green pepper and graphite notes, nuanced, filigree tannins, stylish oak and refreshing, focused acidity. Every bit as good as the 2012. 2017-24 Mendoza 13.9% Sourced entirely from vineyards in the cool (in both sense of the word) Uco Valley sub-region of Gualtallary, this is an outstanding blend of Malbec with 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. Dense, yet chalky, it’s a multi-layered wine where the perfumed, blackberry fruit does the talking. 2016-22 2012 Bodega Aleanna El Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc Gualtallary 13.9% Nine soil types and thirty-two different vinifications contribute to the complexity of this wine. Chalky and refined, it’s a delicious Cabernet Franc (with 15% Malbec), showing flavours of green herbs, capsicum and refreshing minerality, supported by structured, well-defined tannins. 2016-25 2014 Bodega Cuarto Dominio Chento Single Lot Malbec Mendoza 14% If the 2013 release of this blend of Malbec with 5% Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot was special, this is even better, taking its place among Mendoza’s best reds. Smoky mulberry and blueberry fruit, superb balance, structured tannins and a fine, refreshing, tapering finish. Red winemaking of a high order. 2017-25 2013 Caro Mendoza 14.5% The best red I’ve had yet from this Franco-Argentine joint venture, this equal blend of Cabernet from Las Compuertas and Cabernet Sauvignon from Altamira is rich and concentrated, but with considerable style and polish. Savoury, sappy and just a little earthy, with supporting acidity and beautifully judged oak integration. 2017-30 2014 Catena Appellation Cabernet Sauvignon Agrelo 13.5% This is stand-out red among the Catena appellation wines, made with the Furlotti Cabernet selection. Old vines, cold soils and subtly interwoven French oak are complemented by classic Cabernet grip and backbone. Dried herbs, mint and blueberry fruit combine to impressive effect here. 2016-22 Page 39 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 2013 Catena Fortuna Terrae Malbec Uco Valley 14.1% Another new release from the Catena stable, also from the Adrianna Vineyard, but made in a very different way from the Riverstone bottling, using older oak to allow the fruit to express itself. Spicy, bright and finely balanced, this has impressive perfume, sculpted tannins and a limestone frisson. 2017-23 2013 Chacra Pinot Treinta y Dos Pinot Noir Río Negro 13.2% Paler in colour than the 1955 bottling, which it often is, this is also more delicate and refined. There’s a touch more new oak here, but it’s balanced by the sweet wild strawberry and cherry stone flavours and silky tannins. Fresh and tangy, this finishes with a chalky flourish that cleans the palate. 2017-23 2015 Chacra Sin Azufre Pinot Noir Río Negro 13% A radical new departure for Chacra, but you may have to go to Patagonia to taste it, as this concrete-fermented and aged Pinot is made without sulphur and unlikely to be exported. Floral, clean and sappy with rose petal and red cherry flavours and refined tannins. Who says Pinot needs oak? Or sulphur? 2017-19 2014 Chakana Ayni Malbec Paraje Altamira 14.5% The 2013 of this top Altamira Malbec was very good indeed, but this is even better. Aromatic, fine and deftly oaked, it manages to combine density and blackberry fruit weight with freshness, focus and minerality. Edging towards the Uco Valley’s elite group of Malbecs. 2017-25 2012 Cheval des Andes Mendoza 15% The move to larger ok formats and earlier picking is apparent in this blend of Malbec with 26% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot, as is the slightly cooler year. Plum and liquorice flavours, cut grass and graphite aromas and fine, but concentrated tannins all contribute to an impressive cuvée. 2017-24 2013 De Angeles Viña 1924 Single Vineyard Gran Cabernet Sauvignon Vistalba 15.2% This is a brilliant expression of the fruit from Parcel 3, that’s a very pure expression of the variety. It’s dense, serious and compact, with quite a bit of oak, but plenty of structure too. Spice, graphite, some vanilla and dense, compact damson and black fig flavours with a smoky finish. 2017-24 2013 De Angeles Viña 1924 Single Vineyard Gran Corte Vistalba 14.8% Made for the first time in 2012, this blend of Malbec with 30% Cabernet is an impressive second release. Dense, ripe and showing the concentration that’s a feature of this vineyard, this has plenty of oak, a slight volatile lift and dense, dark bramble, blackberry and blackcurrant flavours. Big, bold and structured. 2017-25 Page 40 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 95 95 2013 De Angeles Viña 1924 Single Vineyard Gran Malbec Vistalba 14.8% The Gran Malbec comes from Parcel 3 of this characterful vineyard and is aged for 14 months in one third new oak. The cooler year is apparent in the perfume and texture of the wine, as well as its nuanced tannins. The oak needs more time to integrate, but the fruit is sweet, supple and yet refreshing. 2017-23 2012 Doña Paula Selección de Bodega Malbec Mendoza 14.5% Using fruit from Doña Paula’s three Mendoza vineyards - in Ugarteche, San Carlos and Gualtallary - this is dominated by the two Uco parcels to compensate for a hotter vintage in 2012. Wild Mediterranean herbs, sappy acidity, fine oak and chiselled tannins are complemented by sweet black fruits. 2017-25 95 2012 Fabre Montmayou Grand Vin 95 2013 Finca Flichman Dedicado 95 95 95 95 Mendoza 14.5% Consistently among the leading red blends in Argentina, this is a cuvée of Malbec with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot. Old vine concentration, stylish oak and skilful winemaking have produced an assemblage that’s smoky, intense and very plush with impressive blackberry, damson and liquorice notes and a very long finish. 2017-25 Tupungato 14.5% Made by the youthful German Berra, this Uco Valley blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with 20% Syrah and 10% Malbec is outstanding. It’s a floral, elegant, refined style with fine tannins, succulent red berry fruit and tangy, supporting acidity. Effortlessly well balanced. 2016-22 2013 La Mascota Gran Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon Paraje Altamira 14.5% The Altamira origins of this wine, made with purchased fruit, are apparent on the nose and palate, where chalky minerality is appealingly evident. Focused, sappy and long, with cassis and forest fruits and deftly integrated oak. A wine that makes you want to finish the bottle. 2016-23 2013 Luca Nico by Luca High G Lot Malbec Gualtallary 14% Like the Pint Noir under the same label, this comes from a vineyard that was planted in 2010 and is another outstanding red. Scented, floral and refined, with ageing in one-third new oak, dense, yet crunchy black fruits, fine tannins and a hint of wild herbs. Part of a radical change of style here. 2017-25 2013 Noemía Malbec Río Negro 15% Patagonia’s top wine is on fine form in this cooler vintage. Gloriously perfumed and spicy, it’s a rich, savoury, stylishly oaked Malbec with ripe, fine-grained tannin, bright acidity and the concentration to age further in bottle. This is all about fruit quality and gentle winemaking. 2017-25 2010 Norton Gernot Langes Mendoza 14.8% The top wine from Norton, which is always released with some bottle age, is a blend of Malbec with 20% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. It’s just moving into a secondary phase, away from primary fruit into a world of tobacco leaf, game and Asian spices, complemented by summer berries and a core of tannin. 2016-20 Page 41 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 2012 Norton Lote A112 Malbec Agrelo 14.5% Sourced from Agrelo, this is a suitably rich, concentrated Malbec with opulent texture and well-integrated oak. Floral and full of enticing plum and blueberry fruit, complemented by pepper and nutmeg spice and underlying freshness, this is modern Argentinean winemaking at its best. 2016-24 2014 Per Se Volare del Camino Gualtallary 14.4% This new release for the Per Se team comes from a tiny, limestone-rich parcel located at 1,450 metres. It’s a varietal Malbec that, like all the wines from this young operation, is very ambitious in style. Focused, taut and super dense, it’s defined by its minerality and freshness, but is packed with dark berry fruit. An exciting début from this impressive winery. 2017-28 2012 Pulenta Estate Gran Cabernet Franc Agrelo 14.5% The Pulentas were making classy Cabernet Franc long before the vogue for the variety got under way in Mendoza. This is as good as ever: grassy, graphite-scented and fine, with effortlessly integrated new oak, filigree tannins, notes of spice and green pepper and a polished, lingering finish. 2016-23 2013 Puramun Malbec Reserva Mendoza 14% Pepe Galante is one of the best winemakers in Argentina, so it’s no surprise that the reds he produces under his own label are so impressive. This is a typically elegant, subtle Malbec with notes of red berry fruit, subtle spices, well integrated oak and silky, palate-caressing tannins. 2017-23 2013 Riglos Gran Corte Tupungato 14.5% This almost equal cuvée of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc is consistently one of the best Bordeaux blends in Argentina. Dense, oaky and made for the long term, it’s not afraid to be serious. Compact, focused and stony with firm, concentrated, dark berry fruit and excellent balance. 2018-26 2014 Salentein Single Vineyard San Pablo Plot No. 14 Malbec Uco Valley 14.5% You’d have to say that this is a marginal site, located at 1,450 metres and picked at the end of April, but this is a thrilling wine. Elegant, chalky and refined with focus, balance and palatecleansing acidity, stylish use of oak and a spicy, clove and pepper-like finish. I’m already looking forward to the next release. It’s a shame there are only 3,000 bottles produced. 2017-25 2013 Tintonegro Finca La Escuela Malbec Paraje Altamira 14% Combining fruit from the vineyard’s four soil types, picked over the space of three weeks, this is like a greatest hits collection. It’s a very complete, stony wine that eschews easy drinkability in favour of longevity. White pepper, clove, subtle oak, violet and plum flavours and dark, grippy, minerally tannins: superb winemaking from the Tintonegro team. 2017-25 Page 42 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 2013 Tintonegro La Escuela Vineyard La Piedra Malbec Paraje Altamira 14% Of the four La Escuela Vineyard bottlings, this is the one with the highest percentage of calcium carbonate and it shows in the refreshing minerality of the wine. Zippy, focused and tangy, with notes of wild herbs, good grip and fruit weight and a long, palate-cleansing finish. 2017-25 2013 Trapiche Iscay Syrah/Viognier Uco Valley 14.5% A Rhône meets California style from Los Arboles, this is a co-fermentation with 3% Viognier and 20 whole bunches. It’s a spicy, peppery number with good minerality, understated oak, a hint of apricot and gentle oak integration. One of Argentina’s best Rhône blends. 2016-21 2012 Trapiche Terroir Series Malbec Cristina y Bibiana Coletto Tupungato 14.5% Made with grapes from a vineyard at 1,200 metres, planted in 1945 on sandy, silty soils, this is showing delightful perfume and balance in 2012. Fine-grained tannins, succulent red fruits, bright acidity and stylish oak all make a contribution to this appropriately feminine wine from the Coletto sisters. 2016-24 2012 Trapiche Terroir Series Malbec Finca Orellana de Escobar La Consulta 14.5% The Orellana parcel is located on stony, alluvial soils close to Paraje Altamira and benefits from densely planted old vines. This is typically rich and complex, with aromas of liquorice and Mediterranean herbs, good sap and focus, subtle oak, smooth tannins, blueberry fruit and a hint of minerality. 2016-23 1994 Weinert Estrella Cabernet Sauvignon Luján de Cuyo 14.5% There have only been five Estrella wines in the last 40 years, so these tend to be pretty special as well as rare. This was made by the legendary Raul de la Motta and it’s an amazing, mature red with complex flavours of dried herbs, mint and fruitcake underpinned by acidity and stylish tannins. 2016-24 2013 Zorzal Field Blend Gualtallary 14.5% Supremely graceful and aromatic, this grassy, stylish, chalky red is a brilliant cuvée of cofermented Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Finer than the 2012 and a little riper too, this is a sappy, floral delight, showing just the right amount of oak. 2017-24 2015 Zuccardi Concreto Malbec Paraje Altamira 14% “Texture, not sweetness” is what Sebastián Zuccardi is looking for in this 80% whole bunchfermented Malbec, which, as it’s name suggests, sees no wood. Spicy and smooth, with meaty, tapenade notes that wouldn’t look out of place in the northern Rhône Valley, this is superbly balanced. 2016-23 2012 Zuccardi Zeta Uco Valley 15% Zeta combines Malbec from La Consulta with 13% Cabernet Sauvignon from Gualtallary, with a touch of whole bunches and ageing in large wooden foudres. The Cabernet gives the wine tannic depth and focus, allowing the Malbec to show its violet and lavender perfume and sweet blueberry fruit. 2017-24 Page 43 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 2013 Achával Ferrer Quimera Mendoza 14.5% There’s no Petit Verdot in the 2013 Quimera (it was hailed on), but more Cabernet Franc than usual. Spicy, chalky and sappy, with lots of red berry fruit, savoury tannins, stylish oak and notes of violets and blueberries. In short, this is a typically polished performance from the Achaval team. 2016-21 2014 Altocedro Pinot Noir La Consulta 14% Karim Mussi’s Pinot Noir is a delicious expression of the so-called heartbreak grape, sourced from La Consulta of all places. Pale and very subtle, with clove spice notes from partial whole bunch fermentation, sweet, succulent wild strawberry fruit and aromatic oak. Very exciting. 2016-19 2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Altamira Paraje Altamira 14% Showing the focus, perfume and grip that are a feature of many Altamira wines, this has bright acidity, sappy tannins, barely discernible oak, dark blackberry and damson fruit and typically chalky minerality. Brilliant and brave winemaking from the Chilea-Italian Altos crew. 2017-25 2013 Amalaya Finca San Isidro Corte Unico Salta 14.5% Barrel fermented in new oak, this is a perfumed, high quality blend of Malbec with 5% each of Tannat and Cabernet Sauvignon. Sweet plum and bramble flavours are complemented by supple tannins, stylish vanilla spice and a long, tapering finish. A superb follow up to the début 2012. 2017-21 2011 Atamisque Assemblage Uco Valley 15% Some of the Malbec fruit that goes into this blend with 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot comes from vines that are over 100 years old. It’s another very stylish, nuanced wine with sculpted tannins, chalky acidity and notes of umami, black fruits and dried herbs. 2016-21 2013 Bodega Aleanna El Enemigo Cabernet Franc Uco Valley 13.9% If you want to see what all the fuss is about Argentinean Cabernet Franc, try a bottle of this example (blended with 7% Malbec). The 50% whole bunches add spice and structure to a wine that’s bold, saline and complex, showing notes of spice, rich tannins and profound damson and black cherry fruit. 2016-22 2012 Bodega Aleanna El Gran Enemigo Gualtallary 13.9% This Cabernet Franc-based red contains lesser percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot, all of it grown on limestone soils in Gualtallary. It’s a big, powerful wine that needs time. Mint, dried Mediterranean herbs, whole bunch spices and rich, compact tannins. 2016-24 Page 44 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 94 2012 Bodega Aleanna El Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc Agrelo 13.9% Unusually for a Bodega Aleanna wine, this comes from Agrelo rather than the Uco Valley. It’s co-fermented with 15% Malbec and made with 100% whole bunches and very little oak influence. Spicy, powerful and sappy with notes of green pepper, clove and blueberry and a nuanced, balanced finish. 2016-23 94 94 94 94 94 94 2013 Bodega Cuarto Dominio Chento Single Lot Malbec Mendoza 13.9% A discovery for me this year, Javier Catena’s blend of Malbec with 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot is a revelation. It’s an ambitious, stylishly oaked wine showing delightful balance between crunchy fruit, fine tannins and minerally acidity. Very long and very polished. 2017-24 2015 Bodega Tacuil 33 de Dávalos Molinos 15.5% You’d imagine that a wine with 15.5% alcohol would taste a little jammy and over-ripe, but that’s not the case at Tacuil, where the wines have vitality and vibrancy, thanks to their high altitude. This 80/20 Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon blend is pure, balanced and wonderfully aromatic, showing violet, lavender and oregano notes. 2016-25 2013 Bodega Vistalba Corte A Vistalba 15% The Corte A blend is an assemblage of Malbec with 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Bonarda, with more evident new oak and more concentration. This is a ripe style, all right, but it’s polished and harmonious with figgy, raspberry and black cherry fruit and finegrained tannins. Classy winemaking. 2016-22 2010 Bressia Ultima Hoja Mendoza 14.5% There are only 1,700 bottles of this, the top Bressia cuvée made, and the blend is always a secret. It’s a bold, impressive red that sees 200% new French oak. Ripe, textured and full of dark berry fruit, this is suitably toasty on the palate, with masses of concentration for balance. 2016-22 2013 Buscado Vivo o Muerte La Verdad Gualtallary 14% My favourite Buscado wine is a co-fermented blend of Malbec with 7% Cabernet Franc, showing the wildness and intense perfume of Gualtallary. Savoury, aromatic and dense with pure, lifted fruit flavours of mulberry, bramble and blackcurrant, textured tannins and a grassy, green pepper note. 2017-25 2012 Casa Bianchi Enzo Bianchi San Rafael 14.5% First made by Paul Hobbs when he was a consultant at the winery, this is Bianchi’s top wine, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with 14% Malbec and 6% Petit Verdot. It’s a very polished, modern style Bordeaux blend sourced from chalk and volcanic soils, showing fine-grained tannins and piercing blackcurrant fruit. 2017-24 Page 45 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 2014 Casa de Uco Malbec Vista Flores 14.3% A brilliant second release from a fledgling Uco Valley operation, this varietal, cooler climate Malbec is sappy and refreshing, with taut, refreshing acidity, notes of wild herbs and fresh earth, some pepper and clove and a core of succulent black fruits underpinned by minerality. 2017-25 2013 Casa de Uco Malbec Vista Flores 14.3% This is the more expensive of the two Malbec releases from Casa de Uco, made with a little more oak and showing more dark fruit concentration. The freshness that makes the Salvaje such a delight is in evidence here, too. Blackberry, clove and pepper spice and a long, tapering finish. 2017-23 2013 Casarena DNA Cabernet Sauvignon Luján de Cuyo 14.7% Using genetic material taken from an old, parral-trellised vineyard, this is a very plush, yet complex Luján Cabernet showing why the variety does so well here. Smooth and textured, with ripe blackcurrant and blackberry fruit, savoury tannins and notes of green herbs and graphite. 2017-22 2013 Casarena Lauren’s Vineyard Cabernet Franc Agrelo 14.5% The vines are only seven years old, but this is still an impressive Cabernet Franc that’s very enticing on the nose and palate. Smooth, savoury and scented, with graphite and green pepper flavours, some fresh herbs and a hint of rose petal. Characteristically approachable and easy to drink. 2016-21 2013 Casarena Lauren’s Vineyard Malbec Agrelo 14.5% This rocky, limestone-influenced site makes exquisitely perfumed reds such as this one. Thyme, rosemary and lavender aromas segue into a plush, textured palate with savoury, finegrained tannins and well handled oak. Intense, yet refreshing. 2016-21 2013 Catena Alta Historic Rows Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 14% Catena is better known for its Malbecs than its Cabernet Sauvignons these days, but it’s equally good at making both varieties. This blend of Luján with 20% Uco fruit is a delicious expression of the grape, with impressive backbone and presence and notes of mint, fresh tobacco and dried herbs. 2016-22 2015 Chacra Cincuenta y Cinco Pinot Noir Río Negro 13.5% You may have to wait a while before this wine, sourced from the winery’s 1955 plantings, hits the market, as it’s just been bottled. The wait will be worth it, however. Sappy, stony and complex, it combines savoury, red berry fruit, a nip of tannin and stylish, understated oak. 2017-22 2014 Chakana Estate Selection Red Blend Uco Valley 14.5% Syrah has been dropped from the blend here, leaving Malbec with 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. This is a delicious, high-toned cuvée with notes of clove and white pepper, understated oak, seamless tannins and a palate-cleansing freshness that makes you want to go on drinking. 2016-23 Page 46 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 2015 Colomé Altura Máxima Lote Especial Pinot Noir Salta 14% A step up on the 2013 release (which was already impressive), this very high altitude Pinot Noir is made with two Burgundian clones, 777 and 115. Some whole bunches and notes of limestone freshness both add an extra dimension to this stylish, spicy, refined red. 2016-21 2013 Colomé Lote Especial Malbec El Arenal Salta 14.5% El Arenal is located at 2,600 metres and produces the deepest in colour as well as the most aromatic of the three special lot wines. Bloody, ferrous notes, dense tannins, lots of perfume and compact black fruit flavours supported by acidity. There’s an appealing wildness to this wine. 2017-24 2013 Colomé Lote Especial Malbec Molinos Salta 14.5% The Molinos Malbec comes from the Colomé Estate, located at 2,300 metres on granite and sandy soils. It’s a dense, well-upholstered red with good grip and extraction, savoury, dark fruits and balancing acidity. Long on the palate, it’s a stylish expression of a special place. 2017-22 2014 Dominio del Plata Benmarco Expresivo Gualtallary 14.5% Made from a combination of Malbec with 20% Cabernet Franc, both from high altitude Gualtallary, this is a serious, complex red blend that’s every bit as good as the 2013. Sappy, spicy and rich, this is abundantly perfumed, flavoursome and mineral-edged with a long, chalky finish. 2017-26 2013 Dominio del Plata Susana Balbo Limited Edition Malbec Paraje Altamira 14.5% The top Malbec at Dominio del Plata is fermented in concrete eggs and comes entirely from Altamira. It’s a dark, brooding, concentrated wine with compact tannins, a touch of oak from barrel maturation and bags of dense blackberry and liquorice flavours. A big wine that’s supported by acidity. 2017-25 2015 El Porvenir de Cafayate Laborum Single Vineyard Tannat Cafayate 14.5% This stunning Tannat comes from a 60-year-old parral vineyard and is picked late in the season when its tannins have had time to soften. Old oak fermented, it’s spicy and sweet, with a backbone of gruff tannins, notes of clove spice and refreshing acidity and layer upon layer of flavours. 2016-24 2012 Entonado Malbec Luján de Cuyo 14.5% Lucas Amoretti works for Daniel Pi at Trapiche but makes a little wine under his own label, too. This was a revelation to me, and suggests that Amoretti has a very promising future. Orange peel, blackberry fruit, fine tannins and refreshing, zesty acidity are skilfully combined here. A name to watch. 2016-23 2015 Escorihuela Gascón 1884 Malbec Biodinámico Mendoza 14% One of only a handful of biodynamic wines in Argentina, this is an impressive, even inspirational, Malbec. Rich, smooth and perfumed, it’s a savoury, complex, intense red that tastes as if it’s been infused with aromatic Mediterranean herbs. Spicy and scented with subtle oak and refreshing acidity. 2016-22 Page 47 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 2014 Fabre Montmayou Cabernet Franc Reserva Mendoza 14.5% You’d expect a Bordeaux winemaker to be good at producing Cabernet Franc, and that’s the case with Hervé Joyaux-Fabre. This comes from Perdriel, and sees no new oak at all, allowing the cool, grassy, spicy perfume of the grape to express itself. Leafy yet voluptuous, with plenty of structure. 2016-21 2013 Fabre Montmayou Malbec Gran Reserva Vistalba 14.4% This is a very ambitious, backward wine sourced from 60-year-old vines. Dense and complex, with plenty of tannic backbone and oak balanced by fresh acidity and layers of dark berry fruit, liquorice and Asian spices. It’s a shame that this will be drunk too young. 2017-25 2014 Fabre Montmayou Malbec Reserva Vistalba 14.5% Vistalba Malbec tends to be round and plush in style, and that’s the case here, but this is not a heavy wine. Notes of pepper spice, clove and violet are intertwined with the succulent dark berry fruit and toasty, yet refined oak. This is a beautifully judged wine with texture to spare. 2016-22 2013 Finca La Escarcha Entrelineas Malbec Tupungato 14.5% One of those wines you want to tell the whole world about, this is a stylish, refined Malbec from the Uco Valley exhibiting savoury, perfumed red berry fruit, lovely oak integration, fine-boned tannins, a hint of clove and white pepper and a long, balanced, refreshing finish. Nuanced winemaking. 2016-21 2013 Finca Las Moras Gran Syrah San Juan 15% Blending grapes from San Juan’s three valleys - Pedernal, Zonda and Tulúm - this is the latest in a run of excellent Syrahs from Las Moras. Black fruits, some tapenade, roasted meat and clove spice notes are supported by a foundation of fine-grained tannins and acidity. 2016-22 2012 José-Luis Mounier Laguna Brava Tannat Selected Reserve Cafayate 14% The more I taste Tannats of this quality, the more I think the variety has as much potential as Cabernet Franc in Argentina. This superb, barrel-fermented example comes from a 0.5-hectare planting and combines flavours of black pepper with dense fruit, grippy tannins and refreshing natural acidity. 2016-21 2014 Luca Malbec Uco Valley 14% By far the best Malbec I’ve tasted from Laura Catena’s personal project, this combines fruit from La Consulta, Gualtallary and Altamira. It’s a nuanced, focused wine that showcases the skills of winemaker Estela Perinetti, exhibiting lovely balance, acidity and peppery, blueberry notes. 2017-24 2013 Luca Nico by Luca High G Lot Pinot Noir Gualtallary 14% These high altitude plantings at 1,600 metres are still very young, but have enormous potential if this first release is a guide. Chalky red fruits, fine tannins and understated oak with excellent underlying freshness: like an Argentinean take on Chambolle-Musigny. 2016-21 Page 48 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 2014 Mater Vini Alteza Malbec Salta 14% Unlike the 2013 Alteza, this is made entirely with Salta fruit, shipped to Mendoza. Rich and densely coloured, it’s a highly scented wine with a slight volatile lift, subtle oak, plenty of clove and pepper spice and a minerally undertone. A Salta wine vinified in Luján by Santiago Achával. 2017-23 2014 Mater Vini Finca Malbec Perdriel 14.5% Made from an old vine parcel on what Santiago Achával calls “traditional Mendoza soils” in Perdriel, this benefits from low yields. It’s another impressive release from this new winery, balancing acidity, serious tannins and rich blueberry and black cherry fruit. Serve with a lump of protein to show at its best. 2017-22 2014 Mater Vini Piedras Viejas El Challao 14.5% This is remarkably good, especially given that it was produced from six-year-old vines in El Challao, located at 1,600 metres and to the west of Mendoza. Very dark, very intense and very mineral, this is very promising indeed, combining freshness with power, dark, savoury fruit with focus. 2017-24 2013 Mendel Unus Mendoza 14.7% A pan-Mendoza cuvée of Malbec with 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot, this is a very serious, age worthy red with lots of oak and structure and the complexity to develop further in bottle. The cooler vintage has produced a wine that’s savoury and a little backward, but with layers of dark, spicy fruit. 2017-24 2013 Noemía J Alberto Malbec Río Negro 14.5% The J Alberto bottling comes from the winery’s 1955 Vineyard in Mainque and is a blend of Malbec with 5% Merlot. Aromatic, savoury and dense, it’s a wine that’s made to age, showing the balance and fine tannins that are a hallmark of Hans Vinding-Diers’ winemaking, subtle oak, old vine density and a volatile lift. A cheaper alternative to Noemía. 2017-21 2012 Norton Lote L112 Malbec Lunlunta 14.8% You’d expect a wine from warmer Eastern Mendoza to be pretty ripe, but this Lunlunta Malbec comes from a cooler site close to the Mendoza River. Spice, black fruits, fine, chalky tannins and deft oak integration make this another impressive Lot Series wine from Norton. 2016-23 2010 Norton Perdriel Vineyard Selection Perdriel 14.5% One of the two top wines at Norton, this Luján red is dominated by Malbec with 28% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Merlot. It’s a bold, strapping number with a lot of oak, dense tannins and rich plum, black fig and damson fruit underpinned by acidity. Just coming into its own at six years old. 2016-22 2012 Norton Privada Malbec Mendoza 14.5% Older than the Privada blend, but also more backward, this is a blend of grapes from Luján and the Uco Valley. Sappy and firm, with plenty of structure and fruit weight, it still needs a little time in bottle to show at its best. But what a wine we have in prospect. 2017-24 Page 49 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 2014 Per Se Francesca Vista Flores 14.5% The grapes for this three-way blend of Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Franc come from Chacayes, just above Clos de los Siete, from one of the coolest sites in the area. It’s a serious wine that is still showing a little reduction at the moment, but is packed with dark bramble and blackberry fruit and underpinned by acidity. Still a baby. 2017-25 2012 Pulenta Estate Gran Malbec Mendoza 14.5% Combining fruit from Agrelo and the Uco Valley, and using leaf plucking to expose the bunches, the Pulentas have made a delicious wine in 2102. Concentrated and structured, with vibrant violet, plum and blackberry notes, stylish new oak and palate-cleansing acidity. One for the cellar. 2016-25 2013 Pulenta Estate Single Vineyard Finca Don Antonio Malbec Uco Valley 14.5% Showing more acidity than the La Zulema bottling, reflecting its Uco Valley origins, this is sappy, spicy and perfumed with bright acidity, chiselled tannins and scented, palatecaressing bramble and blueberry fruit. An excellent addition to the Pulenta range. 2017-14 2013 Pulenta Estate Single Vineyard Gualtallary Malbec Uco Valley 14.5% You can almost taste the chalk in this northern Uco Valley red, made with purchased fruit from Tupungato Winelands. It’s the most tannic and focused of the three site-specific Malbecs, with masses of colour, smooth oak, a mineral flourish and spicy, blackberry and damson flavours. 2017-25 2012 Pyros Special Blend Pedernal 14% Inky in colour, as the wines from this valley tend to be, the Special Blend is a cuvée of Malbec with 22% Syrah and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. Ginger spice and blood orange aromas segue into a dense, ripe, well-balanced red with seamless oak and a mineral finish. 2017-23 2014 Riccitelli Wines República del Malbec Vistalba 14.5% Sourced from a vineyard planted in 1908, this 6,000-bottle Malbec is among the most complex in the Riccitelli line-up. Intense, textured and voluptuous, with some spice, a hint of chalk, ripe black fruits and a tannic backbone. Definitely worth cellaring a few of these. 2017-24 2014 Riglos Gran Cabernet Franc Tupungato 14.5% Over a third of the plantings in Riglos’ 17-hectare Gualtallary site is Cabernet Franc and it’s a variety that Juan Carlos Rodríguez makes as well as anyone. Cool, refreshing and grassy, this is a wine with plenty of texture and structure. Green pepper, graphite and leafy coolness are supported by refreshing acidity. 2017-24 2013 Rutini Apartado Gran Malbec Uco Valley 14.6% A top end, pan-Uco Valley blend from Tupungato, La Consulta and Paraje Altamira, this is a rich, age- worthy wine that’s just beginning to develop in bottle. Intense, focused and concentrated, with dark berry and bramble fruit, chocolatey oak and impressive palate length. Very polished. 2017-24 Page 50 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 94 2012 Rutini Single Vineyard Malbec Paraje Altamira 14.2% Typical of the bold modern style favoured by Mariano di Paola at Rutinin, this is rich and deeply coloured with well handled 80% new oak, stylish tannins, floral plum, liquorice and blueberry fruit flavours, some dried herbs and a frisson of underlying chalky acidity. 2017-24 2013 Salentein Numina Cabernet Franc Uco Valley 14.5% If you want to understand why I’m so excited about the potential of Cabernet Franc in Argentina, buy yourself a bottle of this very impressive example. Leafy, complex and deeply coloured, with some spice, plush tannins and grassy plum and green pepper fruit underpinned by bright acidity. 2016-22 2013 Salentein Numina Gran Corte Uco Valley 14.5% What a delicious, sure-footed, Malbec-dominated blend of the five Bordeaux varieties this is. Complex and understated, with scented vanilla oak, fine-grained tannins, refreshing acidity and layer after layer of cassis, plum, blackberry and blueberry fruit. Refined, understated winemaking. 2017-25 2014 Salentein Single Vineyard Altamira Plot No. 1 Malbec Paraje Altamira 14.5% Salentein’s first Malbec release from its 10 hectares in Paraje Altamira is an auspicious début. Savoury and complex, with the precision and focus that the sub-region often seems to provide, it’s an aromatic, pepper and ginger spicy red with some chocolatey oak and good palate length. 2016-24 2014 Salentein Single Vineyard Plot No. 1 Pinot Noir Uco Valley 14% Salentein’s top Pinot hails from one of the highest vineyards in the Uco Valley, planted in 2002. It’s one of the country’s best interpretations of this tricky variety, showing clove spice from 10% whole bunches, notes of mint and summer berries and very stylish oak integration. 2017-25 2013 SonVida Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 14% This is a remarkable Cabernet Sauvignon from David and Sonia Smith, which marks a significant improvement on the already promising 2012 release. Lacy tannins, bright acidity and scented, leafy blackcurrant fruit are underscored by acidity and complemented by finegrained oak. One of the best Cabernets in Latin America. 2017-23 2010 Tempus Alba Vero Malbec Mendoza 14% Vero contains one third of each of the three best Malbec clones at Tempus Alba and is a brilliant justification of the work Aldo Biondillo has done with the grape. Fragrant, polished and well balanced, with stylish oak, refreshing natural acidity and a combination of red cherry, plum and orange peel flavours. 2016-19 2011 Terrazas de los Andes Single Parcel Los Castaños Malbec Paraje Altamira 14.5% This is so dark it’s virtually opaque. Suitably rich and viscous on the palate, it’s a dense, structured, layered Malbec that’s made to age. The plushness of the black fruits is complemented by sweet oak and balanced by acidity and minerality. Very serious stuff. 2016-24 Page 51 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 94 2012 Terrazas de los Andes Single Vineyard Las Compuertas Malbec Las Compuertas 14.6% Areas like Las Compuertas tend to get overlooked by wine lovers, such is the buzz about the Uco Valley these days, but they shouldn’t be. This has lots of floral perfume, attractive spices, structured tannins, impressive focus and a sheen of polished oak. 2016-23 94 2013 Viña Cobos Bramare Marchiori Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 14.5% This exceptional vineyard on the border between Perdriel and Agrelo seems to be especially well suited to Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a ripe style, but it’s crafted with precision, showing bright mint and blackcurrant notes, scented oak and a backbone of defined tannins. Worth cellaring, too. 2016-25 94 94 94 94 94 2012 Viña Cobos Bramare Rebon Vineyard Malbec La Consulta 14.5% Paul Hobbs makes this impressive Malbec with only 10-year-old purchased fruit from La Consulta. It’s a classic Viña Cobos style showing textured tannins, ripe blueberry and blackberry fruit, expertly handled oak, some Asian spices and enough acidity for balance. Ripe, yet well judged. 2016-22 2013 Viña Cobos Bramare Zingaretti Vineyard Malbec Tupungato 14.5% Zingaretti was planted in the 1920s on alluvial soils, but this is only the second release under the Cobos label. Finesse, nuance and freshness combine winningly on the nose and palate here, with subtle, chalky undertones, filigree tannins and impressive oak integration. One of the freshest wines in the winery’s portfolio and all the better for it. 2016-23 2012 Viña Cobos Volturno Mendoza 14.5% There’s considerably less Malbec in this vintage of Paul Hobbs and Andrea Marchiori’s Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend in 2013, but the style remains consistent: muscular, dense and made to age, with concentrated black fruits, deftly handled oak and layers of intensity. Powerful stuff. 2016-24 2006 Weinert Cavas de Weinert Gran Vino Luján de Cuyo 15% Aged for four years in large oak barrels and a further two in concrete before release, there’s something wonderfully unhurried about this wine. It’s still remarkably fresh and sprightly, with perfume, medium weight tannins and complex, savoury, gamey fruit flavours. Very fine, very long. 2016-21 1997 Weinert Cavas de Weinert Gran Vino Luján de Cuyo 14.5% Remarkable for both its age and continuing availability, this blend of Cabernet, Malbec and Merlot is another mature, savoury, complex wine from the Weinert team. Minerally, refreshing and well balanced, with notes of leather, game and tobacco leaf and considerable grip and focus. 2016-20 Page 52 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 94 94 94 93 93 93 93 93 1999 Weinert Estrella Merlot Luján de Cuyo 14.8% You could argue that the winemaking style almost overrides the differences between varieties at Weinert. There is definitely a house style, but it’s one I love. Floral, dried herbs, some forest floor, sweet red fruits, good acidity and a fine, well-structured tannic backbone: another very impressive red. 2016-22 2015 Zorzal Eggo Franco Gualtallary 13.9% My favourite of the current crop of concrete-fermented Eggo wines, this spends five months on skins, providing added structure. Pure and grassy, with fine-grained tannins, complex, perfumed fruit, a twist of the pepper grinder and refreshing acidity. 2016-21 2014 Zuccardi Emma Zuccardi Bonarda Paraje Altamira 12.9% There’s only one Emma Zuccardi bottling these days - the one from eastern Mendoza is no more - but what a wine it is. Floral, rose petal notes segue into unoaked flavours of raspberry, strawberry and plum, fine tannins and an elegance that’s almost Pinot Noir like. As good as Bonarda gets. 2016-21 2013 2km Paraje Altamira 13% Juan Pablo Michelini of Zorzal is the winemaker behind this exciting new Malbec/Cabernet Franc blend, introduced to me by my friend Aldo Graziani. Fine, floral and aromatic, it shows the freshness and fruit focus that are typical of all his wines, with notes of pepper spice and lovely balance. 2016-21 2012 A Pepa Blend Cafayate 14.5% Alejandro Pepa is the oenologist at El Estesco, who also makes this Malbec with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon from Tolombón on the side. It’s a silky, refined cuvée with subtle oak, fine tannins, wild herb aromas, bright acidity and scented, cassis and blueberry fruit. 2017-21 2014 Achaval Ferrer Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 14% Tasted pre-bottling last year, this has confirmed its promise in the intervening 12 months, overcoming what was a difficult vintage. Combining fruit from Medrano, Perdriel and Tupungato it’s sweet and smooth, with attractive oak, bright acidity and fine-grained tannins. 2016-20 2013 Achaval Ferrer Finca Mirador Medrano 14.2% There was no Finca Mirador in 2012, as the crop was wiped out by hail, so it’s good to see the 2013 back in the range. The oak regime has changed, according to Santiago Achaval, to promote freshness in the wine. This is sweet and succulent with plush tannins, a hint of liquorice and a minerally frisson. 2016-21 2013 Alta Vista Atemporal Blend Mendoza 14.5% Atemporal combines Malbec with Cabernet Sauvignon to very fine effect. Deeply coloured and concentrated, this is spicy, leafy and full of crunchy black fruits, all framed by aromatic oak and filigree tannins. Long and very well balanced. 2017-23 Page 53 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 2012 Alta Vista Single Vineyard Temis Malbec Mendoza 15% Temis is the top Malbec at Alta Vista and gets the full on oak treatment. It’s a ripe, dense, figgy wine with layers of dark berry and plain chocolate, structured tannins, an undertone of liquorice and the power and concentration to age. A big, strapping red. 2017-23 2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve Uco Valley 13.9% Combining grapes from three Uco Valley sources, all of them on limestone soils in Paraje Altamira, Vista Flores and Gualtallary, this is another focused, balanced, refreshing red from the Altos team. Crunchy blackberry fruit, pepper spice and understated oak with a savoury, umami-like undertone. 2016-22 2013 Andeluna Pasionado Cabernet Franc Tupungato 14.2% This is showing a little more tannin than the remarkable 2012, but maybe that’s the result of the cooler year. It’s still a first rate expression of the grape in Gualtallary, revealing classic green herb, cassis and graphite notes, tangy acidity and subtle oak integration. Maybe it just needs a little time. 2017-23 2013 Anko Tigerstone Malbec Estancia Los Cardones Salta 14% The third release of this wine from granite and limestone soils is every bit as good as what proceeded it. It’s a concentrated, focused style that’s less alcoholic than many of the local reds, revealing layers of rosemary, thyme, plum and black cherry underpinned by minerality. 2016-20 2013 Atamisque Catalpa Assemblage Uco Valley 15% The Atamisque reds are distinguished by their perfume and fine-grained tannins. This blend of Cabernet Franc with 20% Merlot and 10% each of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon is no exception, featuring subtle oak, grassy yet ripe flavours, bright acidity and a long, tapering palate. 2016-21 2015 Atamisque Serbal Cabernet Franc Tupungato 14% Serbal is the cheaper of the two ranges at Atamisque, which makes this scented, refined Cabernet Franc an outstanding bargain. Poised and perfumed, it has a touch of oak, cool elegance and notes of green pepper, chalk and cassis. 2016-19 2012 Avarizza Blend Number 1 Mendoza 14.5% Building on the success of the 2011 release, this cuvée of Malbec with 34% Cabernet Sauvignon is showing greater focus, balance and restraint. Scented oak, fine-grained tannins and leafy, crunchy freshness make this a wine that’s gratifyingly easy to drink. 2016-23 2013 Bodega Aleanna El Enemigo Bonarda Mendoza 13.1% Bonarda can be a really interesting grape in Argentina - when it comes from 80-year-old vines and is treated with care and attention. There’s barely any oak influence here, just clove spices from whole bunches, a hint of graphite from a dash of Cabernet Franc and a rich, sappy, red fruited finish. 2016-20 Page 54 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 2013 Bodega del Río Elorza Malbec Reserva Río Negro 14% 2013 was a cool year in Patagonia (and elsewhere in Argentina) which has given the best wines crunchy, well defined acidity. This is sappy and bright, with classic violet and lily aromas, fine tannins and lingering palate length. This winery continues to impress. 2016-21 2015 Bodega Tacuil Cabernet Sauvignon Molinos 15.7% This is only sold in Argentina, which is a shame because it’s excellent. Densely coloured, concentrated and unoaked (of course), it’s structured, tannic and slightly wild, but like all the Tacuil reds not over-bearing or jammy. The acidity and minerality give the wine freshness and palate length. 2017-22 2014 Bodega Tacuil Doña Ascensión Molinos 15.5% To the disapproval of the older generation, this blend of Malbec with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon was aged in older oak. First made in 2003, it’s atypical, but none the worse for that. Spicy, structured and mineral-edged with plenty of herby perfume and just a hint of vanilla. 2016-21 2015 Bodega Tacuil RD Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon Molinos 15% Bottled specially for the Gaucho Grill restaurant chain in the UK, this impressive blend of Malbec and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon is typical of the intense, but resolutely unoaked Tacuil style, as developed by Raul Dávalos Senior, showing wild herb “garrigue” notes, plums and ripe, savoury tannins. 2016-21 2013 Bodega Teho Teho Malbec Tomal Vineyard La Consulta 13.9% The Tomal Vineyard is in La Consulta, next to Paraje Altamira, and contains a field blend of Malbec with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Tempranillo and Syrah. The result is a typically focused, densely concentrated, stony red with dark, tarry berry fruit and firm tannins. 2017-23 2013 Bodega Teho Zaha El Corte Toko Vineyard Paraje Altamira 14% Made from Malbec co-fermented with 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a dense, structured Paraje Altamira red built for the long haul. Earthy, cassis and blackberry fruit, some dried herbs, well used oak and a tangy, chalky finish give this the concentration to age. 2017-21 2014 Bodega Vistalba Corte B Luján de Cuyo 15.1% Riper and richer than the Corte C, as well as a little oakier, this is a blend of Malbec with 14% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Bonarda, of all things. It’s a plush, hedonistic red with succulent raspberry and strawberry fruit and the fine tannins that are a feature of Bodega Vistalba’s wines. 2016-21 2013 Bodega Vistalba Tomero Petit Verdot Reserva Uco Valley 15% Picked very late, in order to soften Petit Verdot’s fairly fearsome tannins, this is one of the best examples of the grape in Argentina. Aromatic and smooth, with inky blackberry and damson fruit, plenty of perfume and tangy acidity, this finishes with a firm grip. 2016-22 Page 55 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 93 2011 Bressia Conjuro Mendoza 15.3% Conjuro comes entirely from the Uco Valley and is a cuvée of mostly Malbec with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot. This is a big, ripe wine that’s showing its 100% new oak at the moment, but has the tannic backbone, structure and compact fruit weight to develop in bottle. 2017-22 93 2014 Bressia Monteagrelo Cabernet Franc 93 2013 Buscado Vivo o Muerte El Indio 93 93 93 93 93 Uco Valley 14.5% The Bressia Cabernet Franc comes from La Consulta and is suitably dense and profound. The 100% new oak is consumed by the wine here, which is classically spicy and floral, with hints of cut grass and graphite, fine-grained tannins and enough acidity to balance the fruit ripeness. 2016-22 El Cepillo 14% Malbec is co-fermented with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Tempranillo here and the wine has corresponding notes of mint and cassis, as well as a stiff backbone of tannin and acidity. Plush fruit flavours are complemented by the stony grip and minerality that’s a feature of the Buscado range. 2017-23 2013 Buscado Vivo o Muerte El Límite Las Pareditas 14% A blend of mostly Malbec with 7% Tempranillo and 4% Syrah, this comes from a cool vineyard to the south of El Cepillo, where even the Tempranillo has firmish tannins. It’s a seamless blend of the three co-fermented grapes with bright acidity, plum and red berry fruit and a compact finish. 2017-23 2013 Buscado Vivo o Muerte San Jorge Paraje Altamira 14% As intense in colour as it is on the nose and palate, this is a stony, focused blend of Malbec with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc. It’s a wine that needs more time to integrate the dense, compact tannins, but has remarkable damson and blackberry fruit weight and concentration. 2017-24 2015 Cara Sur Bonarda Calingasta 13.5% This is the fourth vintage of this wine, produced from old, parral-trained vines in the rediscovered region of Calingasta at 1,500 metres. Spicy, firm and grippy, with sappy, whole bunch flavours, no oak and crunchy bramble, raspberry and blackberry fruit. An exceptional Bonarda. 2016-19 2013 Caro Amancaya Mendoza 14.5% There’s a slight farmyardy note to this wine, but it adds a hint of Bordeaux-like complexity on the palate and isn’t unpleasant in context. Combining Malbec with one third Cabernet, this pan-Mendoza blend is subtle and fine, showing polished tannins, classy oak handling and impressive balance. 2016-22 2013 Casa Bianchi Particular Malbec San Rafael 13.9% Sourced only from San Rafael, this sees more oak than the pan-Mendoza Malbec from the same winery but has the structure to soak up the barrel staves. Baking spices, plums and blueberry fruit are complemented by plush tannins and refreshing, tapering acidity. 2016-21 Page 56 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 2014 Casa de Uco Salvaje Malbec Vista Flores 14.3% The 2014s from this pioneering new real estate and hotel project won’t be released for a while, but they are every bit as good as the 2013s. Spicy and aromatic, with the sort of aromas you find in the garrigue of the Languedoc, this is peppery, intense and refined with understated oak. 2017-21 2013 Casarena DNA Malbec Mendoza 14.7% As its name suggests, this was made with the same massal selection planted in various different vineyards. It’s a crowd pleasing style with rich, ripe, succulent fruit sweetness, plenty of aromatic oak and spice and a backbone of tannin. 2016-21 2013 Casarena Jamilla’s Vineyard Malbec Perdriel 14.5% Denser and less floral than the Malbec from Lauren’s Vineyard, this comes from a site close to the Mendoza River. There’s an appealingly green note to the fruit here, bringing a little freshness to the wine. Plush and rich, but with plenty of acidity and brightness for balance. 2016-22 2013 Catena Alta Historic Rows Malbec Mendoza 14% Sourced from four different vineyards in Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley (with the latter origin dominating the blend), this is made up of 75 lots and is a seamless, aromatic cuvée from the brilliant Alejandro Vigil. Violets and lavender on the nose segue into flavours of blueberry and blackberry. 2016-21 2012 Catena Appellation Cabernet Franc San Carlos 13.5% The vines in this Los Indios planting at the southern end of the Uco Valley were planted as recently as 2003, but are already making a very impressive, varietally pure Cabernet Franc. Deeply coloured, aromatic and refreshing, with notes of spice, blackcurrant and graphite underpinned by acidity. 2016-21 2014 Catena Appellation Malbec La Consulta 13.5% Made from 60-year-old vines situated in the cooler, lower part of La Consulta, this shows the red and black fruit sweetness that’s a hallmark of the Catena reds, supported by fineboned tannins, deftly handled French oak and plenty of texture. The alcohol is appealingly restrained, too. 2016-20 2014 Catena Appellation Malbec Paraje Altamira 13.5% Showing the freshness and minerality that’s often a feature of Altamira wines, this is the finest and most focused of the Catena appellation Malbecs. Sappy and tangy, with sculpted tannins and scented plum, damson and blackberry fruit underpinned by a chalky bite. 2016-22 2013 Catena Riverstone Malbec Adrianna Vineyard Uco Valley 14.1% A new, high end release from the Catena team, this is sourced entirely from the Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary. It’s a lovely combination of sweet, spicy red fruits, vanilla oak and refreshing, palate-cleansing acidity, with the underlying minerality that’s such as strong feature of the upper Uco. 2016-22 Page 57 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 93 93 93 93 93 93 2015 Chacra Barda Pinot Noir Patagonia 13% Barda is only the “entry point” Pinot at Chacra, but always a lovely drink that often outperforms most other Argentinean examples of the heartbreak grape. The 2015 release may be the best yet: bright and elegant, with subtle red fruit sweetness and just a hint of oak spice. 2016-20 2014 Chakana Estate Selection Malbec Uco Valley 14.5% Chakana’s wines are getting better with every vintage under winemaker Gabriel Bloise. This concrete-fermented Malbec was aged in old oak and is all about fruit and finesse. Minerally, focused and refreshing, this is long and satisfying with a chalky flourish. 2016-22 2013 Chaman El Vuelo del Chaman Viña Alberico Gualtallary 14% My favourite Chaman wines is made with purchased fruit from Tupungato Winelands in Gualtallary and is a blend of Cabernet Franc with 25% each of whole bunch-fermented Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. Chalky, focused and smooth with haunting perfume and deftly integrated oak. 2017-23 2013 Colomé Estate Malbec Salta 14.5% Colomé’s estate Malbec is a blend of the three special lot wines, with Molinos contributing the bulk of the cuvée. Showing the freshness of a cooler vintage, this is sappy, savoury and firm with just a touch of oak, spicy, wild herbs on a serious, focused finish. 2017-23 2014 Corazón del Sol Cab/Cab Uco Valley 14.5% As its label suggests, this is an equal blend of Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon, which confirms the promise of this exciting Uco Valley winery. This is an ambitious, age worthy style with lots of dark blackberry and damson fruit, fine-grained tannins and leafy, grassy complexity. The oak is very polished, too. 2016-21 2012 Corazón del Sol Malbec Gran Reserva Uco Valley 15% Made by Santiago Achaval, this comes from an up-and-coming Uco Valley project that was established as recently as 2008. It’s a big step-up on the basic Malbec, showing a winning combination of violet and lavender on the nose and a poised, focused palate with intense mint and blueberry notes. 2016-21 93 2014 Corazón del Sol Syrah 93 2013 De Angeles Viña 1924 Single Vineyard Malbec Uco Valley 14.2% Right up there with the very best Syrahs in the country, this comes from young vines planted in Vista Flores. It’s like an Argentinean Crozes-Hermitage in style, showing black olive, white pepper and sweet blackberry fruit, with subtle oak and balancing acidity. Promising stuff. 2016-22 Vistalba 14.5% When you’re using old vine fruit, as Juan Manuel González is here, you don’t need a lot of timber. Only 20% of this impressive wine sees third-year oak. It’s a pure, scented, complex wine with notes of Asian spices, some pepper and sweet, perfumed, well balanced berry flavours. 2016-22 Page 58 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 93 93 93 2012 DiamAndes de Uco Icono Uco Valley 14.6% The top wine at this French-owned bodega in Vista Flores is a blend of Malbec with 31% Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s a perfumed and comparatively subtle style, despite the relatively high alcohol, showing notes of mint, violet and dried herbs, subtle oak and fine tannins. 2016-21 2014 Dominio del Plata Benmarco Malbec Uco Valley 14% This is an ambitious wine that is still rather closed at the moment. Sourced from Vista Flores and Chacayes, it’s all about rich, bramble and blackberry fruit, firm age-worthy tannins and powerful tannins. This another compact red that’s aimed at the medium to long-term. 2017-23 2014 Dominio del Plata Susana Balbo Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Uco Valley 14% Cabernet Sauvignons from the upper Uco Valley can be a little too green at times, but that’s not the case here. It’s certainly showing some grassy notes, but there’s plenty of blackcurrant fruit weight, tannin and oak for support. Stylish yet firm, this needs a little more time in bottle. 2017-25 93 93 93 93 2014 Dominio del Plata Susana Balbo Signature Malbec Mendoza 14% Made with purchased grapes from Altamira, this impressive, limestone-influenced Malbec contains 6% Petit Verdot. It’s a scented, well balanced expression of the grape with bright acidity, crunchy blackberry fruit, well integrated oak and filigree tannins. More evidence of the change of style here. 2016-21 2014 Doña Paula 1350 Gualtallary 14% A densely coloured, upper Uco Valley blend of Cabernet Franc with 45% Malbec and 5% Casavecchia, this is concentrated, tannic and structured, with the fruit power, acidity and backbone to age further and a chalky undertone. The oak needs a little more time to bed in. 2017-25 2012 Doña Paula El Alto Parcel Malbec Luján de Cuyo 14.5% This 44-year-old Ugarteche vineyard is based on clay soils and makes broader, more textured wines as a result. Plush, supple and ripe, with dense plum and blueberry fruit flavours, medium weight tannins and excellent oak integration. 2016-21 2012 El Esteco Chañar Punco Malbec Catamarca 15.5% Chañar Punco is a cooler zone in Catamarca, located at 2,000 metres. This excellent blend of Malbec with 35% Cabernet Sauvignon is dense and spicy, with plenty of firm tannins, concentrated, savoury fruit and some limestone-like freshness. The alcohol seems lower than it is. 2016-21 Page 59 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 2013 El Esteco Fincas Notables Cabernet Franc Calchaqui Valley 14.5% Part of the El Esteco Cabernet Franc goes into the Altimus blend, but here it gets solo billing. The vineyard was only planted in 2007, but the result shows that the variety works well in Cafayate as well as Mendoza. Blackcurrant leaf, a hint of green pepper and good grip. 2016-21 2013 El Porvenir de Cafayate El Porvenir Icono Cafayate 14.5% Described by owner Lucia Romero as “our family icon” , this is a blend of Malbec with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Tannat and 3% Petit Verdot. Made in a cooler vintage, this is still quite a ripe style, aimed at the US market perhaps, but it’s sweet, dense and well balanced with attractive oak. 2016-22 2014 El Porvenir de Cafayate Laborum Single Vineyard Malbec Cafayate 14.5% Sourced from the Finca Río Seco, this is a very polished expression of the grape, showing the stylish oak integration that’s a feature of properties where Paul Hobbs consults. Scented and well balanced, with lavender and rosemary aromas, and rich, spicy blueberry fruit. 2017-22 2014 Fabre Montmayou Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva Mendoza 14.5% The polish and poise that are so typical of the Fabre Montmayou style are gloriously in evidence here on this varietal Cabernet Sauvignon. Notes of chocolate, green pepper and graphite combine attractively on the palate, with stylish oak, filigree tannins and lovely fruit weight. 2016-22 2012 Finca Ambrosía Precioso Malbec Gualtallary 15.5% Made in small quantities by the team at Altos Las Hormigas, this project is owned by 11 shareholders and is a classic expression of high altitude Gualtallary. Deeply coloured, pepper spicy and intense, with aromatic herbs, some chalk and assertive but stylish French oak. 2017-24 2014 Finca El Origen Estate Blend Uco Valley 14.6% Owned by the Chilean winery, Santa Carolina, this Vista Flores-based bodega makes stylish reds on this side of the Andes. This almost equal blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec is serious, smooth and violet-scented with aromatic clove and pepper spice, plush fruit and bright acidity. 2016-21 2013 Finca La Escarcha Entrelineas Syrah Tupungato 13.8% A wine that wouldn’t look out of place in a flight of top-end Rhône Valley reds, this is a refined, scented Syrah that doesn’t need to try too hard. Crunchy red berry fruit, finegrained tannins, underplayed oak, lots of pepper spice and a tapering, refreshing finish. 2016-21 2012 Finca Sophenia Synthesis The Blend Tupungato 15% A complex, stylishly oaked blend of Malbec with 26% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Merlot, this combines ripe cassis and mulberry fruit notes, firm, but well integrated tannins, good minerality and plenty of refreshing acidity. 2016-21 Page 60 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 93 93 2012 Fuego Blanco Cabernet Franc/Malbec Pedernal 13.8% What a delicious wine this is, fully exploiting the quality of the grapes from this high altitude valley. Mixing Cabernet Franc with 40% Malbec, fermented with 100% whole bunches, this is dark, dense and complex, with notes of Mediterranean herbs, spicy tannins and a sustained finish. 2016-21 2013 Fuego Blanco Malbec/Syrah Pedernal 14.2% The Millan family only planted these vines in 2004, but this is already looking like one of the very best sites in San Juan. This 60/40 blend of Malbec with Syrah is fresh, grippy and very aromatic, with notes of chalky freshness, lavender and oregano, spicy whole bunches and layered tannins. 2016-21 93 2012 González y González 93 2013 Huentala Wines Edition Malbec 93 2013 José-Luis Mounier Malbec 93 93 93 Mendoza 15% Combining grapes from Vistalba and Gualtallary, this is made by Manuel González of Andeluna and Juan Manuel González of De Angeles, two of the best oenologists in the country. It’s a rich but refined blend of equal parts Cabernet Franc and Malbec, with dense, herbal notes and concentrated berry fruit. 2017-21 Gualtallary 15% This comparatively new, money-is-no-object winery owned by Julio Camsen is also a boutique hotel. Made by Roberto de la Mota, this is a rich, ripe slightly international style Malbec with plenty of colour and oak, some savoury, green herb and pepper spice notes and chalky minerality. 2017-23 Cafayate 13.5% Made with grapes from a cooler corner of José-Luis Mounier’s home vineyard in Cafayate, this is a gently oaked, refined Malbec with attractive mulberry and blueberry fruit and less overt ripeness than many local examples of the grape. 2016-20 2014 José-Luis Mounier Mercedes Cafayate 13.8% Named after Señora Mounier, this is a classic Cafayate blend of Malbec with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon showing abundant wild herb notes of rosemary and thyme, sweet violet and blackberry fruit, sappy tannins and a hint of green pepper. The tannins are very refined indeed. 2016-21 2014 La Mascota Cabernet Franc Cruz de Piedra 14% La Mascota has made a stand alone Cabernet Franc for the last three vintages and it’s a hugely impressive expression of the variety. Balanced, refined and very aromatic, with underplayed oak, notes of violet and green pepper and a spicy, mineral-edged flourish. 2016-20 2014 La Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon Cruz de Piedra 14% Opi Sadler is usually seen as a Malbec specialist, but this shows that he’s equally adept at making Cabernet Sauvignon. The tannins are particularly fine here, complemented by a note of whole bunch spice, good focus and palate length and aromatic cassis and graphite flavours. 2016-21 Page 61 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 2013 La Mascota Gran Mascota Malbec Mendoza 15% La Consulta supplies most of the fruit for this floral, effortlessly modern Malbec from Opi Sadler. As ever with his wines, the balance of alcohol, oak, fruit and acidity is exquisitely judged. Clove spice, violets, lavender and a chalky undertone are complemented by plush blackberry sweetness. 2016-21 2012 La Mascota Unánime Uco Valley 14.5% Unánime is a blend of three grapes, combining Cabernet Sauvignon with 25% Malbec and 15% Cabernet Franc, all from the southern end of the Uco Valley. It’s more tannic and concentrated than most of the La Mascota wines, with some clove and nutmeg spice and lashings of black fruits. 2016-24 2013 Lagarde Primeras Viñas Cabernet Sauvignon Luján de Cuyo 14% Proof, if it were needed, that Luján makes very smart Cabernet Sauvignon in the right spots, this is rich, dense and well balanced. Dark cassis and damson fruit is complemented by savoury tannins and refreshing acidity. 2016-20 2013 Lagarde Primeras Viñas Malbec Luján de Cuyo 14.1% Combining old vine material from Drummond and Perdriel, this impressive Malbec is way less oaky than previous releases and all the better for it. It’s smooth and polished, with plenty of texture, detailed tannins and ripe red fruits sweetness supported by acidity. 2017-21 2014 Leo Borsi Clos Ultralocal Malbec Paraje Altamira 15.5% The best of the three Ultralocal Malbecs from Rhône Valley oenologist, Leo Borsi, this has alcohol levels that wouldn’t look out of place in Châteauneuf-du-Pape but is balanced by chalky minerality and crunchy, floral black fruits. An attractive, textured Malbec with violet and liquorice perfume. 2017-22 2014 Luca G Lot Pinot Noir Gualtallary 14% Laura Catena’s Pinot Noir comes from parcels that were planted in 1994 and 1997, using Dijon and Pommard clones. It’s a subtle, well framed Pinot that’s all about perfume and finesse, with filigree tannins, raspberry and pomegranate notes and a chalky finish. 2016-20 2014 Manos Negras Quimay Paraje Altamira 14% This is a deeply coloured, even inky blend of Malbec and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon from one of the best spots in the Uco Valley. Compact and focused, it’s all about texture and complexity, with dark berry and cassis fruit, fine-grained tannins, bright, minerally acidity and a refreshing finish. 2017-23 2013 Mater Vini Alteza Malbec Argentina 14.8% An innovative, cross-regional blend that combines 85% Malbec from Domingo Molina Hermanos in Salta and 15% from La Consulta in the Uco Valley. Inky and rich, this sees 100% new oak, but doesn’t show it. Savoury, compact and dense, it’s a wine that will develop considerably in bottle. 2016-22 Page 62 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 2014 Mater Vini Antes Andes Malbec Calchaqui Valley 15% Sourced from the picturesque Rupestre Vineyard between Molinos and Cafayate, this shows the typical Mediterranean herb notes of northern Argentina, with thyme and rosemary on the nose. Bottled early for freshness, it’s savoury and floral and has the freshness to balance its ripe, sweet fruit. 2016-21 2014 Mendel Cabernet Sauvignon Perdriel 14.5% The Mendel Cabernet comes from an alluvial vineyard close to the Mendoza River. This is a little riper than the 2013, but has a similar tannin structure, plenty of Cabernet backbone and cassis notes, supporting acidity and very good palate length. Another Mendel wine that is made to age. 2016-23 2014 Mendel Malbec Mendoza 14.5% This Malbec is one of those wines that never lets you down, even in tricky vintages like 2014. Serious and complex, it has succulent black fruits, well handled (10% new) oak, notes of dried herbs, savoury tannins and good supporting acidity. This has the structure to age further. 2016-21 2014 Mendel Petit Verdot Luján de Cuyo 14.6% Grafted over from Malbec in 2014, this is one of a comparatively small number of Petit Verdots in Argentina. There are only 300 bottles made, but it’s a very good expression of the grape, with compact, grippy tannins, bags of plummy fruit and a firm finish. 2017-23 2013 Michelini Brothers Super Uco Calcáreo Malbec Chacayes 14% Darker and more tannic than the Paraje Altamira bottling from the Michelini Brothers, this comes from the higher part of Vista Flores, otherwise known as Chacayes. Firm, spicy and focused, with plum and damson fruit and chalky minerality. 2017-21 2013 Moor-Barrio Initium Gran Malbec La Consulta 14% One of my discoveries in last year’s report, the Malbec from Cristian Moor and Teresita Barrio continues to impress in 2013. With nearly half of the wine fermented in stainless steel, it’s a refreshing, fruit-driven style sourced from a combination of 90 and 10-year-old vines. Chalky, bright and peppery, this is a wine to drink by the bottle. 2016-21 2014 Morelli Vino de Cava Refrán Cabernet Franc Uco Valley 13.5% If you’re looking for limestone soil in the Uco Valley, then Altamira should be your destination. This is all about varietal purity and freshness, with barely any oak at all. Grassy, fine and complex, with some clove spice and classic blackcurrant and graphite undertones. 2016-22 2014 Morelli Vino de Cava Refrán Caliche Blend Uco Valley 13% The granite and limestone soils of the upper Uco Valley are deliciously apparent in this blend of Malbec with 25% each of Pinot Noir and Bonarda. Pepper spice, some whole bunch notes, understated oak and bright, refreshing damson and blackberry fruit are stylishly combined here. 2016-21 Page 63 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 93 93 93 2011 Mosquita Muerta Vista Flores 14% A great label and an equally delicious wine, combining Malbec with 10% each of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The spicy, peppery whole bunch character is very marked here, supplemented by a little oak and crunchy blackberry and plum fruit. 2016-20 2012 Navarro Correas Alegoría Gran Reserva Malbec Mendoza 14.6% Navarro use their oldest Malbec plantings in this pan-Mendoza cuvée from Luján and (mostly) the Uco Valley. It’s another very polished performance, with sweet, almost velvety tannins, stylish oak integration, and notes of fennel, blackberry and dark plums. 2016-22 2012 Navarro Correas Selección de Enologo Single Vineyard Malbec Uco Valley 14.5% The single vineyard in question is in Tunuyán in the Uco Valley. This is denser and more age worthy than many of the Navarro wines, which tend to focus on more immediate pleasure. The slight reduction disappears in the glass, revealing a spicy, minty, layered Malbec with classy oak. 2016-25 93 93 93 93 2012 Norton Lote LC112 Malbec Luján de Cuyo 14.9% After a break in production in 2011, Norton’s Lote series is back in 2012. This comes from the La Colonia Vineyard and is the most aromatic of the trio. Dense, rich and textured, with sweet bramble and blackberry fruit, fine tannins and enough acidity to balance the high alcohol. 2016-22 2013 Norton Privada Mendoza 14.5% Privada, or Privado as it’s known in Brazil, is a three-way blend of Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon that’s inky, dark and profound, with concentrated black fruits, plenty of perfume and seamless integration between the varieties. Succulent, smooth and textured, it’s a delicious glass of wine. 2016-23 2014 Per Se Iubileus Malbec Gualtallary 14.3% Edy del Popolo and David Bonomi’s Malbec contains a “few bunches of Cabernet Franc”, amounting to around 3% of the blend, all from Gualtallary. The vines are still young, but this is an impressive, perfumed red showing the focus and freshness that’s typical of the style. The tannins are slightly firm, but this is a rocky, extreme site whose wines need time in bottle. 2018-24 2013 Piedra Negra Chacayes Uco Valley 14.5% François Lurton’s top red wine cuvée combines Malbec (15% of it Côt from Cahors) with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 80% new barrels. It’s a dense, serious wine with lots of toasty oak, savoury tannins and notes of clove and cinnamon underpinned by refreshing acidity. Needs more time in bottle. 2017-23 Page 64 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 93 2013 Piedra Negra Gran Lurton Cabernet Sauvignon Uco Valley 15% Picked a month earlier than the 2011 Cabernet and all the better for it, this is blended with 10% Malbec. Its’ a fresher style, despite the high alcohol, with green pepper notes, fine tannins and clove and cut grass aromatics. This will be released later this year, and is worth the wait. 2017-23 93 2013 Pucará Malbec 93 2013 Pulenta Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 93 93 93 93 93 Salta 15.5% Raul Dávalos Junior is the consultant for this stylish, high altitude red, made without oak (of course). Stefan and Beatrice Moeckli-Buerge’s biodynamic Malbec is one of the stars of Salta, made from a small plot in the Calchaqui Valley. Plum and bramble fruit is complemented by a hint of savoury reduction and an orange peel and pepper spice. 2016-20 Agrelo 14.5% Sourced from Cuartel Ten, as it nearly always is, this is beautifully framed Agrelo Cabernet Sauvignon, combining notes of fresh tobacco, dried herbs and red fruits with appealing sweetness, stylish oak and refreshing palate length. Great value, as ever, from the Pulenta family. 2016-21 2012 Pulenta Estate Gran Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 14.5% Another impressive bottling from Cuartel Ten in the Pulentas’ home vineyard, this used to be blended into the Gran Corte. Leafy, refined and aromatic, with the volume and fruit weight that you expect from Agrelo Cabernet, fine tannins and very well integrated new oak. 2016-23 2012 Pulenta Estate Merlot Agrelo 14.5% The Pulentas’ Merlot is always among the best examples of the grape in Mendoza, combining focus and finesse, with scented cinnamon oak, silky tannins and grassy, plummy flavours. The 50% new barrels are very well integrated on this glossy, polished red. 2016-21 2013 Pyros Single Vineyard Malbec Pedernal 14% It’s remarkable to think that this vineyard (Block 4) was only planted in 2008, such is its quality, density and sense of place. Rich, focused and sappy, with notes of liquorice and wild thyme, some chalky freshness and compact, almost Cornas-like tannins, it’s a very exciting Malbec. 2017-22 2013 Revancha La Primera Revancha Malbec Mendoza 14.5% My favourite of the three Revancha bottlings, this is a cuvée of Malbec with 8% Cabernet Franc. It’s a stylish Uco Valley red with flavours of mint and dried herbs, fine-grained tannins and deftly handled oak. Ripe, succulent and well balanced. 2017-22 2014 Riccitelli Wines The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From The Tree Bonarda Mendoza 14% One of the few top Bonardas that comes from the so-called Primera Zona close to the city of Mendoza, this old vine red is a brilliant expression of an under-rated grape. Subtly oaked and brambly, with red berry fruit and a savoury undertone. 2016-20 Page 65 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 93 2014 Riccitelli Wines The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From The Tree Malbec Mendoza 14.5% A classic pan-Mendoza blend, using grapes from Perdriel and Gualtallary, this is brimming with perfume and fruit flavours. There’s very little oak on show here, just sappy, violet-edged notes of plum and black cherry with underlying freshness. A triumph in a difficult vintage. 2016-20 93 93 93 93 93 93 2014 Riccitelli Wines Vineyard Selection Malbec Mendoza 14% A blend of old vine Malbecs from Las Compuertas, Perdriel and La Consulta, this sees more oak than most of Matías Riccitelli’s wines, but has the structure, plush tannins and fruit concentration to cope. Savoury, dense and beautifully balanced, it’s smoky, plummy and brimming with fruit. 2017-25 2013 Riglos Gran Malbec Tupungato 14.4% Intense and deeply coloured, as it usually is, this is a super dense, boldly structured Malbec that sees 18 months in new and second use barrels. Plum, bramble and blackberry flavours are complemented by plenty of tannins, bright acidity and a hint of Mediterranean spices. 2017-25 2012 Rutini Encuentro Barrel Blend Mendoza 14.2% A blend of the five red Bordeaux grapes, all sourced from the Uco Valley, this is dominated by Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark fruit, notes of green malt, smoky oak and smooth, polished tannins are underscored by refreshing acidity, suggesting that this will age well. 2016-23 2011 Rutini Single Vineyard Merlot Paraje Altamira 14% This won’t be on the market for a while, but it’s so good that I wanted to write about it now. Mariano di Paola has a special touch with Merlot, making leafy, aromatic, fine-grained wines with chocolatey oak and impressive focus. The chalky, minerally notes that are so typical of Paraje Altamira add another dimension to this very well made, polished example. 2016-23 2012 Salentein Gran Vu Uco Valley 15% Gran Vu is a blend of Malbec with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, showing more evolution in a hot year like 2012. This is rich and a slightly fruit-cakey, almost reminiscent of a Napa wine, with plenty of smoky oak, firmish tannins and enough acidity for balance. 2016-21 2013 Salentein Primus Cabernet Sauvignon Uco Valley 14.5% For a cooler year, this wine has quite a bit of alcohol and ripe fruit flavours. Made with two clones of Cabernet (337 and 169) it’s very true to the variety, with firmish, muscular tannins, dense fig and cassis fruit and marked oak. Needs more time in bottle to integrate. 2017-23 Page 66 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 2013 Salentein Primus Malbec Uco Valley 14% Blended from two parts of the large Salentein holdings in the upper Uco Valley, this is ripe and figgy, with firm, but well-balanced tannins, minerality and undertones of cinnamon and pepper spice. The acidity on the finish gives the wine much-needed freshness and bite. 2016-23 2013 SonVida Malbec Paraje Altamira 14% As ex-ITN foreign correspondent David Smith’s vineyards mature so his wines are developing more weight and focus. This Paraje Altamira Malbec is a step up on the 2012, but has the same freshness, balance and poise. Sweet vanilla oak, flavours of thyme and rosemary, filigree tannins and bright acidity are appealingly intertwined here. 2016-21 2014 Terrazas de los Andes Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva Mendoza 14.3% Tasted en primeur at the winery, this stylish Cabernet Sauvignon hails from Perdriel and Eugenio Bustos. It’s aromatic and fine, with polished tannins, bright acidity and classic notes of cassis, cut grass and graphite. It’s tempting to see a French touch here, given LVMH’s ownership. 2017-24 2011 Terrazas de los Andes Single Parcel Los Cerezos Malbec Las Compuertas 14.6% Sourced from Los Cerezos in the highest part of Las Compuertas, this is an inky, concentrated, almost shuttered wine that needs time in bottle. Smoky oak, dried herbs and compact plum, fig and damson fruit are complemented by notes of tobacco leaf and vanilla. 2017-24 2013 Tintonegro La Escuela Vineyard Cabernet Franc Paraje Altamira 14% Sourced from the stony part of the vineyard, this varietal Cabernet Franc is a classic Uco Valley expression of the variety, combining stylish oak with leafy, grassy, spicy fruit flavours and smooth tannins. Aromatic and pure with good underlying grip and structure. 2016-23 2013 Tintonegro La Escuela Vineyard El Limo Malbec Paraje Altamira 14% El Limo comes from a parcel of river silt that’s the coldest, coolest part of the La Escuela Vineyard. Picked last, it’s a rich, dense, flavoursome Malbec with dark, savoury damson and blackberry fruit, stylish, well-integrated oak and a spicy, floral, clove and pepper-like lift. 2017-24 2013 Tintonegro La Escuela Vineyard La Grava Malbec Paraje Altamira 14% Sourced from the largest part of the La Escuela Vineyard with a terroir dominated by small stones, this has more grip than the bottling from sand. Clove and white pepper notes are complemented by savoury dark fruits, good structure and subtle, understated oak. 2017-23 2013 Tukma Gran Corte Cafayate 13.8% There’s only 15% Tannat in this Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend, but it brings rigour and focus to the cuvée. Raspberry and plum fruit flavours are complemented by stylish oak and a bright, refreshing finish. A cuvée that doesn’t show the joins. 2016-21 Page 67 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 2014 Vaglio Alto Cabernet Franc Agrelo 14% The Alto in this wine’s name refers to Alto Agrelo, which is where this varietal Cabernet Franc comes from. It’s very typical of the grape, with capsicum and graphite notes, violet and rose petal aromas, firm but well-integrated tannins and refreshing acidity. One of the best Luján Cabernet Francs. 2016-23 2014 Ver Sacrum GSM Vista Flores 14% This GSM (Grenache with 25% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre) is the most complex of the Ver Sacrum wines, fermented in open barrels. Spicy, nuanced and balanced with flavours that are almost Pinot Noir-like in texture and subtlety, it’s a wine that should inspire more people to plant Rhône grapes. 2016-19 2012 Viña Cobos Bramare Marchiori Vineyard Malbec Perdriel 15% The “home” vineyard in Perdriel (on the border with Agrelo) has old vines and clay and alluvial soils. The result is a big, bold, fruit-packed Malbec with effortless concentration, ripe bramble and black fig-like fruit, smooth, textured tannins and an appealing volatile lift. 2016-21 2014 Viña Vida Business Class Gran Reserva Uco Valley 14.5% One of several Argentinean wineries at which consultant Roberto de la Mota works his magic, Viña Vida is famous for plantings its vineyards in a circle, but should be better known for the quality of its wines. Intense, focused and complex, this is quite oaky, yet has the concentration and acidity to age. 2017-24 2014 Viñalba Malbec/Syrah Patagonia 14.5% The Syrah component here only accounts for 20% of the blend, but it’s prominent and distinctive enough to make you wonder why more people don’t plant it in Patagonia. Clove and pepper spice aromas add complexity to the cool climate raspberry and summer berry flavours. 2016-21 2014 Viñalba Malbec/Touriga Nacional Reserva Uco Valley 14.5% Formerly known as Cuvée Couture, this is now more transparently labelled with the names of its constituent grape varietyes, allowing Touriga (overseen by Portuguese consultant, Rui Reguinga) its place in the sun. It’s a lovely wine, showing notes of bramble, blood orange and violet, subtle oak and tangy acidity. 2016-23 2006 Weinert Cabernet Sauvignon Luján de Cuyo 14.5% There’s something gloriously old-fashioned about the Weinert style - think López de Heredia in Rioja - but I love the unhurried, dusty complexity of the wines. This is mature, savoury and sweet with Cabernet acidity and lots of layers. 2016-19 2006 Weinert Malbec Luján de Cuyo 14.5% This hugely appealing Malbec spends three years in large oak casks and comes from vines that are over 70 years old. Gloriously traditional, with a hint of volatility, fine tannins, a core of succulent raspberry sweetness and a savoury, umami-like undertone. Deliciously drinkable. 2016-19 Page 68 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 93 93 93 93 92 92 92 92 2014 Zorzal Eggo Filoso Pinot Noir Gualtallary 13.1% A left field Pinot Noir, made with 100% stems and entirely fermented in concrete, the Eggo red is spicy, fine and discreet, with pale colour, refreshing acidity and pomegranate and redcurrant fruit flavours. 2016-20 2014 Zorzal Eggo Tinto de Tiza Tupungato 14.5% Tinto de Tiza is a blend of Malbec with 7% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, fermented with 30% whole bunches. It’s a precise, focused wine with chiselled tannins, the chalky acidity that’s typical of Gualtallary and a backbone of firm, but fine-grained tannins. 2016-22 2013 Zorzal Gran Terroir Pinot Noir Tupungato 14% Including some fruit from San Pablo for the first time, this impressive Pinot Noir is fermented with 20% whole bunches and aged mostly in older oak. Sappy, spicy and floral, with a backbone of tannin and succulent red berry fruit. This was also tasted last year, but is still showing well. 2016-19 2014 Zuccardi Tito Uco Valley 14% Co-fermented Malbec with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Caladoc and 4% Ancellotta and 50% whole bunches: this is the most left field Zuccardi wine, all made in cement. Pepper spice, sap and silky red and black fruits, with some backbone from the Cabernet Sauvignon. Another impressive wine. 2016-22 2012 Abremundos Octava Superior Mendoza 14.5% This is the best as well as the most expensive of the Abremundos wines, marrying Cabernet Franc with 20% Malbec and 5% Syrah. Grassy, refined and aromatic, it’s a polished, refreshing style with well-integrated oak, fresh acidity and good ageing potential. 2016-22 2014 Alta Vista Estate Malbec Mendoza 14.5% Alta Vista’s wines are always among the most stylish as well as age worthy in Mendoza. This is far from the top wine here, but it’s extremely well judged, showing a lovely combination of perfume, integrated oak, ripe black fruits and fine tannins. 2017-21 2013 Alta Vista Terroir Selection Malbec Mendoza 15% The Terroir Selection is picked later and sees more oak than the Estate Malbec. It’s an ambitious wine that’s made to age but is still showing slightly drying tannins at the moment. The underlying acidity and blackberry fruit intensity suggest that the wine will integrate over the next two years. 2017-23 2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Uco Valley 14% Like all of the Altos reds, this Gualtallary Malbec shows very little oak on the nose or palate. Sappy, tangy and low in alcohol, with some limestone-derived minerality, supple raspberry and red cherry fruit and a balanced, tangy finish. Continues the winery’s move towards greater elegance. 2016-20 Page 69 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 2014 Altos Terruños Calchaqui Valley 15% Spread over four vineyards and three provinces (Tucumán, Salta and Catamarca), with 370 kilometres between them, Agustín Lanus’ project was launched in 2013. The 2014 is an impressive pure Malbec, half of which sees oak. Dense and deeply coloured, it’s an ambitious, scented wine with succulent tannins, some toast and vanilla and rich, crunchy fruit. 2017-21 2013 Andeluna Pasionado Malbec Mendoza 14.4% The top Malbec at Andeluna (at least for now) is wonderfully fragrant and full of personality. It’s a big, bold wine showing masses of blackberry and liquorice notes, underpinned by the chalky acidity that’s such a strong feature of Gualtallary reds. The oak is increasingly subtle on these wines. 2017-23 2014 Atamisque Catalpa Pinot Noir Uco Valley 14.5% The Catalpa Pinot Noir is made entirely from the Burgundian 777 clone and is aged in second use oak. Pale in colour, but not short of perfume or flavour intensity, it’s subtle, complex and refined, unfurling raspberry and tomato leaf flavours. 2016-19 2012 Atamisque Petit Verdot Uco Valley 14.8% Petit Verdots are pretty sparse on the ground in Argentina, although the grape has the right combination of acidity and fruit weight to do well here. This is a firm, typically tannic expression of the variety, but has the requisite balance and fruit weight to compensate. 2017-21 2013 Avarizza Malbec Reserva Mendoza 14.4% An impressively aromatic Malbec from young oenologists, Agostina Astegiano and Fabricio Hernández. Silky, subtle and refined, this is balanced and refreshing, with red berry and plum fruit flavours supported and sustained by acidity. 2017-20 2013 Bodega del Desierto Pampa Malbec La Pampa 14.9% Planted as recently as 2003, this impressive, isolated vineyard is starting to deliver in the glass. Nuanced, complex and refreshing, it has plenty of colour, granular tannins and crunchy blackberry and damson fruit flavours supported by stylish, refined oak. 2016-21 2013 Bodega Teho Zaha Malbec Toko Vineyard Paraje Altamira 13.9% 9 This is a blend of three different soil types and contains 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, all of it from Paraje Altamira. Ripe and well balanced, with good underlying acidity and an undertow of tannin, it finishes with a refreshing, almost saline freshness. 2017-22 2012 Bodega Vistalba Tomero Gran Reserva Malbec Uco Valley 15% The top wine in the Tomero line up comes from Los Alamos in the Uco Valley and sees 22 months in mostly new French barrels. Mint, Asian spices and vanilla combine appealingly on the palate, with plenty of sweet oak and sumptuous tannins. Possibly a little too much of a good thing? 2016-21 Page 70 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 2013 Bodega Vistalba Tomero Malbec Reserva Uco Valley 15% Sourced from the winery’s vineyards at Los Alamos in the Uco Valley, this pure Malbec sees 50% new oak for 15 months. The ripeness of the fruit is complemented by chalky acidity, with extremely polished tannins and expertly handled oak. Floral and beguiling, this is a crowd pleaser. 2016-20 2013 Bressia Monteagrelo Malbec Agrelo 14.5% Combining grapes from Agrelo and the Uco Valley is something of a Bressia speciality, with plushness balanced by acidity and minerality. This is a little on the oaky side right now, but has attractive red berry and bramble fruit, fine tannins and refreshing balancing acidity. 2016-21 2011 Bressia Profundo Luján de Cuyo 15% This is the tenth vintage of this Malbec-based blend (with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 10% Syrah for company in 2011). It’s a sweet, rich, oaky cuvée that’s marked by its predominantly Agrelo origins, with some Uco freshness lifting the finish. The oak is quite prominent here, but there’s enough richness of dark berry fruits to soak it up. 2016-21 2014 Casa Bianchi Famiglia Bianchi Malbec Mendoza 14.3% The Bianchis blend fruit from their home turf of San Rafael with 20% from the Uco Valley in this scented, serious, well-structured Malbec. Smooth tannins, stylish oak and supple blueberry and raspberry flavours combine appealingly here. 2016-20 2013 Casa de Uco Salvaje Malbec Vista Flores 14.3% This new project in the higher part of Vista Flores has certainly hit the ground running, helped by the winemaking skills of Alberto Antonini. Spicy, aromatic and refined, this has very subtle oak integration, summer berry fruit and a spicy, refreshing finish. 2016-20 2013 Casarena Jamilla’s Vineyard Syrah Perdriel 14.5% Jamilla’s Vineyard is located right in front of the winery and consistently produces some of Casarena’s best wines. This is the first vintage of this wine, and it’s very promising, with restrained alcohol, some white pepper and clove spice, deftly integrated oak and a chalky undertone. 2016-21 2013 Casarena Lauren’s Vineyard Petit Verdot Agrelo 14.9% This has the inky colour and firmish tannins you expect from a Petit Verdot, plenty of perfume and impressive concentration. It’s a little drying on the finish, but that may soften with time, given the fruit weight on offer here. 2017-22 2014 Catena Appellation Malbec Vista Flores 13.5% One of four different Malbecs in the appellation series, this comes from alluvial soils to the north of the village of Vista Flores. Aged in 35% new oak, it’s smooth and well balanced, with fine tannins, lots of blackberry fruit and well integrated vanilla spice. A crowd pleaser. 2016-20 Page 71 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 2014 Catena Appellation Malbec Lunlunta 13.5% You’d expect a Malbec from more easterly, warmer Lunlunta to be a little less well defined that those from the Uco Valley, but that’s not the case here, thanks to a combination of old vines and earlier picking. Plush and violet scented, this is a rich, textured, satisfying red at a very reasonable price. 2016-20 2012 Catena Zapata Argentino Malbec Uco Valley 14.3% Argentino combines fruit from the Adriana and Nicasia Vineyards and includes a little Cabernet Franc and Viognier, as well as 20% whole bunches. It’s sweet, plush and very smooth, with a touch of Asian spice and mouth-caressing fruit. A wine that’s made to appeal to the US market above all. 2016-22 2013 Chacra Mainqué Merlot Río Negro 14% Interplanted among the Pinot vines at Chacra, this varietal Merlot is much improved in 2013. It’s still showing quite a bit of oak, all of it new, yet there’s also plenty of attractive black cherry, capsicum and plum fruit allied to fine tannins. 2016-20 2013 Chaman El Vuelo del Chaman Viña Delfina La Consulta 13.9% An equal, co-fermented blend of Malbec and Petit Verdot, all of it from the Reginatos’ vineyard in La Consulta, this is spicy and perfumed, with stylish oak, some spice from whole bunches and a balanced, energetic, vinous finish. 2016-21 2013 Chaman Red Blend La Consulta 13.9% Luis and Pepe Reginato’s small winery is making some impressive reds at the moment. This cuvée of Petit Verdot with Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon is spicy and fruit forward, with chalky freshness and juicy blackberry and bramble fruit, part of which sees carbonic maceration. 2016-21 2013 Clos de los Siete Mendoza 14.5% 2013 wasn’t the easiest vintage in Mendoza, but Clos de los Siete shows impressive consistency from year to year. This Malbec-dominated blend with 23% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Syrah and 4% Petit Verdot is more than the sum of its parts, showing fine oak and ripe, spicy, bramble and blackberry fruit. 2016-20 2013 Colomé Lote Especial Malbec La Brava Cafayate 14.5% La Brava is the lowest in altitude of Colomé’s three special lots, planted on sandy soils. It’s a bright, aromatic wine, with classic “garrigue” notes of rosemary and lavender, a core of sweet red berry fruit and subtle oak. Not a blockbuster, but this is very appealing to drink young. 2016-20 2011 Colomé Reserva Malbec Salta 15.9% You wouldn’t accuse this wine, made from very low yielding vineyards between 100 and 150 years old, of being shy and retiring. It’s a little too oaky for my taste, but the underlying fruit is powerful, rich and concentrated, so the toasty notes should integrate over the next year or two. 2017-21 Page 72 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 2014 Corazón del Sol Luminoso Uco Valley 14.79% Luminoso is one of Argentina’s very few GSM blends, combining equal quantities of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. This is floral, sweet and very aromatic, with pure red berry flavours, a twist of nutmeg spice and fine-grained tannins. An Uco Valley take on a good Cairanne. 2016-20 2012 Corazón del Sol Soleado Uco Valley 14.8% Soleado is Dr Madaiah Revana’s Bordeaux-style blend, combining Malbec with 26.5% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot and 6.5% Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s yet another fine red from this youthful Uco Valley operation, with deftly integrated oak, good focus and balance and minty plum and tobacco notes. 2016-22 2014 De Angeles Viña 1924 Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Vistalba 14.5% Sourced from Parcel Four of this remarkable vineyard, this unoaked Cabernet Sauvignon is the most forward wine in the range, but isn’t short of concentration or backbone. Subtle, leafy and perfumed with fine-grained tannins and appealing red fruit sweetness. Typically well balanced. 2016-21 2015 DiamAndes de Uco Malbec Uco Valley 14.5% There’s five per cent Syrah in this wine in 2015, as well as 50% new oak. Further evidence that this winery is making exciting progress under oenologist Federico Bizzotto, it’s a spicy, refreshing, richly fruity wine with well-integrated barrels and the backbone to age. 2017-22 2014 Domaine Bousquet Malbec Grande Reserve Tupungato 15% This organically grown Malbec also contains 5% each of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s fresher than its alcohol level would suggest, with a core of berry fruit sweetness, scented oak and a chalky, mineral frisson. Nuanced winemaking from a winery that gets better with every vintage. 2016-21 2014 Dominio del Plata Benmarco Cabernet Sauvignon Uco Valley 14% Like the Ben Marco Malbec, this wine can’t be faulted for lack of ambition. It’s a blend of grapes from Gualtallary and Los Arboles, built to age in bottle. Compact and quite firm, it shows notes of mint, capsicum and blackcurrant, with an overlay of French oak. Needs time. 2017-24 2013 Doña Paula 1100 San Carlos 14.1% As its label suggests, this comes from the lower, southern end of the Uco Valley at 1,100 metres. It’s a blend of Malbec with 30% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, showing well integrated oak, plenty of perfume and herbal, spicy plum and blackberry flavours complemented by acidity. 2016-23 2014 Doña Paula Estate Malbec Uco Valley 14% Sourced from Los Indios and Gualtallary, at opposite ends of the Uco Valley, this is a lightly oaked, modern style of Malbec with plenty of perfume, sculpted tannins, some violet and pepper spice notes and textured berry fruit. 2016-19 Page 73 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 2012 El Esteco Altimus Cafayate 15% The blend of Altimus changes from year to year, but is usually dominated by Malbec with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc for support. Compact, concentrated and richly oaked, it’s an ambitious wine that spends 18 months in French oak. Dark, firm and grippy, it needs more time in bottle. 2017-22 2015 El Porvenir de Cafayate Amauta Corte Innovación Cafayate 14.5% Using Cabernet Franc purchased from Grace and 40% of their own Malbec, the Porvenir team has made a delicious blend. It’s riper and softer than some of the cuvées you taste in Mendoza, but still has classic cut grass and graphite notes complemented by supple blackberry fruit. 2016-21 2013 El Relator Gran Premio La Consulta 13.5% El Relator is a small, up-and-coming project owned by journalist and horse breeder, Fernando Gabriel. His top red is a cuvée of Tempranillo and Malbec, all from La Consulta. Smooth, complex and confidently oaked, this is a refreshing, well balanced red with stony minerality. 2016-20 2015 Escorihuela Gascón 1884 Malbec Mendoza 14% Every bit as good as the 2014 release, this is everything you want a well-priced Argentinean Malbec to be. Plush, aromatic and deeply coloured, with velvety, mouth-coating tannins, succulent bramble and blueberry fruit and deftly handled oak. It looks great, too. 2016-19 2014 Escorihuela Gascón Don Miguel Malbec Mendoza 14.5% An ambitiously priced wine that appears to be aimed squarely at the American palate, this is a big, bold strapping Malbec with lashings of aromatic oak, ripe blueberry and blackberry fruit and succulent tannins. It’s crying out for steak. 2016-21 2014 Fabre Montmayou HJ Fabre Barrel Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Patagonia 14.5% Picked a month later than Hervé and Diane Joyaux-Fabre’s vineyards in Mendoza, this Patagonian Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the Río Negro side of the region. It’s suitably grassy and refreshing with stylish oak, notes of mint and green herbs and fine-boned tannins. 2016-22 2013 Filus Bodega y Viñedos Filus Reserva Mendoza 15% The Filus Reserva is sourced from La Consulta and Gualtallary and, as you’d expect, sees more recent oak than the straight Malbec. It’s another very impressive wine, showing the minerality of the high Uco Valley, fine herbal perfume, crunchy berry fruit and a chalky flourish. 2017-22 Page 74 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 2011 Fin del Mundo Special Blend Neuquén 14.5% The Special Blend is where global consultant, Michel Rolland, has the greatest influence. It’s a blend of equal parts Malbec and Merlot with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, ripe, fleshy fruit, attractive oak integration and cassis and blueberry fruit. Stylish winemaking from Patagonia. 2016-20 2013 Finca Decero Remolinos Vineyard Petit Verdot Agrelo 14.5% The latest in an impressive run of Petit Verdots from Decero, this is densely coloured and very aromatic, with some but not too much of the variety’s firm tannins, leafy, savoury aromatics and dark, chunky plum and damson fruit. 2017-21 2013 Finca Decero Amano Agrelo 14.5% Decero’s icon wine combines Malbec with 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Tannat, aged in 100% new oak, as these things tend to be. Mint, oregano and toasty vanilla spice are complemented by fine-grained tannins and plenty of red and black fruit concentration. 2016-22 2014 Finca Decero Remolinos Vineyard Malbec Agrelo 14.5% The Remolinos Vineyard appears to be a very good site for all of the Bordeaux varieties, but Malbec really stands out here. Perfumed and well balanced, like all of Tomás Hughes’ reds, this is stylish and sensitively oaked. Balanced and refreshing, it has notes of violets and pepper and fine-grained tannins. 2016-20 2013 Finca Decero Remolinos Vineyard Syrah Agrelo 14.5% This Swiss-owned winery makes one of the best Syrahs in Mendoza from an estate in the higher part of Agrelo. Fresh, clove and white pepper spice are underpinned by attractive French oak, tangy acidity and classic tapenade and blackberry flavours. 2016-21 2013 Finca La Anita Varúa Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 15.7% This top of the range Agrelo Cabernet certainly doesn’t stint on the alcohol. There’s no denying that it’s a ripe style, but the tannic backbone and acidity of the variety provide balance and freshness for the savoury fruit concentration. Serious and structured, this should age well. 2017-22 2013 Finca Quara Single Vineyard Viña Cabra Corral Malbec Cafayate 14% Another finely balanced red from Pancho Lavaque, who seems to have the knack of finding freshness in the heat of Cafayate. Aromatic and refined, this is succulent red berry flavours, subtle French and American oak, some thyme and oregano and bright, refreshing acidity. 2016-20 Page 75 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 92 92 92 92 2013 Finca Sophenia Synthesis Malbec Tupungato 15% Overseen by the unlikely combination of Matiás Michelini and Michel Rolland, two oenologists with very different approaches, this floral, high altitude Malbec has bright plum and blackberry fruit, well-integrated oak and good freshness and minerality. It should age well, too. 2016-23 2014 Gen de Alma Crua Chan Malbec Paraje Altamira 13.5% Crua Chan is a new addition to the Gen di Alma range, sourced entirely from Altamira and aged for six months in old oak. It’s a deliberately dry, sappy, savoury style of Malbec, with food friendly, grainy tannins and a long, refreshing finish. 2016-21 2014 Gen de Alma Otra Piel Gualtallary 14% An unusual, and quite possibly unique, assemblage of Cabernet Franc with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Pinot Noir, with some whole bunch spice and fermentation in amphorae, this unoaked blend is sappy and tangy, with grassy red fruits and refreshing, chalky minerality. 2016-20 2012 Gimenez Rilli Joyas de Familia Vista Flores 14% One of the top wines from the Vines of Mendoza project in Vista Flores, this is a blend of Malbec with 25% Syrah, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. It’s a poised, refreshing, stylishly oaked blend with fine tannins, notes of blood orange, plum and blackberry and a spicy flourish. 2016-21 92 2012 Kaiken Mai Malbec 92 2013 Kaiken Obertura Cabernet Franc 92 92 Mendoza 15% An ambitious, high-end Malbec from Vistalba, this is entirely aged in new French oak. It’s a compact, serious red that will need some time to emerge from under the barrel staves, but has dense, scented, plum, blackberry and orange peel-scented fruit and tannic focus. 2018-23 Mendoza 14.5% Kaikén’s Cabernet Franc comes from Vista Flores and is a ripe, well-upholstered expression of this increasingly fashionable grape. Grassy, graphite aromas, dense, compact tannins, well handled oak and balancing acidity impress on the palate. 2017-21 2014 Leo Borsi Clos Ultralocal Malbec Vista Flores 15% Grown on volcanic soils in Chacayes, in the upper part of Vista Flores, this has impressive grip, a rocky, minerally intensity and dark, spicy, brooding fruit flavours. Firm, yet concentrated, this is a wine to cellar for a year or more. 2017-24 2014 Luca Beso de Dante Uco Valley 14% A stylish cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon with 35% Malbec and 15% Cabernet Franc, this sees more oak than some of the Luca reds, but has the structure to cope. Firm yet well balanced, with notes of graphite and dried herbs, it’s a wine that will develop well in bottle. 2017-23 Page 76 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 2012 Luca Nico by Luca Viñedos Rosas Malbec La Consulta 14% Laura Catena’s La Consulta red comes from a parcel of 80-year-old vines, and the concentration shows in the glass. Serious, compact and tannic, with dark, structured blackberry and damson fruit, stylish oak and a firm finish. 2017-21 2014 Manos Negras Red Soil Select Pinot Noir Neuquén 13.9% As described on the label, this comes from patches of darker soil within Alejandro Sejanovich and Jeff Mausbach’s vineyard. Think of it as an Argentinean Pommard if you like, with wild, savoury aromas, ferrous grip and plenty of supporting red berry fruit. 2016-20 2013 Marcelo Miras Trousseau Nouveau Alto Valle de Río Negro 13.5% Planted as long ago as 1977, this is the only Trousseau I’ve tasted to date from Argentina. Made without oak, it’s a delicate, scented, refined red with very little colour, but hauntingly fragrant pepper and red berry flavours. (A candidate for a really tricky blind tasting exam!) 2016-19 2013 Marcelo Pelleriti Malbec Reserve Uco Valley 14.5% The oldest grapes used to make this impressive Uco Valley wine date back to 1908, the youngest to 2011. It’s an older oak-aged, winningly aromatic Malbec with fine-grained tannins, dense, dark plum and blackberry fruit and the concentration to age further in bottle. 2016-21 2015 Mariano di Paola Mapema Malbec/Tempranillo La Consulta 14% It’s good to see someone making a 50/50 blend of Malbec and Tempranillo, given the history of the two varieties in the Uco Valley. This shows old vine concentration, complemented by chocolatey oak, attractive pepper spice, blackberry and liquorice notes and refreshing acidity. 2016-21 2013 Michelini Brothers Super Uco Calcáreo Malbec Paraje Altamira 14% It’s sometimes difficult to work out which Michelini brother does what, but all of them seem to have had a hand in this Paraje Altamira Malbec. Balanced, refreshing and chalky with focus and an elegance and fruit profile that wouldn’t look out of place in a Pinot Noir. 2016-20 2013 Monteviejo Lindaflor Malbec Uco Valley 15% There’s been a slight shift in style at this bodega towards earlier picking and a little more freshness, to the benefit of the wines in my opinion. This is a firm, concentrated, ambitious red that’s made to age with rich, savoury black fruits and refreshing acidity. Look out for the 2014. 2017-22 2013 Monteviejo Petite Fleur Blend Uco Valley 14.5% Like the straight Malbec under the same label, this cuvée of Malbec with 30% Merlot and 10% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah is appealingly well balanced in 2013. Fine, but serious tannins, scented blackberry, cassis and raspberry fruit and a touch of clove spice from whole bunches. 2017-21 Page 77 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 2013 Monteviejo Petite Fleur Malbec Uco Valley 14.5% The combination of a cooler vintage and the desire to make fresher wines at Monteviejo have both contributed to the quality of the bodega’s second wine. Subtle and aromatic, with some spice from 10% whole bunches, this is a very stylish, polished red from Marcelo Pelleriti, with the tannic structure to age further in bottle. 2017-22 2013 Mythic Vineyards Mythic Barrel Mendoza 14.5% The Mythic Barrel is the one one chosen because it stands out in the cellar, apparently. My guess is that it’s made of new oak, because this is a dense, age-worthy wine with a combination of ripe, fleshy fruit, firmish, structured tannins and toasty, chocolatey notes balanced by chalky acidity. 2016-20 2013 Mythic Vineyards Mythic Block Malbec Mendoza 14.5% It’s not always easy to distinguish between the various Mythic labels, but this one is more self-explanatory, being a selection of parcels. It’s a soft, ripe, sensuous red, showing quite a bit of alcohol, lowish acidity and plenty of plum and blackberry fruit. 2016-20 2014 Mythic Vineyards Mythic Vineyard Malbec Mendoza 14.5% Ripe, yet focused and showing a mineral undertow, Bernardo Bossi’s pan-Mendoza Malbec blend has plenty of bramble and blueberry fruit sweetness, sensitively used oak and a palatecleansing frisson of chalk. Attractive modern Malbec. 2016-21 2014 Navarro Correas Colección Privada Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 13.5% Remarkable value for money from this much improved winery, this is a cuvée of Uco Valley and (40%) Agrelo fruit that combines understated oak with leafy, refreshing, yet very approachable red fruit sweetness and savoury tannins. Spicy and long on the palate. 2016-19 2012 Navarro Correas Selección de Parcelas Cabernet Sauvignon Gualtallary 14% There are four sources here - Agrelo, Los Arboles, La Consulta and Gualtallary - contributing to yet another stylish, good value red from this Trapiche-owned operation. Subtle vanilla oak, filigree tannins, bright acidity and red berry and blackcurrant leaf notes combine appealingly here. 2016-20 2013 Navarro Correas Selección de Parcelas Malbec Mendoza 14.5% A blend of three vineyards in three different sub-regions of Mendoza - Agrelo, Los Arboles and La Consulta - this is much more than the sum of its parts. Sappy, smooth and attractive with fine-grained tannins, stylish oak and a chalky undertone. The oak is very well integrated here. 2016-20 2013 O Fournier Malbec Uco Valley 15% O Fournier’s top wine is a varietal Malbec, which spends 16 months in new oak. It’s a big, bold, rich wine with plenty of violet perfume and concentrated black fruits and the density, tannins and acidity to age. Needs more time in bottle. 2016-22 Page 78 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 2013 Ojo de Agua Ojo de Vino Contract Agrelo 14.5% Sourced from a parcel of 90-year-old Malbec vines, fermented in concrete eggs, this is made with purchased grapes. It’s a dense, rich, savoury style, with plenty of ripe, fig and bramble fruit flavours, dense tannins and good concentration. 2016-19 2012 Ojo de Agua Ojo de Vino Malo Agrelo 15% The winningly named Malo (bad in Spanish) is a cuvée of Malbec with 20% each of Merlot and Petit Verdot this year. It’s a rich, ripe, supple, brambly style that shows very little oak but plenty of fig and red strawberry sweetness. Deliciously drinkable. 2016-19 2011 Piedra Negra Gran Malbec Uco Valley 15% Blending Argentinean Malbec with 30% Côt (a Malbec selection brought from Cahors), this is a serious, muscular Malbec that combines grapes from Chacayes and La Consulta. Powerful, rich and serious with ripe, slightly figgy fruit flavours, some pepper spice and a tannic backbone. 2016-23 2012 Pulenta Estate Gran Pinot Noir Uco Valley 14.5% This comes from a good site in Los Arboles, close to the Salentein plantings. It sees ten months in 100% new oak - although it doesn’t show it - and has 10% whole bunches. Smooth and spicy with raspberry and wild strawberry sweetness and refreshing underlying acidity. 2016-19 2013 Pulenta Estate Malbec Mendoza 14.5% A textbook blend of Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo fruit, this is a hugely drinkable Malbec that builds and builds on the palate. Violet and lavender aromas segue into succulent tannins, fine oak and raspberry, black cherry and blueberry fruit. 2016-21 2012 Pulenta Estate Red Blend Mendoza 14.5% Made for the first time in 2012, this Malbec-based blend also contains Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Merlot and Petit Verdot. Perfumed, mineral-edged and smooth, it’s much more than the sum of its components, framed by subtle oak and showing ripe, textured fruit flavours. 2017-23 2013 Pulenta Estate Single Vineyard Finca La Zulema Malbec Agrelo 14.5% One of three single vineyard Malbecs from Pulenta Estate, this is sourced entirely from Agrelo and is classically smooth, ripe and plush. Attractive liquorice and summer berry flavours are framed by 80% new oak, supple tannins and a tapering, balanced finish. 2017-23 2013 Puramun Co-Fermentado Blend Mendoza 14.5% Pepe Galante’s focused, chalky, backward red is a co-fermented blend of Malbec with 33% Petit Verdot, showing the firmness that’s typical of the latter grape. This is a serious, focused, grown up wine displaying polished tannins, ripe blueberry and black cherry fruit and lovely minerality. 2017-23 Page 79 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 2014 Pyros Barrel Selected Malbec Pedernal 14.5% Pyros’ structured, stony, deeply coloured Malbec is further proof that the Pedernal Valley is a thrilling wine region. Aged in old oak to allow the fruit free rein, it’s wild and aromatic, with plush tannins, good grip, damson and blackberry fruit and a long, minerally finish. Great value, too. 2016-23 2014 Pyros Barrel Selected Syrah Pedernal 14% San Juan’s windy, high altitude Pedernal Valley is rapidly emerging as the best place to grow Syrah in Argentina. This meaty, savoury, tapenade and blackberry-like example is vibrant, structured and stony, with grippy but fine tannins. 2016-21 2013 Revancha La Gran Revancha Mendoza 14.5% Combining Malbec with 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot, this is the top wine from Roberto and Rodrigo de la Mota. Aromatic and focused, with youthful, vigorous tannins, subtle toasty oak and plenty of crunchy black fruits. Needs time. 2017-23 2015 Riccitelli Wines Hey! Malbec Mendoza 14.5% You’ve got to love this wine, with its action hero label, deep colour and intense perfume. Essence of modern Mendoza Malbec, with smooth tannins, a grocer’s windowful of blueberry, plum and blackberry fruit and just a touch of oak. 2016-20 2013 Riccitelli Wines Riccitelli & Father Mendoza 14.5% An equal collaboration between Matias and Jorge Riccitelli (who is the cellar master at Norton), this is an 80/20 blend of Malbec and Cabernet Franc, using fruit from Las Compuertas and Vista Flores. It’s a firm, backward, age-worthy style with layers of dark berry flavours and plenty of tannin. 2017-25 2014 Rutini Antología XLII Uco Valley 14.2% Combining Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and 5% Pinot Noir from Paraje Altamira, this is a super dense, oaky red with plenty of structure, compact tannins, undertones of clove and nutmeg and figgy, dark fruit flavours. Needs time to come together. 2017-24 2013 Rutini Colección Cabernet Franc Uco Valley 13.8% Given Mariano di Paola’s obvious affinity for Bordeaux grapes, it’s surprising that this is only the second vintage of this Tupungato Cabernet Franc. Deeply coloured and very aromatic, with green herbs and graphite in evidence, this is smooth, plush and confidently oaked. 2016-23 2014 Rutini Colección Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec Uco Valley 14% It’s to winemaker Mariano di Paola’s credit that he can produce 100,000 cases of a wine of this quality, made from equal percentages of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. Modern, aromatic and stylishly oaked, with dark plum and green pepper flavours combining to good effect on the palate. 2016-20 Page 80 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 2014 Salentein Barrel Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Uco Valley 14% Unmistakeably Cabernet, but with a hint of Mediterranean herbs adding another aromatic dimension, this is smooth and sensitively oaked with the fine-grained tannins that are a Salentein speciality and impressive palate length. 2016-21 2014 Salentein Barrel Selection Malbec Uco Valley 14% A wine that’s so delicious you almost want to drink it now, this is a pure, focused, elegant Malbec that’s typical of the Pepe Galante style. Perfumed, complex and pepper spicy, with a whisper of oak, fine-boned tannins and effortless balance. 2016-21 2013 Salentein Numina Malbec Uco Valley 14.5% Only the third vintage of Numina Malbec, this still seems a little young at the moment. It’s a remarkably floral, scented red, with thyme and lavender aromas, but the oak and fruit tannins haven’t quite soaked into the wine as yet. One to cellar for a year or two, given its backbone and acidity. 2017-24 2014 Salentein Single Vineyard La Pampa Plot No. 21 Malbec Uco Valley 14.5% Broader and plumper than the Paraje Altamira Single Vineyard Malbec, as you’d expect, this is just a little too ripe for my taste, but it’s still a stylish, firm, plummy red showing firmish tannins and full-bodied flavours complemented by acidity. 2016-21 2010 Tempus Alba 50 Años Malbec Anchoris 14% This cuvée used ten of the 16 Malbec clones that Aldo Biondillo has isolated and propagated. This is ripe, but at lower alcohol levels than some Malbecs, with refreshing natural acidity. Still perky at six years old, showing savoury blackberry and red berry fruit and lovely focus. 2016-18 2014 Terrazas de los Andes Malbec Reserva Mendoza 14.4% Blending fruit from Las Compuertas, close to the Mendoza River, and Altamira in the Uco Valley, this is a step up on the 2013 bottling showing ginger spice, ripe, figgy fruit, firmish tannins and a sheen of stylish oak. 2016-21 2012 Terrazas de los Andes Single Vineyard Los Aromos Cabernet Sauvignon Perdriel 13.9% There’s no doubting the seriousness or ambition of this wine, grown at a low (for Mendoza) 900 metres in Perdriel. It’s showing quite a bit of new oak at the moment, but there’s plenty of fruit and tannin to soak it up. Fresh mint, dried herbs and sturdy blackcurrant fruit combine well on the palate. 2016-22 92 2014 Tintonegro Limestone Block Malbec Uco Valley 14% As its name indicates, this is all about limestone, sourced from a parcel in Chacayes. It’s a focused, taut, densely constructed wine with quite a bit of oak balanced by dark berry fruit, grippy tannins and focused, palate-cleansing minerality. Great value from a winery that belongs among Argentina’s elite. 2017-23 Page 81 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 2010 Vallisto Felix Salta 14.5% An impressive joint venture between Pancho Lavaque, Marcello Pelleriti and Englishman, Hugh Ryman, this is a blend of Tannat with 20% Malbec from a 100-year-old vineyard. Ripe and oaky, but with fine tannins, lovely freshness and balance and a savoury, refreshing undertone. 2016-20 2014 Ver Sacrum Monastrell Vista Flores 13.5% A pale, subtle, concrete egg-fermented Monastrell from eastern Mendoza, this is fresh and deceptively easy to drink. The tannins are fine and comparatively delicate, the fruit sweet, savoury and raspberry and strawberry sweet, supported by acidity and whole bunch spice. 2016-19 2013 Viña Cobos Bramare Cabernet Sauvignon Luján de Cuyo 14.5% Paul Hobbs has a sure touch with Cabernet Sauvignon, allowing its fruit to express itself while retaining its tannic backbone. This is a ripe, serious, fruit packed style with notes of mint, dried herbs and vanilla and plenty of cassis and damson fruit sweetness. 2016-21 2012 Viña Cobos Bramare Malbec Luján de Cuyo 14.5% The Luján de Cuyo Malbec bottling is, curiously, lower in alcohol than the Uco one, but is similarly bold, ripe and rich with lovely floral aromas, textured tannins, expertly judged oak and a core of sweet, blackberry and blueberry fruit. As ever with Paul Hobbs, this is a supremely drinkable wine. 2016-20 2013 Viña Cobos Bramare Touza Vineyard Malbec Las Compuertas 14% The Touza Vineyard is in Las Compuertas, just north of the Mendoza River. It’s a cooler site that produces wines with what Andrea Marchiori calls “a lot of force”. This has attractive pepper spice, some violets, plenty of sweet oak and the textured tannins that are a feature of the Cobos style. The ripe black fruits are underpinned by chalky acidity. 2016-22 2012 Viña Las Perdices Ala Colorada Cabernet Franc Luján de Cuyo 14.5% This is ripe by the standards of some Mendoza Cabernet Francs, but none the worse for that. Smooth and spicy, with green pepper and lead pencil undertones, textured, fine-grained tannins and scented vanilla oak. 2016-20 2014 Viñalba 50/50 Reserva Uco Valley 14.5% As its label suggests, this is an equal blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, all of it from Gualtallary and fermented in a combination of stainless steel and concrete, with 60% oak ageing. Fine tannins, bright acidity and flavours of bramble, plum and green herbs are stylishly intertwined here. 2016-21 2014 Viñalba 80/20 Reserva Mendoza 14.5% The blend this time is Malbec with 20% Cabernet Franc, again sourced from the JoyauxFabre’s own vineyards in the upper Uco Valley. Pepper spice, aromatic oak, fine-boned tannins and grassy, plum and blackberry fruit are stylishly judged here, offering excellent value for money. 2016-21 Page 82 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 91 2010 Weinert Carrascal Tinto Luján de Cuyo 14.5% This blend of Malbec with 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot spends over two years in large wooden casks and it’s another remarkable wine from André Weinert and Hubert Weber. Incense and old books are evoked on the nose, while the palate is sweet, detailed and complex, with very fine tannins and a feral undertone. Great value again. 2016-20 2006 Weinert Merlot Luján de Cuyo 14% It says something for a winery when its current Merlot vintage is 2006. This spends over two years in large wooden barrels and is almost Italianate in style, like an old Brunello perhaps. Firmish tannins, leafy tannins, sweet, gamey fruit, balancing acidity and a complex finish. 2016-19 2013 Yacochuya Malbec Salta 15.5% There was no Yacochuya in 2012, but this super concentrated, high alcohol Malbec (supplemented with a little Tannat and Cabernet Sauvignon) is back in 2013, made with the help of Michel Rolland. Old vine concentration, ripe, figgy, fruit cake notes and soft, succulent tannins make this an instantly recognisable Salta style. 2016-20 2013 Yacuil Salta 15% An intriguing 50/50 blend from Tacuil and Yacochuya, two of the best wineries in Salta Province, this is a rich, unoaked Malbec made in a ripe, textured style with dense tannins, masses of dark, figgy fruit and a firm, spicy finish. 2016-20 2015 Zorzal Eggo Bonaparte Tupungato 13% New to the Zorzal line-up, this is made entirely with Bonarda (though I’m not sure what that has to do with Napoleon). Chalky and refreshing, with savoury black fruits and no oak influence, it’s a typically sappy red from the Michelinis. 2016-20 2014 Zorzal Terroir Unico Malbec Gualtallary 14% Terroir Unico is made with a mixture of vineyards and different altitudes, picked over a period of two months, but it’s all about purity, focus and limestone. Perfumed and elegant, despite its 14% alcohol, this is typical of the refreshing Zorzal style from Juan-Pablo Michelini. 2016-21 2014 Zuccardi Q Malbec Uco Valley 14% Delivering amazing value for money and a very pure expression of Uco Malbec, this blend of Vista Flores and Paraje Altamira grapes is mostly fermented and aged in concrete. Deeply coloured, intense and aromatic, it has a winning combination of structure, fruit weight and freshness. 2016-21 2012 Abremundos Octava Alta Mendoza 14.5% We are on fashionable Uco Valley territory with this blend of Malbec and 20% Cabernet Franc. Intense, aromatic and deeply coloured, this has attractive flavours of damson, plum, graphite and liquorice, scented oak and serious tannins. 2017-21 Page 83 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 2014 Alma Austral Barrel Series Pinot Noir Uco Valley 14% My first encounter with this new winery, and a very positive one too. This is a delicate, floral, rose petal-scented Pinot Noir that’s all about summer pudding fruit sweetness rather than oak with zesty acidity from these high altitude San Pablo plantings. A bodega to keep an eye on. 2016-19 2014 Altos La Hormigas Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda Medrano 13.7% Made from grapes grown around the winery in the wilds of Medrano, this is a Bonarda that’s treated like a Pinot Noir, with very gentle extraction and no oak. Red cherry, raspberry and pomegranate fruit flavours are complemented by gentle tannins, some pepper spice and bright acidity. 2016-19 2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Mendoza 13% The “classic” Malbec, as it’s known at Altos, is a 60,000 case blend, all of it from Medrano in eastern Mendoza. Picked early to preserve acidity, it includes some whole bunches, but very little oak influence, resulting in a red that is spicy, juicy, refreshing and very drinkable. 2016-19 2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary Arena Gualtallary 13.8% This is a new wine at the bodega, sourced from sandier soils in Gualtallary and showing much more oak than the “Piedras” bottling. It’s still a good wine, with notes of liquorice and Asian spices, bags of colour and a sheen of toasty oak, but the barrels need time to integrate. 2017-23 2013 Altupalka Malbec + Malbec Salta 15.5% Made with grapes from Molinos and Cafayate, grown at altitudes of 2,590 and 1,750 metres respectively, this is a very subtly oaked cuvée. Chalky freshness, sappy tannins and bright acidity complement the rich, full-bodied bramble and blueberry fruit flavours. 2016-19 2013 Altupalka Malbec Extremo Salta 16.5% This exciting new project, sourcing grapes from vineyards at 2,590 metres in Molinos, uses Roberto de la Mota as its consultant. It’s a super rich, super charged style that’s certainly not short of alcohol, but it has lovely wild herb aromas and plush, textured, fig and blackberry fruit. 2016-21 2014 Amalaya Gran Corte Barrel Selection Cafayate 14.3% Picked 20 days later than the Tinto de Corte, but made with the same blend of grapes, this sees more oak and often includes some declassified lots from Colomé. The American barrels are a little marked for me, but this has appealing plum and black cherry flavours and tangy acidity. 2017-21 2015 Amalaya Tinto de Corte Cafayate 14% Amalaya’s blended red used to include some Syrah, but is now a cuvée of 85% Malbec with 15% of Tannat and Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s a spicy, easy drinking style with a touch of oak and lots of juicy, supple, liquorice and fennel-scented fruit. 2016-19 Page 84 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 2014 Andeluna Altitud Cabernet Sauvignon Tupungato 14.5% Another Andeluna wine that has improved dramatically, the new release of the Cabernet is the best yet. Leafy and refreshing, with scented, well integrated oak, some dried herbs and a core of mint and cassis. Very drinkable. 2016-20 2014 Andeluna Altitud Malbec Tupungato 14.2% Showing less oak, extraction and alcohol than in the recent past, this mid-level Malbec is aromatic, fresh and subtly oaked, with plenty of colour, aromas of violets and rose petal, sweet blueberry fruit and a chalky, minerally undertone. 2016-20 2013 Anko Flor de Cardón Malbec Salta 13.9% Picked considerably earlier than most of the Malbec in Salta, this varietal red is focused and grippy with spice, red fruits and understated oak, complemented by acidity and a stony bite. Alejandro Sejanovich delivers quality wherever he goes. 2016-19 2014 Antucura Cabernet Franc Vista Flores 15% At the oakier end of the Cabernet Franc spectrum, but this has excellent varietal expression too. Green pepper, cut grass and herbal, blackcurrant fruit flavours are built on a foundation of acidity and leafy, fine-grained tannins. Ripe but balanced. 2016-20 2014 Argento Cabernet Franc Reserva Mendoza 14% Even better than the Reserva Malbec, this is another noteworthy wine from the Argento stable. Grassy, smooth and aromatic, it combines fresh acidity with subtle oak, fine tannins with blueberry and plum fruit concentration. 2016-20 2014 Argento Single Vineyard Malbec La Consulta 14% The Argento range has improved since it was sold by the Catena Group, developing a more ambitious top end. This is certainly a ripe style from winemaker Silvia Corti, but it’s complex, too, showing spicy, peppery intensity, violet perfume and nicely textured tannins. 2016-20 2015 Atamisque Serbal Assemblage Tupungato 14% The Serbal range from Atamisque offers some of the best value drinking in Argentina. This classy, four-way blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec shows sensitive oak integration and a nuanced approach to winemaking, with spice, fine tannins and savoury fruit. 2017-20 2015 Atamisque Serbal Pinot Noir Uco Valley 14% Aimed at the Pinot Noir drinker who doesn’t want to pay Grand Cru (or even village level) prices, this juicy, charming, unoaked red is sweet, supple and very attractive, with refreshing acidity and raspberry and wild strawberry fruit. 2016-19 Page 85 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 2012 Bodega del Desierto Pampa Blend La Pampa 14.4% Bodega del Desierto’s Bordeaux blend is a cuvée of equal parts Malbec and Cabernet Franc with 20% Merlot. The oak is appealingly understated, allowing the fresh, balanced, mineraledged fruit to express itself. The tannins are quite firm, but should integrate over the next year or so. 2016-21 2013 Bodega del Desierto Pampa Cabernet Franc La Pampa 14.8% Located in La Pampa province, close to the city of 25 Mayo, this family-owned winery is making increasingly impressive wines. This is quite an oaky wine, but has the tannin structure and fruit weight to cope, showing aromatic flavours of damson and mulberry and balancing acidity. 2016-20 2015 Bodega del Río Elorza Verum Malbec Río Negro 14% The Verum Malbec is blended with 8% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc for added perfume. This is oakier than some of Agustín Lombroni’s wines, but has the same poise and elegance. Smooth tannins, bright acidity and a hint of minerality lend definition to the sappy blackberry fruit. 2017-20 2012 Bodega Elvira Calle Ca’ de Calle Mendoza 14.5% The Ca’ de Calle blend includes a little Bonarda, adding a savoury note to the dominant Malbec. This is another polished wine from this Luján-based winery showing plum and raspberry flavours, bright acidity and understated oak. 2016-19 2014 Bodega Vistalba Corte C Vistalba 14.5% Corte C is a cuvée of Malbec with 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, most of it fermented and aged in tank and cement, but 20% seeing some oak. Floral, ripe and smooth, it’s a very attractive red with fine tannins and plush liquorice and blueberry notes. The perfume is particularly appealing here. 2016-19 2013 Bressia Pinot Noir Piel Negra Uco Valley 13% Showing the lighter touch of which the Bressias are more than capable, this Uco Valley Pinot is fresh and attractive, with notes of redcurrant and strawberry, well-integrated oak, bright acidity and a nip of tannin. One of the better Uco Pinots. 2016-19 2013 Buscado Vivo o Muerte El Manzano Chacayes 14% From higher altitude Chacayes, this is a blend of Malbec with 10% Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It’s showing more oak and fruit sweetness than the other Buscado wines and is more approachable as a result. Plush and ripe, but with good underlying freshness and focus. 2016-21 2013 Cadus Wines Single Vineyard Malbec Uco Valley 15% The Cadus wines are slowly moving towards greater elegance under winemaker Santi Mayorga, but this is still a pretty oaky style of Malbec. It’s impressive and bold, with saturated colour, ripe, textured tannins and vibrant black fruits. I just wish they’d save their money with fewer new barrels. 2017-22 Page 86 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 2015 Chakana Nuna Malbec Agrelo 14% This organic Malbec sees no oak at all and marks a continuing evolution in style under winemaker Gabriel Bloise towards greater freshness and precision. Red and black fruits, a hint of liquorice and a minerally undertone make this a delight to drink. It’s great value, too. 2016-19 2015 Chakana Nuna Syrah Mendoza 14.5% There’s a little bit of oak on the Nuna Syrah, unlike the Malbec in the same range, soaked up by the structure and concentration of the wine. Smoky black fruits, a twist of the pepper grinder and impressive concentration complemented by mineral freshness. 2016-20 2014 Cuvelier Los Andes Colección Malbec Uco Valley 15% Like most of the Cuvelier reds, this sits at the riper end of the spectrum, but the alcohol is balanced by fruit weight. Fine tannins, focused acidity and complex vanilla, plum and Mediterranean herbs combine appealingly here. 2016-20 2010 Cuvelier Los Andes Grand Vin Uco Valley 15.5% A ripe, figgy, full-bodied blend of predominantly Malbec with 19% Cabernet Sauvignon and lesser amounts of Petit Verdot, Merlot and Syrah, this is a big, oaky wine. There’s a lot of fruit power here, complemented by a backbone of tannin, but a little more freshness would make it an even better wine. 2016-19 2012 Deumayen Trez Malbec Reserva Vista Flores 14.3% This is an ambitious wine with one eye on the cellar. It’s showing quite a bit of oak at the moment, but this deeply coloured, intense wine has a supporting cast of ripe, textured tannins, savoury, spicy fruit and fresh acidity. 2017-21 2014 DiamAndes de Uco Cabernet Sauvignon Uco Valley 14.5% You’d expect a winery with a Bordeaux connection (the same family owns Château MalarticLagravière) to be good at Cabernet Sauvignon, and you’d be right. This is a serious, focused example of the grape, which is aged in 50% new oak and has grassy, cassis-scented notes and plenty of texture. 2017-22 2014 Domaine Bousquet Gaia Tupungato 14.5% Gaia, a name that has special significance for the organic movement, is a blend of Malbec with 45% Syrah and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s a seamless cuvée, showing dark, yet refreshing bramble and blackberry fruit, fine tannnins and an overlay of oak that needs more time to integrate. 2017-21 2012 Dominio del Plata Nosotros Malbec Vista Flores 14.5% Made before the arrival of Edy del Popolo, this is an expression of the old style Dominio del Plata, with lots of smoky oak, firmer tannins and a little less freshness than more recent releases. It’s still an impressive wine, but it’s a little less enjoyable to drink. 2016-20 Page 87 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 2013 Dominio del Plata Susana Balbo Brioso Mendoza 14.5% There’s certainly no lack of concentration on this blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Malbec, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, but it’s a more old-fashioned style from the winery, with firm tannins and a little too much oak. The wine may integrate with another year or two in bottle. 2017-22 2013 Doña Paula Estate Black Edition Malbec Luján de Cuyo 14.1% The Black Edition release also contains 37% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot, all of it from Ugarteche. It’s a focused, refreshing style, showing some calcium carbonate minerality, understated oak, vibrant black fruits and a twist of the pepper grinder. Also tasted last year. 2016-20 2013 El Esteco Cabernet Sauvignon Calchaqui Valley 14.5% Made with a combination of fruit from high and lower-trellised vineyards, this Cabernet Sauvignon also sees 15% whole bunches. Lavender, mint, rosemary and ripe red fruits are supported by a backbone of fine-grained tannins. 2016-21 2013 El Esteco Ciclos Icono Calchaqui Valley 14.5% El Esteco’s icon wine is an equal blend of Malbec and Merlot, made in a bold, richly oaked style with bags of dark berry fruit concentration, chocolatey, barrel-derived flavours and impressive underlying concentration. 2017-21 2012 El Esteco Fincas Notables Cabernet Sauvignon Cafayate 14.5% The Finca in question here is Finca La Urquiza, a parral vineyard that was planted in the 1960s. Aged in larger oak barrels and fermented with 15% whole bunches, this is a serious, focused Cabernet with plenty of grip and concentration. Needs time in bottle. 2017-22 2013 El Esteco Fincas Notables Malbec Cafayate 14.5% There’s quite a bit of French oak on this barrel-fermented Malbec, but it’s supported by plenty of rich, savoury, plummy fruit and underlying minerality. It’s quite a worked style, yet the overall balance points to a wine that will age well. 2017-21 2013 El Esteco Fincas Notables Tannat Cafayate 14.5% El Esteco are pioneers of Tannat in Cafayate, having sold their first varietal expression of the grape in 1999. This is a super rich style with plenty of oak and tannins supported by firm, dense, concentrated black fruits and refreshing acidity. 2017-21 2015 El Porvenir de Cafayate Amauta Absoluto Tannat Cafayate 14.5% Further proof that Tannat has an exciting future in Cafayate, even when it’s making entry point wines such as this unoaked example, El Porvenir’s red is savoury, ripe and stylish, with just the right amount of tannic backbone. Impressive winemaking from Mariano Quiroga. 2016-19 Page 88 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 91 2014 El Porvenir de Cafayate Laborum Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Cafayate 14.5% Like the Single Vineyard Malbec, this comes from the Finca Río Seco, but isn’t quite as good. The oak is slightly more marked and there’s a volatile lift, complemented by sweet brambly fruit and medium weight tannins. 2016-19 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 2012 Familia Cassone Obra Prima Malbec Reserva Luján de Cuyo 14% This Luján-based winery makes bold, textured, oaky wines, although that may change under oenologist Estela Perinetti. This dark, dense, tapenade, fig and blackberry fruity wine is powerful stuff, but has good underlying balance. 2016-20 2011 Familia Schroeder Blend Patagonia 14.5% Schroeder’s Bordeaux blend is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based cuvée with 25% Malbec, 20% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc that sees 18 months in French oak. Smooth, chocolatey and stylishly oaked it’s a ripe, polished red that’s very harmonious on the palate. 2017-21 2015 Familia Schroeder Pinot Noir Clon R4 Patagonia 14.1% A clonal selection from a single block (31A, in case you want to know), this is still a comparatively young vineyard, but it’s making some impressive wines. Juicy, brambly and sweet, with some whole bunch spice and deftly handled French oak. Young and appealing, yet likely to age further. 2016-19 2014 Familia Schroeder Saurus Barrel Fermented Malbec Patagonia 14.5% Barrel fermentation in 100% new French and American oak doesn’t sound like my kind of wine, but this deeply coloured Malbec, which is taken off its skins comparatively early is plush and aromatic, unfurling sweet violet and blueberry flavours and smooth, refined tannins. 2016-20 2014 Filus Bodega y Viñedos Filus Malbec Mendoza 14.5% Filus’ oenologist, Mario Malatto, used to work for Altos Las Hormigas and favours elegance over extraction. This is low on oak and high on perfumed liquorice and blackberry flavours, with refreshing Uco Valley acidity and fine-grained texture. 2016-21 2012 Fin del Mundo FIN Cabernet Franc Neuquén 14.5% Stylishly packaged and equally impressive on the palate, this is less oaky and better balanced than some previous releases. Leafy, grassy and subtle, with velvety tannins and attractive toast and vanilla undertones supported by acidity. 2016-21 2013 Fin del Mundo Gran Reserva Neuquén 14.5% Made in an appealingly commercial style with lots of sweet vanilla oak and smooth tannins, this attractive cuvée of Malbec with 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Franc has plenty of ripe black fruits, some liquorice and a refreshing finish. 2016-20 Page 89 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 2013 Finca Decero Remolinos Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Agrelo 14.3% The tannins are a little firm here (it is a pure Cabernet after all), but the wine shows good balance between scented oak, green pepper and pyrazine notes, firm structure and refreshing acidity. An impressive varietal. 2017-21 2011 Finca El Origen Phi Single Vineyard Vista Flores 14.9% If you’re looking for a wine from the Finca El Origen range to tuck away for a year or more, this should be it. It’s a huge red, with lashings of oak, tannin and alcohol underpinned by layers of plush black fruit intensity. Not particularly subtle, but very impressive. 2017-23 2013 Finca La Celia Elite Malbec Uco Valley 14.7% This Santa Carolina-owned winery’s top blend is a cuvée of Malbec with 4% Syrah and 3% Petit Verdot. Floral, ripe and attractive, it’s an example of the Uco Valley at its perfumed best, showing subtle red fruits, fresh acidity and understated French oak spice. 2016-21 2013 Finca La Chamiza Martín Alsina Malbec Luján de Cuyo 14.5% Definitely a wine that’s made to age, this is ambitiously oaked and well structured. Compact, rich and youthful, it’s a tannic, dense, but abundantly fruity style, unfurling flavours of blackberry, liquorice and plum in the glass. 2017-22 2014 Finca Las Moras Paz Malbec Pedernal 14.4% One of a number of noteworthy wines I’ve had from San Juan’s Pedernal Valley this year, this is grown at 1,400 metres on stony, limestone soils. It has the grip as well as the Mediterranean spices that are typical of reds from here, with freshnes and dark berry fruits on the palate. 2016-20 2014 Finca Quara Special Selection Malbec Cafayate 14% Restrained in terms of alcohol, at least for a Cafayate red, this is a modern style Malbec showing aromatic Mediterranean herbs on the nose, a hint of good reduction, attractive French and American oak and refreshing acidity. Polished winemaking from Pancho Lavaque. 2016-20 2013 Finca Suarez Gran Malbec Paraje Altamira 14.5% Reflecting the quality of the grapes in these old Paraje Altamira plantings, this is a Malbec that doesn’t appear to be trying too hard. Fresh and perfumed, it displays aromas of blackberry and orange zest and flavours of subtle cinnamon spice and minerally acidity. 2016-21 2013 Fincas Don Martino Malbec Reserva Mendoza 14.5% Hugo Martino and Jorge Cradozo’s winery in Drummond is a comparatively recent creation that deserves to be better known. This is a stylish, easy drinking Malbec showing a hint of good reduction in bottle, violet and bramble aromas, subtle oak and a fine, tapering finish. 2016-19 Page 90 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 2015 Gen de Alma Ji Ji Ji Malbec C02 Pinot Noir Gualtallary 12.1% Argentina’s answer to a good Beaujolais, made with 100% whole bunches from Pinot Noir, rather than Gamay, this is fresh, juicy and unoaked with bright acidity, redcurrant and pomegranate fruit and a chalky bite. 2016-18 2013 Kaiken Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon Luján de Cuyo 14.5% You’d expect a winery owned by the Montes family from Chile to be good at making Cabernet in Argentina and you’d be correct. This is a classic cassis, dried herbs and cigar box style, with a firm backbone of tannin and well-integrated, toasty oak. There’s 5% Malbec in this too. 2017-21 2013 Kaiken Ultra Malbec Mendoza 14.5% Aurelio Montes Junior is taking this Chilean-owned winery to new heights, working alongside oenologist, Rogelio Rabino. This is a very poised Uco Valley Malbec, combining perfumed, subtly oaked fruit from Vista Flores, Paraje Altamira and Gaultallary. It has the structure to age, too. 2016-21 2014 La Mascota Malbec Cruz de Piedra 14% From stony, riverbed soils in Cruz de Piedra, this is typical of winemaker Opi Sadler’s style, favouring fruit over oak intrusion. Spice, minerality and bags of perfume define this wine, as does its abundant blackberry and blueberry fruit. Essence of modern style Mendoza Malbec. 2016-20 2013 Lagarde Guarda Cabernet Franc Luján de Cuyo 14% Everything you expect a Luján Cabernet Franc to be, combining ripe, textured fruit with floral, grassy aromas and very subtle oak. The tannins are particularly well done here, folded into the wine and adding some backbone. 2016-19 2011 Lagarde Henry Gran Guarda Luján de Cuyo 14.5% Malbec-based with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon for company, this is a nicely mature Luján blend that’s still got some ageing potential, as its label suggests. Attractive oak, fine-grained tannins, leafy, sweetly textured fruit and well judged balancing acidity. 2016-20 2013 Lamadrid Single Vineyard Reserva Malbec Luján de Cuyo 14% This Cuban-owned winery in Luján was an exciting discovery for me this year. This deeply coloured, aromatic, well balanced Malbec is the pick of the current range, with sweet blackberry and black cherry fruit complemented by fresh acidity and subtle French oak. 2016-22 2014 Luca Syrah Laborde Double Select La Consulta 14% A venerable parral vineyard provides half of the fruit for this old vine Syrah from La Consulta. It’s oakier than some of the Luca wines, with bramble fruit sweetness, good texture, fine tannins and an undertone of clove and nutmeg. Well made if not massively varietal in style. 2017-21 Page 91 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 2013 Luigi Bosca Gala 1 Mendoza 14.5% A Malbec-based blend with 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Tannat, this is another comparatively ripe, forward style from Luigi Bosca, made for immediate pleasure rather than the cellar. Supple, floral and fruity, this has an appealing combination of red fruits, acidity and a tannic core from the Petit Verdot. 2016-19 2013 Luigi Bosca Gala 4 Mendoza 14% First made in 2008, this is blend of Cabernet Franc from Maipú and Las Compuertas with 5% Malbec. Confirming the promise of Cabernet Franc in Mendoza, it’s grassy and refreshing, with bright acidity, floral, spicy fruit and good density and focus. The wine has more tannin than you think at first. 2016-21 2014 Manos Negras Atrevida Blend Paraje Altamira 13.9% There’s just a splash of Cabernet Franc in this Malbec-dominated blend from the southern Uco Valley. It’s another impressive performance from this young winery, showing the focus and grip that define Alejandro Sejanovich’s style. Spice, granular tannin, some chalky minerality and lovely freshness. 2017-22 2015 Marcelo Miras Pinot Noir Alto Valle de Río Negro 13.5% Made from young vines in Río Negro, this is an easy-drinking style that’s bottled with a little carbon dioxide. Floral and light, with cherry stone and redcurrant brightness, a hint of clove spice and refreshing, palate-cleansing acidity. 2016-19 2015 Mariano di Paola Mapema Malbec Tupungato 14% Sourced from Tupungato, close to the Rutini winery where Mariano di Paolo is the chief oenologist, this is sold under his impressive own label. Plum, black fig, blackberry and spicy oak flavours are enhanced by the freshness and acidity of the high Uco Valley and ripe, textured tannins. 2017-22 2014 Mendel Lunta Malbec Luján de Cuyo 14.4% Made to be approachable early (at least by Mendel’s age-worthy standards), Lunta is full of plush, vibrant fruit expression, with subtle oak and less extraction than the rest of the range. Balanced, supple and easy to drink. 2016-19 2012 Montechez Malbec Reserva Mendoza 14.1% Tasted last year, but included in this report because it is still showing well, this has integrated its oak over the last 12 months. Refined, well balanced and aromatic, showing raspberry and black plum notes, intense perfume and the silky tannins you expect from consultant Roberto de la Mota. 2016-21 2012 Monteviejo Lindaflor Blend Uco Valley 14.5% Combining Malbec with Syrah, this is another Monteviejo wine that’s inching towards a fresher, more aromatic incarnation, even in a warm vintage like 2012. Raspberry, blueberry and fruit cake notes are balanced by a backdrop of tannin and acidity, suggesting that this will age well in bottle. 2017-22 Page 92 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 2014 Morelli Vino de Cava Refrán Malbec Uco Valley 13.8% Cristián Morelli’s Uco Valley operation is one to watch, producing a string of impressive wines. This old oak aged Malbec is fresh, balanced and restrained, with crunchy damson and blueberry fruit and a complex, stony finish. 2016-20 2014 Mundo Revès Malbec Mendoza 14.5% A joint venture between Quentin Pommier and Thibault Lepoutre, two young oenologists, this is a pan-Uco Valley blend from Chacayes, La Consulta and El Cepillo. It’s a floral, spicy, refreshing style with the focus on red fruits, bright acidity and understated oak. 2016-21 2014 Navarro Correas Colección Privada Malbec Mendoza 13.5% A classic Mendoza blend of 60% Uco Valley and 40% Luján fruit, this combines plushness and fruit weight with acidity, perfume and focus. The oak is very understated here, adding a sheen to the plum and blueberry fruit. 2016-20 2014 Noemía A Lisa Malbec Río Negro 14% Hans Vinding-Diers’ “entry point” red is a blend of Malbec with 10% Merlot, aged in older oak to allow the fruit to express itself. Dense and darkly coloured, it’s a wine with firm, almost Italianate tannins complemented by flavours of plum and damson and a hint of clove spice. 2016-20 2012 Norton Perdriel Coleccíon Malbec Luján de Cuyo 14.2% I tasted this a year ago, but it seems to have improved in the bottle, so here it is again. Bright and attractive, with well-integrated oak, violet and bramble aromas and a spicy, peppery finish. Great value, as ever, from Norton. 2016-20 2009 O Fournier A Crux Blend Uco Valley 15.5% Reviewed last year, but this is still the current release of this blend of Tempranillo with 40% Malbec and 10% Syrah. It’s a rich, dense, oaky wine showing marked alcohol, firmish tannins and rich, cakey, concentrated fruit flavours. Well made, but this would age better if it were fresher. 2016-18 2012 O Fournier A Crux Malbec Uco Valley 15% Made in an excellent vintage, this is a step up on the 2009 that I reviewed last year. It’s a typically dense, ripe, late picked style with firmish tannins, sweet, fig and bramble fruit and an overlay of French and American oak. 2016-21 2012 O Fournier B Crux Blend Uco Valley 15% The percentage of Tempranillo has been reduced a little, allowing Malbec to dominate this four-way blend with Merlot and Syrah. It’s a rich, slightly over-ripe style with notes of fig, bramble and tobacco, firmish tannins and an overlay of oak. Well made, if a tad old fashioned. 2016-20 Page 93 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 2014 Ojo de Agua Ojo de Vino Puro Corte d’Oro Mendoza 14.5% The “golden blend” is a combination of more or less equal amounts of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Syrah, some of which are co-fermented. Soft, broad and easy to drink, this shows almost no oak, allowing its sweet red fruits, tobacco and ginger spice notes to express themselves. 2016-19 2014 Paimán Keo Tannat Roble Chañarmuyo Valley 14.5% It’s good to see that Tannat does well in Chañarmuyo as well as Salta. This old-oak aged red is all about grip and natural acidity, with focused tannins, a hint of meaty reduction, great length and flavours of tobacco and dried herbs. 2016--20 2013 Pascual Toso Finca Pedregal Single Vineyard Mendoza 14.5% Big, bold and richly oaked, this blend of Malbec with 28% Cabernet Sauvignon is typical of the Pascual Toso style, showing plenty of texture and tannin, supported by plum, damson and blackcurrant fruit and decent acidity. Needs a little time to digest the barrels. 2017-21 2015 Plop! Tinto de Malbec y Cabernet Franc Uco Valley 10.5% The 20-year-old Manuel Michelini has a promising future, judging by the quality of this refreshing, low alcohol blend, co-fermented and aged in old oak. Light, grassy and refreshing with a chalky bite and crunchy acidity. 2016-19 2014 Puerto Ancona Tikal Natural Vista Flores 13.5% Ernesto Catena’s blend of Malbec with 40% Syrah is one of the few biodynamically certified reds in Argentina. It’s quite an oaky style, with firmish tannins providing structure, lots of savoury spice, bramble and raspberry fruit and tangy, refreshing acidity. A boundarypushing wine. 2016-20 2010 Pulenta Estate Single Vineyard Red Blend Mendoza 14.5% Only the second release of this Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend, aged in (for me, a little excessive) 200% new oak. It’s something of a US market-focused style, with plenty of fruit depth but an awful lot of toasty, chocolatey oak. Well made, but not a typical Pulenta red. 2017-24 2014 Revancha Malbec Mendoza 14.6% The cooler vintage seems to have benefited the Revancha style, which combines Malbec with 5% Cabernet Franc. This is a dense, serious red that’s made to age, showing notes of dried herbs, firmish tannins, sweet black fruits and an overlay of oak. 2017-21 2014 Riglos Quinto Malbec Gualtallary 14.7% Picked late by the standards of Quinto in this cool vintage, this is a good introduction to the Riglos range. It’s a serious, black fruited number with good focus, understated second use oak and a compact, structured finish that will repay patience. 2017-22 Page 94 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 2012 San Huberto Nina Blend Argentina 14% Located in the Valle de Aminga at 1,450 metres, this is one of the most exciting names in La Rioja. This is the winery’s best red, a blend of Petit Verdot with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Malbec (this from Mendoza). Liquorice, red berry and violet flavours are underpinned by fine tannins and a refreshing starburst of acidity. 2016-19 2013 San Pedro de Yacochuya Cafayate 15.5% Late picked, as tends to be the case with the Yacochuya grapes, this is a blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon with super sweet, soft, full-bodied flavours of fig and bramble subtle oak and textured, supple tannins. 2016-18 2014 Sierra Lima Alpha Malbec Molinos 15% Made with purchased grapes from Molinos, this is the personal project of Raul Dávalos Junior and his cousin, Pancho Morelli. The vines are still young, but this is an exciting label made without oak and showing rich, succulent, spicy fruit with firmish tannins and persistent, minerally acidity. 2016-20 2013 Tintonegro La Escuela Vineyard La Arena Malbec Paraje Altamira 14% Made with grapes from shallower, sandier soils, this is generally picked early as it has a tendency to get over-ripe. It’s a floral, charming, comparatively forward style showing silky tannins and a nice combination of plum and red berry fruit supported by acidity. 2016-21 2015 Trapiche Costa & Pampa Pinot Noir Chapadmalal 12.8% One of those wines that I’m longing to put into a blind tasting, this comes from Argentina’s Atlantic seaboard. Aged in old oak and fermented with 20% whole bunches, it’s a savoury, elegant Pinot with attractive fruit sweetness, tangy acidity and impressive balance. 2016-20 2013 Trapiche Medalla Malbec Uco Valley 14.5% Deeply coloured, as Uco Malbecs often are, but not extracted in the least, this is a smoky, plummy, perfumed red with hints of fennel and liquorice, bright acidity and the subtle oak handling that’s the hallmark of Daniel Pi’s winemaking. 2016-21 2012 Trivento Eolo Malbec Uco Valley 15% Eolo comes from vines that were planted in 1912, so the concentration and density of the resulting wine comes as no surprise. It’s a serious, compact, richly textured wine with dark blackberry, liquorice and blueberry fruit and the power and backbone to age further in bottle. 2016-21 2014 Vaglio Chacra Malbec Agrelo 13.9% Agrelo Malbecs tend to be broader and fleshier than those from the Uco Valley, and that’s the case here. Plush, oaky and rich, it’s a wine with lots of dark bramble and blackberry fruit, savoury tannins and a spicy, concentrated finish. Like all of José Lavaglio Balbo’s wines, this is made to age. 2017-23 Page 95 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 2014 Ver Sacrum Garnacha Vista Flores 13.5% Formerly sold under the Team Grenachista label, this is one of very few varietal Garnachas in Argentina. On this evidence, there should be more of them, because it’s a pale, elegant, spicy delight, with 100% whole bunches, no oak and a nip of tannin to add rigour to the raspberry fruit sweetness. 2016-19 2012 Vicentin Colosso Malbec Mendoza 15.5% Carola Tizio’s full-bodied, well-upholstered Malbec comes from Vista Flores, Las Compuertas and La Consulta. It’s a ripe, slightly jammy style with notes of fruitcake and vanilla spice supported by fine tannins and just enough acidity. 2016-20 2012 Viña Alicia Malbec Las Compuertas 14.8% Ripe, aromatic and refreshing (despite its comparatively high alcohol), this unfurls notes of oregano and thyme in the glass, complemented by spicy red fruits, bright acidity, subtle oak and fine-grained tannins. 2016-20 2011 Viña Alicia Morena Luján de Cuyo 14.5% This cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon with 12% Cabernet Franc won’t make old bones, but it’s very attractive to drink right now, demonstrating attractive bottle development, stylish oak, firm tannins and textured, sweet fig and tobacco notes. 2016-18 2011 Viña Alicia Nebbiolo Luján de Cuyo 14.8% One of only a handful of impressive Nebbiolos made outside Piedmont, this is firm and aromatic, with classic rose petal, tar and red berry notes as well as the chewy, savoury undertone that’s a feature of the variety. 2016-19 2013 Viña Cobos Bramare Malbec Uco Valley 14.5% One of two Bramare Malbecs, this is sourced entirely from the Uco Valley. It’s suitably aromatic and full of violet and blackberry fruit, complemented by lashings of oak, supple tannins and a core of sweetness. Another plush style that’s very appealing to drink. 2016-19 2011 Viña Las Perdices Tinamú Luján de Cuyo 15% There’s no denying that this is a firm and appropriately tannic blend of Malbec with 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Tannat, but it’s got masses of inky concentration and dark, succulent berry fruit to back it up. It just needs time to come together. 2017-22 2014 Viñalba Malbec Reserva Uco Valley 14.5% A commendably consistent 50,000-bottle production from Gualtallary in the upper Uco Valley. It’s a textbook expression of the grape, with violet and lavender aromas, stylish oak, masses of dark berry fruit and a structured finish. Outstanding value for money from the Fabre Montamayou team. 2016-22 Page 96 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 91 91 90 90 90 90 90 90 2013 Weinert Carrascal Tempranillo Luján de Cuyo 13.5% Made entirely from Tempranillo grow in Luján, which is rare, this is a wonderful bargain from this stubbornly traditional winery. Leafy, gamey and lightly balsamic, with fine tannins, lowish alcohol and considerable complexity. A total bargain. 2016-19 2012 Zorzal Piantao Tupungato 14.5% As if to prove that they know how to use oak barrels, the Michelinis age this for three years, mostly in older wood. It’s a Cabernet Franc-dominated cuvée with some Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah for company. Serious and quite firm, with higher alcohol than most Zorzal wines. 2016-20 2012 Abremundos Octava Bassa Malbec Mendoza 14.5% The oak is a little assertive for my liking on this Vista Flores Malbec, but there’s enough underlying fruit to soak it up over the next year or two. Plum and blackberry sweetness are complemented by fresh acidity, a hint of blood orange and ripe tannins. 2016-20 2014 Argento Malbec Reserva Mendoza 14% The Argento Reserva range has really impressed me this year, demonstrating that big brands don’t have to make one dimensional wines. Plush, ripe and densely coloured, this is smooth and well balanced with just the right amount of oak. Essence of Argentinean Malbec, in short. 2016-20 2013 Atamisque Malbec La Consulta 14% Typical of the refined, European-style reds from this Uco Valley-based winery, this is comparatively high in alcohol, but has the acidity and fruit concentration to cope. The tannins are more integrated at this stage than they were on the 2012. 2016-20 2014 Bodega del Río Elorza Verum Cabernet Franc Reserva Río Negro 14% Made in a warmer vintage than the 2013, tasted last year, this is a more tannic and ambitious wine that still needs time in bottle. Showing cut grass and green herb notes, it’s refreshing and well made with a core of dark berry fruit and subtle oak. 2017-21 2015 Bodega del Río Elorza Verum Pinot Noir Río Negro 13.8% Definitely among the best Pinot Noirs from Patagonia, this floral, spicy red is fermented with 10% stems but has very little oak influence. It’s an elegant, refreshing style, exhibiting flavours of redcurrant and wild strawberry, underpinned by cool climate acidity. 2016-19 2013 Bodega Elvira Calle Alberti 154 Malbec DOC Luján de Cuyo 14.1% The DOC Malbec is the one to go for here, showing intense bramble and blackberry fruit, notes of liquorice and lavender and appealingly understated oak underpinned by acidity. Another exciting discovery for me in 2016. 2016-21 Page 97 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 2013 Bodega Iaccarini Cavas Don Nicasio Malbec San Rafael 14.6% A winery that’s known for its impressive Bonardas as well as this Malbec, sourced from the bodega’s eight hectare plantings of the grape. Deeply coloured, smoothly oaked and concentrated, this displays flavours of liquorice, vanilla and blueberry and finishes with refreshing acidity. 2016-20 2013 Bodega Malma Malbec Reserva de Familia Neuquén 14.4% Formerly known as NQN, this bodega is much improved. Its Malbec is the pick of the range, showing plum, bramble and violet flavours, smooth tannins and a sheen of oak. Forward, approachable and very drinkable. 2016-19 2013 Bressia Monteagrelo Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 15% The alcohol is a little marked on this blend of grapes from Agrelo and the Uco Valley. The tannins are suitably firm and structured, with some plum and cassis fruit, well handled oak and acidity adding freshness on the finish. Ripe for a wine made in a cooler year. 2016-21 2013 Bressia Monteagrelo Syrah Uco Valley 14.5% After a break in 2012, when the wine was not made, this is a welcome return for the Bressia Syrah. Showing a hint of reduction that’s typical of the grape, this is spicy and refreshing with notes of tapenade and blueberry and deftly handled French and American oak. 2016-20 2014 Caro Aruma Mendoza 14.5% Vinified entirely in stainless steel, this is the entry point wine from this Lafite/Catena joint venture, made entirely from Malbec grown in Agrelo and Altamira. It’s a suitably exuberant, forward wine, but has some finesse, too, with notes of pepper spice and violet and juicy fruit flavours. 2016-19 2014 Casarena Reservado Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 14.5% If you like your Cabernet Sauvignon ripe, dense and textured, you’ll love this release from Casarena, sourced from an old, high trellised parral vineyard. Structured and concentrated, with plush, almost figgy fruit and well integrated oak. 2016-21 2015 Casarena Winemaker’s Selection Malbec Luján de Cuyo 14.5% Showing the perfume that seems to be a feature of Bernardo Bossi’s winemaking at Casarena, this rose and violet-scented Malbec is ripe and supple, with a touch of oak, textured strawberry and black cherry fruit, a touch of ginger spice and underlying freshness. 2016-20 2014 Clos de Chacras Blend Mendoza 14.1% Clos de Chacras’ Bordeaux blend is a stylish cuvée of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, with perfume and blackberry fruit to spare. It’s a lovely, scented wine where the oak, acidity and tannin provide the foundations. 2017-22 Page 98 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 2015 Coquena Malbec Calchaqui Valley 14.4% The grapes for Coquena come mostly from Tolombón and one picked earlier than those for sister winery, Yacochuya. This is a juicy, floral, easy-drinking style with some rosemary aromas, sweet bramble and blueberry fruit and a touch of oak. 2016-18 2014 Coquena Tannat Calchaqui Valley 14.4% There’s something rather special about Tannat in Cafayate, a grape that retains acidity and tannin in this hot desert climate. Rich and concentrated, but showing good grip and freshness, this is brambly, sweet and very appealing to drink. 2016-18 2012 Cuvelier Los Andes Colección Merlot Uco Valley 14% There are only 6,000 bottles of this small lot Merlot to go round, but it’s a tasty expression of the grape, with lower alcohol than some of the Cuvelier wines. Scented, smooth and sweetly oaked, with savoury tannins, a hint of green herbs and lowish acidity. 2016-19 2012 Cuvelier Los Andes El Cuvelier de los Andes Uco Valley 16.3% The icon wine at Cuvelier is a cuvée of Malbec with a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, made in the ultra-ripe, late-picked style that defines the winery’s style. It’s an impressive wine with fig, tobacco and damson notes and a core of sweet, if alcoholic, fruit. 2016-19 2012 Cuvelier Los Andes Grand Malbec Uco Valley 16.5% Made with the best Malbec blocks every year, this also sees 100% new oak. It’s a super charged, super concentrated red that’s more alcoholic than some fortified wines. There’s no doubting the quality of the tannins or the plush, fig and red berry flavours, but this is an extreme style. 2016-18 2013 Dante Robino Gran Dante Bonarda Santa Rosa 14.2% Often regarded as a lesser grape in Argentina, Bonarda is finally enjoying the attention it deserves from us wine writers. This is brambly and strawberry sweet, with subtle, first use oak, good texture and notes of clove and cinnamon spice. 2016-18 2015 Dominio del Plata Crios Malbec Mendoza 13.9% If any wine reflects the changes that have taken place at this winery over the last three years, it is this 35,000 case blend, which is now sourced mainly from the Uco Valley. Less oaky than in the past, it’s a delightfully floral, appealing Malbec with notes of violet, red plums and a twist of pepper. 2016-19 2012 Durigutti Malbec Reserva Mendoza 15.1% The Durigutti brothers’ Malbec combines grapes from Agrelo and the Uco Valley and is a well judged combination of sweet, supple fruit with high altitude freshness and minerality. Perfumed and refreshing, it’s less oaky than some of their wines, and all the better for that. 2016-20 Page 99 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 2015 El Porvenir de Cafayate Amauta Absoluto Malbec Cafayate 14.5% This value-for-money Malbec sees no oak at all and comes from the Finca Rio Seco. Smooth, soft and supple with gentle spice and lots of aromatic fruit, it’s made to be drunk young, and so it should given how gluggable it is. 2016-19 2013 Entre Vero Green Moustache Lunlunta 14% Matías Prieto is a young winemaker who’s doing exciting things. This stylishly labelled blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Malbec is a case in point. Plush, unoaked and supple, with sweet raspberry and plum flavours and a refreshing, well balanced finish. 2016-18 2015 Escorihuela Gascón Candela High Altitude Malbec/Syrah Mendoza 13.5% A wine that lives up to its stylish label, this is one of a comparatively small number of Malbec/Syrah blends in Argentina, but should inspire a few more. Soft, smooth and aromatic, the cuvée has understated oak, some pepper spice and raspberry and bramble fruit flavours. 2016-18 2013 Etchart Arnaldo B Cafayate 14.5% The top wine from this large, Pernod Ricard-owned bodega is an assemblage of Malbec with 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Tannat. It’s not short of oak, but the barrels are complemented by dark plum and cassis fruit and fresh acidity. The Tannat adds a welcome extra dimension here. 2017-21 2011 Familia Cassone Obra Prima Maximus Luján de Cuyo 14% Maximus is a Bordeaux-meets-the-Rhône-Valley blend of Malbec with 17% Cabernet Franc and 17% Syrah that spends a year in new oak. Built for the long-term, it’s rich, smooth and toasty, with ample plum, blackberry and spice and a firm, slightly drying finish. 2017-22 2014 Familia Schroeder Saurus Select Pinot Noir Patagonia 14.5% The Pinot Noirs from this ever-improving Neuquén bodega are getting better with every vintage under winemaker Leonardo Puppato. This second tier example is scented and comparatively forward, showing easy drinking red berry and pomegranate fruit and subtle oak. 2016-19 2012 Filus Bodega y Viñedos MCC Filus Mendoza 14.5% Packaged in a heavy bottle, this Malbec-based blend is supplemented by 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. It’s slightly less exciting than the varietal Malbecs, but is still a sweet, savoury, smoothly textured red with well integrated oak and a refreshing finish. 2017-21 2013 Finca Agostino Agostino Familia Mendoza 14% A pan-Mendoza blend that combines fruit from Maipú and the Uco Valley, this is an oaky but well balanced cuvée of Malbec with 20% Petit Verdot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Syrah. Minty, smooth and richly textured, with notes of dried herbs and tobacco and focused acidity. 2016-20 Page 100 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 2013 Finca El Origen Gran Reserva Malbec Uco Valley 14.6% Like many other wines that are packaged in a heavy bottle, this deeply coloured Vista Flores Malbec has a lot of oak and extraction, but has enough violet and lavender aromas and intense bramble, dark plum and blackberry fruit to soak them up over the next year or two. 2017-22 2013 Finca La Anita Corte G Mendoza 14.5% Antonio and Manuel Mas’ blend is a cuvée of Malbec with 5% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Scented, well balanced and stylishly oaked, it’s a plushly textured Agrelo style with plump blackberry fruit and balancing acidity. 2016-21 2015 Finca Las Moras Barrel Select Malbec Pedernal 14% Taken from Las Moras’ extensive plantings in the Pedernal Valley, this is typical of the quality emerging from this altitude corner of San Juan. Grippy, almost bloody tannins, limestone freshness and scented, dark berry fruit are underscored by acidity and focus. 2016-21 2014 Finca Las Moras Paz Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc San Juan 14.5% A 50/50 blend of two grapes and two origins - the Pedernal and Zonda Valleys - this is another impressive showing from San Juan, confirming that the region is on the up. Spices, some wood smoke, cassis and violet, with underlying blueberry fruit sweetness and acidity. 2016-20 2014 Finca Suarez Malbec Paraje Altamira 14.29% The Suarez family own some of the oldest vineyards in the Uco Valley but have only recently started making their own wine under fourth generation member, Juanfa Suarez. This is a refined, elegant style with subtle oak, freshness and focus. A winery to watch. 2016-20 2013 Fincas Don Martino Malbec Gran Reserva Mendoza 14.9% Showing more oak and alcohol than the more refreshing Reserva bottling, but this is still an impressive wine from the Primera Zona close to the city of Mendoza. Ripe and concentrated, with amble black fig and blueberry fruit complemented by scented vanilla spice. 2016-21 2014 Graffigna Santiago Graffigna Limited Release San Juan 14.5% The top wine from this large and improving winery is Malbec based with 30% Syrah and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. The shift to all Pedernal Valley fruit has made a big difference to this wine, imbuing it with focus, intense black fruits and minerality. The oak is well digested here. 2017-22 2012 Hacienda del Plata Arriero Reserve Blend Luján de Cuyo 14.2% This Luján blend combines Malbec with 24% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Syrah. It’s a ripe, textured style with seamless integration of the three varieties. Concentrated and serious, it’s rich, densely fruity and aromatic. 2016-21 Page 101 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 2011 Hacienda del Plata Mayoral Grand Reserve Malbec Luján de Cuyo 14.5% The grapes for this high altitude Malbec all come from the Pedernal Valley and show the thick, minerally, muscular tannins that are a feature of the local wines. Grippy and firm it may be, but this sweetly oaked wine has plenty of crunchy blackberry and damson fruit for balance. 2016-20 2012 Humberto Canale Merlot Gran Reserva Río Negro 14% Known as Selección de Familia in some markets, this has always been one of Argentina’s better varietal Merlots, made in an elegant, refined style that shows leafy, grassy purity and some spicy, but not intrusive oak. 2016-20 2012 Humberto Canale Old Vineyard Pinot Noir Río Negro 14% This old vine Pinot Noir is all about perfume and finesse, rather than oak. Savoury, sweet and well balanced, it has lovely texture, succulent raspberry and wild strawberry fruit and the bright acidity that’s a feature of Río Negro wines. 2016-19 2013 La Giostra del Vino Saltimbanco Pinot Noir Mendoza 14% Tasted last year, but still available in the market place, this doesn’t rival the whites from the same bodega, but it still one of Mendoza’s better Pinot Noirs. Savoury, sweet and comparatively developed, it’s a warm climate style with notes of wild strawberry and tomato skin and a touch of oak. 2016-18 2014 La Giostra del Vino Saltimbanco Tempranillo Uco Valley 13.5% Sourced, like most of the best Tempranillo in Argentina, from the southern end of the Uco Valley, this comes from a 40-year-old block in El Cepillo. Unfiltered and floral, it’s half way to a Pinot Noir in style, with juicy, red berry fruit, refreshing acidity and a nip of tannin. 2016-19 2012 La Tierra Nace Gran Marantal Vistalba 14% If this tastes a little bit like a wine from Weinert, that’s because the two wineries share the same oenologist, Hubert Weber. Aged for two years in large, old oak “toneles”, it’s smooth, scented and complex with fine tannins, savoury red fruits and refreshing acidity. 2016-21 2013 Lagarde Guarda Malbec DOC Luján de Cuyo 14.2% Sourced entirely from the designated Luján de Cuyo appellation, this is a ripe, supple, comparatively forward style showing smooth tannins, fruitcake and raspberry notes, well integrated oak and supporting acidity. An early drinking style. 2016-19 2013 Lamadrid Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva Luján de Cuyo 14% Typical of the quality of the best Agrelo Cabernets, this is smooth yet well structured with impressive varietal purity: cassis, damson and a note of green herbs. The tannins are structured but elegant, the oak well integrated, the acidity refreshing and focused. 2016-22 Page 102 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 2012 Los Toneles Gran Tonel 137 Malbec Mendoza 14.5% I’m not sure if the word “Gran” refers to the size of the oak container or the ambition of the wine here, but no matter. This is a ripe, figgy, deftly oaked Malbec showing succulent berry fruit, bright acidity and chalky undertone. 2016-19 2013 Los Toneles Tonel 46 Malbec Reserva Mendoza 14.1% The Tonel series from the Millan family is a source of excellent value from Argentina, with the focus on fruit rather than oak. This is dense, aromatic and savoury with good grip, savoury spice and intense dark fruits. 2016-19 2013 Los Toneles Tonel 78 Barrel Select Mendoza 14.3% Ale Vigil is the consultant to this up-and-coming winery. This cuvée of Malbec and Bonarda is oakier than the rest of the Los Toneles range, but has plenty of tannin and dark fruits for support. Firm and well structured, with a savoury finish. 2016-20 2013 Luigi Bosca De Sangre Mendoza 14.5% De Sangre is a three-way blend of Cabernet, Syrah and a splash of Merlot. It’s soft and comparatively forward in style with supple raspberry and bramble fruit, some rose petal perfume and a nip of tannin on the finish. Easy drinking with subtle oak notes. 2016-19 2012 Luigi Bosca Finca Los Nobles Cabernet/Bouchet Mendoza 14% This is a field blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Bouchet, a grape which is apparently related to Cabernet Franc. It’s quite an old-fashioned style, with lashings of oak and firmish tannins, but there’s enough dark berry fruit concentration for balance and to suggest that the wine will soften with age. 2016-21 2015 Manos Negras Pinot Noir Neuquén 14% This value-for-money Pinot Noir comes from the Añelo sub-region of Neuquén and is typically well made. It’s good plenty of juicy berry fruit, with red cherry and strawberry to the fore, and a stony, grippy backbone of fine tannins. 2016-19 2015 Marcelo Miras Salvaje Pinot Noir Alto Valle de Río Negro 9.5% You can’t accuse Marcelo Miras of playing it safe with this co-fermented blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. It’s a pale, unoaked wine with a pinkish tinge, tangy, redcurrant and rhubarb-like notes and a fresh, crunchy finish. 2016-18 2014 Marcelo Pelleriti Kauzo Malbec Uco Valley 14.5% Marcelo Pelleriti’s excellent value Malbec is made with purchased grapes from La Consulta and Paraje Altamira, aged in older oak. It’s an impressive début, displaying a combination of serious, plummy fruit, fresh acidity and firm, yet integrated tannins. 2016-20 Page 103 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 2014 Mater Vini Antes Andes Malbec Canota Valley 14.5% Santiago Achaval’s search for “older geologies” has taken him to the Canota Valley, 20 miles north of Mendoza, where he planted this vineyard in 2011. Spicy and dense, this is a firm wine that’s almost reminiscent of a Cornas, with hints of inky, grippy blackberry fruit and a structured finish. 2017-22 2014 Morelli Vino de Cava Refrán Caliche Bonarda Uco Valley 12% Very much influenced by the Michelinis’ way of doing things, this old vine Bonarda sees 30% whole bunches and is aged in five year old barrels. Low in alcohol and extraction, it’s a fresh, sappy, well-balanced red that’s a joy to drink. 2016-19 2013 Mosquita Muerta Pispi Blend de Tintas Vista Flores 14.5% Pispi comes from Chacayes and is a cuvée of Malbec with 20% each of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Bonarda, overseen by Alejandro Vigil. Ripe yet sappy, it’s a cement fermented and aged style with a winning combination of fruit intensity, fine tannins and bright acidity. 2016-19 2012 Mosquita Muerta Sapo de Otro Pozo Vista Flores 14% Another impressive blend from this Grupo Millan-owned winery, combining Malbec with 20% each of Cabernet Franc and Syrah. Spice from 40% whole bunches, early picked strawberry and red plum fruit, bright acidity and no oak: this is tasty stuff at an appealing price. 2016-19 2011 Navarro Correas Structura Ultra Mendoza 15% One of the more old-fashioned wines in the Navarro Correas line-up, with higher alcohol, slightly riper, figgy fruit and more prominent oak. Smoky, sweet and textured, this is an attractive blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon that’s best drunk sooner rather than later. 2016-18 2014 Nieto Senetiner Collection Blend Luján de Cuyo 14% There’s a slightly feral, gamey note to this blend of Malbec with 40% Cabernet Franc, but it’s acceptable in the context of what is a slightly old-fashioned style of red. Focused, firm and intense, with a sturdy backbone of tannin and lots of vigorous, youthful fruit flavours. 2016-20 2014 Nieto Senetiner Don Nicanor Malbec Luján de Cuyo 14% Made in quite a traditional style, but this Luján Malbec from Roberto González is still a good expression of the so-called Primera Zona, close to the city of Mendoza. Stylish oak, firm, medium-weight tannins and refreshing acidity are complemented by savoury plum and damson notes. 2016-20 2013 Nieto Senetiner Malbec Luján de Cuyo 14% Being one of the cheaper reds in the Nieto range, this sees less oak and is fresher and more drinkable as a result. Smooth, sweet and floral with tangy acidity and just a hint of vanilla spice, it’s juicy and well balanced. 2016-18 Page 104 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 2013 Norton Perdriel Colección Cabernet Sauvignon Perdriel 14% A classic, easy-drinking Cabernet from Luján, made with the fruit forward flavours and stylish oak that are typical of the Norton style. There’s more tannin in this wine than is immediately apparent, complemented by a refreshing minerally finish and plenty of cassis and plum notes. 2016-19 2015 O Fournier Urban Uco Malbec/Tempranillo Uco Valley 14.5% One of few Malbec/Tempranillo blends in Argentina, reflecting the Spanish origins of the owner, this is all about fruit and drinkability. Raspberry and plum flavours are complemented by a nip of tannin, fresh acidity and understated barrel influence. 2016-19 2015 Ojo de Agua Puro Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon Agrelo 14% The only wine at this bodega that isn’t made from organically grown grapes, this Malbec/ Cabernet Sauvignon cuvée is smooth, focused and ripe, showing the classic texture of Agrelo reds, a tannic backbone and bright, balancing acidity. 2016-19 2013 Paimán Keo Malbec Roble Chañarmuyo Valley 14.5% Paimán is the only producer in Chañarmuyo, growing grapes at up to 1,720 metres, planted in 2000. Stony, complex and very mineral, this has fine tannins, impressive grip and floral, raspberry sweetness underpinned by acidity. A region and a winery (the same thing, after all) to watch. 2016-19 2014 Pascual Toso Malbec Reserva Mendoza 14.5% Sourced entirely from Barrancas in the eastern part of Mendoza, this is a plush, palatecoating Malbec with plenty of colour and skilful use of French and mostly American oak. Bramble, liquorice and blueberry fruit combine with scented vanilla and coconut notes. 2016-20 2014 Piattelli Premium Reserve Malbec Luján de Cuyo 14% Unlike most of the Piattelli range, this one comes from Luján de Cuyo in Mendoza. It’s an attractive style, showing plenty of chocolatey oak as well as dark berry fruit, violet and liquorice aromas, supple tannins and refreshing acidity. 2016-21 2011 Piedra Negra Gran Lurton Cabernet Sauvignon Uco Valley 15% Combining Cabernet with 15% Malbec, this comes from a vineyard that was planted in 2000. Rich and concentrated, with inky, blackberry and damson flavours, a fistful of dried herbs and plenty of oak. The tannins are possibly a little firm. 2016-20 2013 Proemio Wines Grand Reserve Mendoza 14.6% I prefer this blend of Malbec with 30% Merlot and 10% each of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon to Proemio’s Icon wine. It’s still quite an oaky red, but it has the concentration to age. Mint, dried herbs and savoury cassis and berry fruit are complemented by refreshing acidity. 2017-21 Page 105 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 2014 Pulenta Estate La Flor Cabernet Sauvignon Agrelo 14.5% This Cabernet is the best of the current La Flor range, demonstrating how well the variety performs in Agrelo. Spicy and aromatic, with 30% oak adding a toasty note, it’s round, supple and grassy with refreshing acidity. 2016-20 2012 Rutini Merlot Mendoza 14.4% Another example of Mariano di Paola’s special touch with Merlot (not that easy to make as a single varietal in Argentina) this is soft, smooth and grassy with plum and blackcurrant fruit, stylish oak and fine-grained tannins. 2016-20 2014 Salentein Barrel Selection Pinot Noir Uco Valley 13.5% Sweet and slightly jammy, this forward, well made Pinot Noir is textured and attractive, with understated oak, some chalky freshness and redcurrant and raspberry fruit. A good introduction to the under-rated joys of Uco Pinot. 2016-19 2013 Seclantas Adentro Salta 15.5% Seclantas Adentro belongs to two Parisian lawyers and made its first wines in 2011 from two hectares north of the town of Molinos. This Tannat is the better of the bodega’s two wines, exhibiting the backbone and acidity that’s typical of the grape, subtle oak and ripe, savoury, fruit cake flavours. 2016-18 2012 Tempus Alba Syrah Anchoris 14% Aldo Biondillo’s main focus is on Malbec, a grape that he is helping to redefine in Argentina, but this shows that Anchoris, located south of Ugarteche, is also a good place to grow Syrah. Smooth red cherry and raspberry fruit, some clove and nutmeg spice and fine-grained tannins. 2016-19 2014 Tintonegro Malbec Uco Valley 14% Made “to show freshness”, according to Alejandro Sejanovich, this is a cuvée of grapes from Los Arboles, Chacayes and San Carlos, aged in old oak. It’s still a pretty serious wine at the price, with structured tannins supporting the plum and damson fruit flavours. 2016-21 2014 Trapiche Broquel Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 14% Like the Malbec under the same label, this wine is varietally pure and delivers a lot of flavour at its price point. It’s a pan-Mendoza blend, using grapes from Maipú, Agrelo and the Uco Valley and showing notes of dried herbs, green pepper and graphite and stylishly integrated oak. 2016-20 2014 Trapiche Broquel Malbec Mendoza 14.5% Broquel is an under-rated brand in my view, typified by this stylish Uco Valley Malbec. Pepper and clove spice, good focus, plenty of floral perfume, sappy tannins and understated oak make this a great value red from Argentina’s biggest producer. 2016-21 Page 106 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 2014 Trapiche Oak Cask Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 14% This is a blend of fruit from Maipú and the Uco Valley, with a dash from Salta “for spice”, according to Daniel Pi. Dried herbs, firmish tannins and plenty of blackcurrant and damson fruit are complemented by scented oak and refreshing acidity. 2016-20 2015 Trapiche Pure Malbec Paraje Altamira 14.5% Who says Malbec needs oak? This stainless steel fermented example is a joy to sniff and drink. Dark berries, violets. Liquorice and smooth tannins are underpinned by refreshing, Uco Valley acidity and a hint of minerality. 2016-19 2013 Tres 14 Tinto de Garage Vista Flores 14.5% The source of Daniel Pi’s entry point wine has moved from Lunlunta to Vista Flores, resulting in a red with more acidity than in 2012. It’s a floral style, with very little oak influence and lots of ripe black fruits complemented by smooth tannins. 2016-19 2013 Tukma Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva Cafayate 13.8% Showing good varietal character, because of the cold nights according to owner Fernando Maurette, this is a spicy, well made Cabernet with attractive oak, fine tannins and aromatic, herbal, slightly wild fruit flavours. 2016-18 2014 Vaglio Aggie Malbec Uco Valley 14.2% José Lavaglio Balbo’s winery is definitely a name to keep an eye on in Mendoza. Sourced from the southern part of Gualtallary, this is very chalky, pithy and focused, but showing quite a bit of oak and tannin at the moment. The wine should soften and integrate over the next year or two. 2017-22 2014 Vaglio Temple Malbec Anchoris 14% Temple Malbec comes from an 80-year-old vineyard in the north east of the Uco Valley. It’s an aromatic, savoury red that isn’t quite as exciting as the 2013 release, but is still a serious Malbec that’s built to age. The tannins just need to soften in bottle. 2017-23 2013 Valle Las Nencias Malbec Reserve Mendoza 14.5% Co-owned by the Giol, Toso and Gargantini families, this La Consulta winery makes attractive, medium-weight wines. This is a classic Uco Valley style, mixing blackberry and black cherry fruit weight with freshness and acidity. The oak is particularly well integrated here. 2016-21 NV Vicentin Maldito Mendoza 15.5% Maldito is an intriguing, solera system-style red blend of the 2011, 2012 and 2013 vintages, made with Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It’s a rich, ripe, figgy number with firmish tannins, lots of ripe, complex fruit flavours and enough acidity and freshness for balance. 2016-19 Page 107 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 2012 Viña Alicia Brote Negro Malbec Mendoza 14.5% Sourced from old vines in Luján de Cuyo, some of them over 100 years old, this is firm, dense and quite chewy, with stylish oak adding some sweetness, as does the savoury, concentrated blackberry and dark plum fruit. Accompnay with a thick steak to enjoy at its best. 2016-20 2010 Viña Alicia Cuarzo Petit Verdot Mendoza 14.7% You need to get Petit Verdot pretty ripe to have a chance of taming its firm tannins, and this wine does exactly that. It’s a rich, heady red with savoury, dried herb notes, plenty of backbone and structure and tangy acidity. 2016-19 2013 Viña Alicia Paso de Piedra Malbec Luján de Cuyo 14.8% More evolved than previous releases at this stage, possibly because of the tricky vintage, but this is still a refined, scented Luján Malbec from this impressive bodega. Flavours of dried mint, Asian spices, subtle vanilla oak and refreshing acidity combine appealingly here. 2016-20 2014 Viña Cobos Cocodrillo Corte Mendoza 14.5% The Cocodrillo Corte is a cuvée of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with 16% Cabernet Franc and 7% Malbec. It’s a pan-Mendoza blend of Uco and Agrelo fruit with smooth, smoky flavours, some leafy undertones, a hint of spice and well judged oak. It’s on the ripe side, but well balanced. 2016-20 2013 Viña Las Perdices Don Juan Reserva Agrelo 15% The Don Juan blend marries Malbec with 11% Syrah, 10% Bonarda and 9% Merlot and is every bit as seductive and smooth-tongued as one would hope. Modern, stylish and aromatic it’s rich and ripe but very well balanced. 2016-21 2012 Weinert Carrascal Cabernet Sauvignon Luján de Cuyo 14% Youthful by the venerable standards of this winery, this only spends a year in old oak before bottling. It’s a more forward wine, but I wouldn’t bet against it ageing, given the acidity, focus and fine-grained tannins here. Traditional but clean. 2016-19 2014 Zorzal Terroir Unico Pinot Noir Tupungato 13.6% Cement-fermented and aged, with 20% whole bunches adding a little grip and definition, this is a light, savoury, attractive Pinot Noir with sweet raspberry and red cherry fruit flavours, zesty acidity and a mineral bite. 2016-19 2015 Zuccardi Serie A Malbec Uco Valley 14% Sebastián Zuccardi uses grapes from the length and breadth of the Uco Valley in this panregional Malbec, made without oak to allow the aromatic plum, blackberry and violet notes full expression. A very serious wine at the price, this is a great introduction to the joys of the winery’s Malbec range. 2016-19 Page 108 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Whites 96 95 95 95 94 94 2013 Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Bones Chardonnay Uco Valley 13% White Bones is sourced from the easterly section of the Adrianna Vineyard and tends to be weightier than its stable mate, White Stones, seeing 100% malolactic. This is a superb Chardonnay, with power and concentration balanced by freshness and chalky minerality. Long and complex, it has the struck match notes that are so reminiscent of Burgundy. 2016-20 2014 La Giostra del Vino Saltimbanco Sauvignon Blanc Mendoza 13.5% Another example of Giuseppe Franceschini pushing the boundaries. Barrel-fermented and unfiltered, this comes El Peral and is a very focused, pithy wine that takes Sauvignon Blanc to a new level in Argentina. Grapefruit, oyster shell notes and a stony, minerally palate combine beautifully here. 2016-20 2014 Piedra Negra Gran Lurton Uco Valley 13.5% Hats off to François Lurton for planting Tocai Friulano in Argentina, blended here with 15% Viognier and 5% Sauvignon Blanc, all of it barrel fermented in mostly older oak. It’s a northern Italy meets Burgundy style, with flavours of pink grapefruit, slight reduction, subtle, savoury oak and some stone fruit sweetness. One of Argentina’s very best whites. 2016-20 2015 Riccitelli Wines Old Vines Semillon Patagonia 14% There are only 2,500 bottles of this old vine Semillon, alas, made from purchased grapes and fermented in a combination of old oak and concrete. Leesy, herbal and textured, with flavours of honeysuckle, green herbs and pear spice. A remarkable debut from this brilliant young winemaker. 2016-19 2014 Blanchard y Lurton Uco Valley 13.5% Using the very successful template established at Piedra Negra, this is a Tocai Friulanobased white blend with 30% Viognier and 5% each of Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Savoury, crisp and stylishly oaked, this is a beautifully judged, harmonious cuvée with notes of grapefruit, peach and white flowers. A very impressive début. 2016-20 2013 Bressia Lágrima Canela Uco Valley 14% Walter Bressia’s blend of Chardonnay with 30% Semillon is always among the best whites in Argentina, fermented in new oak and combining the two varieties with real aplomb. Baking spices, cream and some herbal notes are complemented by hints of toast, vanilla and tangy acidity. 2016-19 Page 109 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 94 94 94 94 94 94 93 2013 Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Stones Chardonnay Uco Valley 13% Picked in four stages for different fruit profiles, this high altitude Chardonnay from the Adrianna Vineyard comes, as its name suggests, from limestone-dominated soils. Taut, concentrated and sappy, with pronounced citrus fruit flavours, subtle vanilla spice and a core of minerally acidity. 2016-22 2015 Colomé Altura Máxima Lote Especial Sauvignon Blanc Salta 13.5% Sauvignon Blanc only represents two out of the 25 hectares planted at the highest vineyard in the world, but in this, its second vintage, the grape has already demonstrated that it’s capable of something special. Saline and refreshing, with a touch of oak attractive green herbs and grapefruity freshness, it’s like a Salta take on Sancerre. 2016-20 2015 Dominio del Plata White Blend Uco Valley 12.5% A mould-breaking, low alcohol cuvée of Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, all from the Uco Valley and two-thirds fermented in concrete eggs. Grapefruit, gooseberry and struck match notes are complemented by a hint of oak on the Torrontés. One of the country’s best whites in year one. 2016-19 2014 La Giostra del Vino Bacán Sauvignon Blanc Reserva Vista Flores 13.7% Italian oenologist Giuseppe Franceschini is one of the best white wine producers in Argentina. This partially barrel-fermented Sauvignon is made with purchased grapes from Vista Flores and is beautifully judged, combining a hint of struck match reduction, focused acidity, grapefruit and lemon zest notes and a saline freshness. 2016-18 2015 Mendel Semillon Paraje Altamira 13.5% Pale in colour, as it often is, but not short of intensity, this delicious Altamira Semillon sees no malolactic fermentation so as to maintain its freshness and ageing potential. The 15% new oak is folded into the wine, complementing the savoury, herbal fruit notes and citrus-edged fruit. 2016-20 2013 Salentein Single Vineyard Chardonnay Plot No. 2 Uco Valley 13.5% Pepe Galante makes some of the best Chardonnays in Argentina and has a good feel for the grape. This comes from a plot located at 1,600 metres, picked even later in this cool vintage. The toasty oak is well integrated here, complementing the citrus, spice and lemongrass notes. 2016-21 2015 Alpamanta Estate Breva Sauvignon Blanc Ugarteche 14.1% One of the few Argentinean wineries that are both organic and biodynamic, Alpamanta makes a daring, unfiltered Sauvignon from its vineyard in Ugarteche. Creamy, leesy and subtly oaked, this has notes of wax and pink grapefruit and a tapering, satisfying finish. 2016-19 Page 110 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 2014 Bodega Aleanna El Enemigo Chardonnay Mendoza 13.9% You can rely on Ale Vigil to push the envelope of Argentinean winemaking. This Gualtallary Chardonnay was partially aged under flor, like a Vin Jaune, giving the wine a nutty undertone. Savoury, spicy and focused, with a creamy texture from lees contact and a whisper of oak. 2016-19 2015 Dominio del Plata Susana Balbo Barrel-Fermented Torrontés Uco Valley 14% Consistently the best and most complex Torrontés in Argentina, this comes from a parcel of vines in Paraje Altamira and is entirely barrel-fermented. Smoky, sappy and complex with a touch of struck match, refreshing acidity and a chalky, minerally bite. The oak is just a whisper here. 2016-19 2010 José-Luis Mounier Laguna Brava Torrontés Selected Reserve Cafayate 14% It’s hard to believe that this six-year-old Torrontés is the current release of this wine until you taste it. Savoury, rich and complex, it’s a barrel-fermented style that combines notes of honey, dried herbs and mint with orange zest and refreshing acidity. The oak is beautifully handled here. 2016-18 2014 Luca G Lot Chardonnay Gualtallary 14% G stands for Gualtallary in this case and this is a wine that certainly does hit the spot. It’s a focused, well balanced Chardonnay with notes of citrus and baking spices, understated oak, some creamy, lees-derived weight and a pithy, refreshing finish. 2016-20 2014 O Fournier A Crux Sauvignon Blanc Uco Valley 12% Barrel-fermented and aged in older oak, this is always one of the best Sauvignons in Argentina, a grapefruity, Graves-style white with a stylish combination of lees-ageing and reduction, underpinned by zesty minerality and complemented by a note of vanilla spice. It ages well too. 2016-20 2015 Riccitelli Wines Vineyard Selection Chardonnay Uco Valley 14% This comes from Las Careras in the cooler, upper part of the Uco Valley and combines old oak and concrete fermentations. Savoury and stylish with well integrated toast and vanilla spice, leesy texture and bright, refreshing acidity. Definitely at the fresher end of the Chardonnay spectrum. 2016-19 2013 Salentein Primus Chardonnay Uco Valley 13.5% Primus is made in a slightly fuller style than the Plot 2 Chardonnay, and comes from a warmer site, but it’s hardly a blockbuster. Some tropical fruit sweetness, honey and spicy oak are underpinned by acidity and freshness here. 2016-19 2014 Trapiche Gran Medalla Chardonnay Uco Valley 13.5% Only 5% of this Gualtallary Chardonnay saw any oak, allowing the focused, almost Chablislike flavours to express themselves. Tangy and taut, with chalky, oyster shell-like notes, some creamy lees and an undertone of cinnamon spice: in short, this is my kind of wine. 2016-21 Page 111 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 93 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 2015 Zorzal Eggo Blanc de Cal Gualtallary 13.4% Mixing fruit from San Pablo at 1,600 metres and the chalky soils of Gualtallary, this is a stylish, almost Sancerre-like Sauvignon with flavours of cut grass and green herbs, bracing acidity, some lees-derived richness and a tangy finish. 2016-18 2015 Andeluna Altitud Chardonnay Tupungato 13.8% At Andeluna, the shift towards fresher, better balanced wines continues under Manuel González, typified by this partially barrel-fermented Uco Valley Chardonnay. Focused and refreshing, with flavours of vanilla spice, white pepper and a core of sappy lemon and grapefruit flavours. 2016-19 2015 Atamisque Catalpa Chardonnay Mendoza 14.5% Atamisque is better known for its subtle, elegant reds than its whites, but this is a very impressive Chardonnay. Judiciously oaked, with 50% of the wine fermented in stainless steel, this is a refreshing, nuanced white with citrus and stone fruit flavours complemented by minerality. 2016-19 2015 Bodega Tacuil RD Sauvignon Blanc Molinos 13.6% Who would imagine that a vineyard dotted with cacti could produce a Sauvignon Blanc that tastes as good as this? And, what’s more, that it ages well? Green herbs, lemongrass and grapefruit notes are complemented by pithy acidity. 2016-20 2014 Chakana Estate Selection Chardonnay Paraje Altamira 13% Using a combination of concrete eggs, stainless steel and oak for its fermentation, this is an impressive Chardonnay from one of the Uco Valley’s best sub-regions. Natural yeasts add a layer of complexity to this sappy, subtle, refreshing white. 2016-18 2015 Colomé Torrontés Salta 13.5% Thibaut Delmotte picks his Torrontés late, but gives it a long and very cool fermentation on its lees. The result is crunchy and flavoursome, with good palate weight and floral, lychee and citrus fruit notes, balanced by a creamy mid palate. 2016-17 2015 DiamAndes de Uco Viognier Uco Valley 14.4% A wine that has established itself as the best Viognier in the country in recent years, using a subtle combination of older barrels, stainless steel and partial malolactic fermentation to tease the best out of the grape. Creamy yet focused, with peach and citrus notes and a kiss of vanilla oak. 2016-18 2014 Doña Paula Estate Chardonnay Uco Valley 14% The Doña Paula Chardonnay style favours fruit over oak, with two thirds of the fermentation in stainless steel. Focused, crisp and lemony, with a dusting of baking spices, subtle barrel integration and a long, focused, minerally finish, this is appealingly understated. 2016-19 Page 112 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 92 2015 Doña Paula Estate Sauvignon Blanc Uco Valley 13% A blend of Uco sites and picking dates bring complexity to what is always one of the best Sauvignons in Argentina. Grapefruit, chalk and a hint of “struck match” reduction are complemented by crunchy acidity and pure varietal intensity. 2016-19 92 2015 El Porvenir de Cafayate Laborum Single Vineyard Torrontés Oak-Fermented 92 2014 Escorihuela Gascón Pequeñas Producciones Chardonnay 1884 92 Cafayate 13% Made for the first time in 2011, this partially (50%) barrel-fermented white is one of the most complex Torrontés in Argentina. Spice, orange zest and citrus peel flavours are complemented by subtle, vanilla-scented oak. 2016-18 Mendoza 13.9% Showing greater richness and texture than the more citrus-edged recent releases, this is a spicy, lightly honeyed style of Chardonnay, complemented by savoury oak, lees-derived notes and a hint of grapefruit. 2016-19 2015 Gen de Alma Ji Ji Ji Finca Villa Seca Chenin Blanc Uco Valley 10.5% Gen di Alma is the personal project of Gerardo and Andrea Michelini, dedicated to making “off-the-wall” wines such as this unfiltered, concrete egg-fermented Chenin Blanc. Early picked to retain acidity, it’s sappy and zesty with pear and green apple fruit and a creamy, lees-influenced mid-palate. 2016-18 92 2015 Humberto Canale Semillon Finca Milagros 92 2014 José-Luis Mounier Torrontés 92 92 Río Negro 12.7% Released for the first time in 2015, but sourced from a vineyard planted in 1942, this is one of a growing number of impressive Semillons from Patagonia. Picked early to retain acidity, it’s smoky, waxy and citrus-fresh, with appealing lees-derived texture and a herbal undertone. 2016-19 Cafayate 13.5% Pushing the boundaries of Torrontés, using partial skin contact and some barrel fermentation, has enabled José-Luis Mounier to produce a very stylish, even complex example of the grape, with orange peel and citrus notes complemented by aromatic oak. Very assured. 2016-18 2015 Luigi Bosca Riesling Las Compuertas 13% Luigi Bosca’s Riesling is one of only a handful of good examples of the grape in Argentina, sourced from 18-year-old vineyards in Las Compuertas. It’s a floral, dry style with focused acidity, stony minerality and notes of lime and hawthorn blossom. It will age well, too. 2016-21 2015 Marcelo Miras Semillon Alto Valle de Río Negro 14% Marcelo Miras is one of the best winemakers in Patagonia, so it’s appropriate that he should be in the vanguard of the region’s Semillon revolution. Fresh, zesty and made without oak, this has notes of lemon peel and fresh green herbs and a creamy, lees-influenced mid-palate. 2016-19 Page 113 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 2015 Morelli Vino de Cava Refrán Blanc de Noir Gualtallary 11% Cristián Morelli’s wines were an exciting discovery for me this year. This is a daring, innovative blend of Chenin Blanc, 10% Moscatel and 20% Malbec, the last grape fermented as a white wine. No oak, natural yeasts, zesty acidity and spicy, savoury pear and apple fruit make this a delightfully complex cuvée. 2016-18 2014 Onofri Wines Zenith Nadir Mendoza 13% Mariana Onofri only makes 1,600 bottles of this wine with the help of consultant Giuseppe Franceschini, which is a shame, because it deserves a wider audience. Blending Chardonnay with Sauvignon Blanc and Fiano, and complemented by subtle oak, this has a hint of good reduction and flavours of pear, grapefruit and greengage. Complex and refreshing. 2016-19 2015 Pulenta Estate Chardonnay Agrelo 13% Half of this wine was fermented in stainless steel to preserve fruit and freshness in the bottle. Well-integrated oak is complemented by stone fruit and citrus notes and impressive focus and length. The Pulenta Chardonnay has settled into an attractive stylistic groove. 2016-18 2015 San Pedro de Yacochuya Salta 13.9% An innovative Salta blend that combines Torrontés with 50% Sauvignon Blanc from Bodega Tacuil. The latter variety gives some much needed freshness and acidity to the Torrontés, as well as an extra dimension of flavour. Grapefruit, guava and orange zest notes jostle appealingly on the palate here. 2016-18 2015 Terrazas de los Andes Chardonnay Reserva Mendoza 13.8% Terrazas has always made one of Argentina’s best Chardonnays and that’s still the case in 2015. Sourced from the high Uco Valley and half-fermented in stainless steel, it’s toasty and refreshing with citrus and stone fruit flavours, good minerality and a touch of struck match reduction. 2016-19 2015 Underground Vinilo Ruido Blanco Gualtallary 12.6% Made at Zorzal, but by Marcelo Franchetti rather than one of the many Michelinis, this is an intriguing, cement-fermented blend of Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay with tangy acidity, a touch of attractive bitterness from skin contact, notes of pear and fresh apple and a tangy, citrus-edged finish. 2016-19 2014 Viña Cobos Bramare Marchiori Vineyard Chardonnay Mendoza 14.5% The Cobos style of Chardonnay is firmly aimed at the American market, with full malolactic, plenty of oak and ripe, butterscotchy fruit. Honeyed and soft, this is full of flavour, but is definitely an earlier drinking style with comparatively low levels of acidity. 2016-18 2015 Zuccardi Q Chardonnay 92 Uco Valley 13.8% A wine that’s getting better and better each year. Showing very little oak and a blocked malolactic fermentation in 2015, it’s fresher and more focused than ever, with texture from lees-contact and bright, lemon, stone and pear flavours. 2016-18 Page 114 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 2015 Alamos Viognier Mendoza 13.5% Something of a bargain within the reliable Alamos range from Catena, this has a touch of oak, partial malolactic fermentation and classic spice, stone fruit and pear flavours. A commendable expression of a variety that Argentina is only just beginning to master. 2016-17 2015 Altupalka Sauvignon Blanc Extremo Salta 13.6% Alejandro Martorell is a man who makes things happen, so I have every confidence that this comparatively new venture will be a success. This Sauvignon is made at Colomé and has a sappy combination of mange tout, lemongrass and grapefruit flavours and a hint of sweet gooseberry. 2016-17 2015 Bodega del Río Elorza Verum Chardonnay Río Negro 13.7% Agustín Lombroni favours concrete fermentations for his Chardonnay, only 10% of which sees any oak. The style here is fresh and crisp, with subtle vanilla spice, zesty minerality and balanced, citrus and lemongrass notes. 2016-18 2014 Catena Alta Historic Rows Chardonnay Uco Valley 14% Combining fruit from the Domingo and Adrianna vineyards, both in Gualtallary, this is more old-fashioned than some of the Catena Chardonnays, showing a hint of honey from botrytis, subtle oak and sweet stone fruit flavours, but it’s still a very well made expression of the grape. 2016-18 2015 Catena Appellation Chardonnay Tupungato 13.5% The Catena appellation wines deliver on the promise of this seven-years-in-the-making project. This lightly oaked, pear and citrus fruity Chardonnay shows Alejandro Vigil’s skill with the variety, exhibiting the freshness and salinity of the best high Uco Valley examples. 2016-19 2015 Chakana Nuna White Blend Mendoza 14% First released in 2013, this wild yeast-fermented blend of equal parts Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc with 20% Viognier has no oak, but plenty of peach and melon fruit supported by the zip and zest of the Sauvignon. One of a growing number of interesting white cuvées. 2016-18 2015 Dominio del Plata Barrel-Fermented Chardonnay Uco Valley 14.5% You don’t notice the 100% malolactic fermentation here, such is the freshness of the acidity. The oak is nicely understated, too, allowing the mineral-edged citrus fruit to express itself. Despite the comparatively high alcohol, it’s a very modern style of Chardonnay that nods towards the Old World. 2016-19 2015 Doña Paula Estate Riesling Gualtallary 13.5% Deliberately made in a very dry style and bottled under screw cap for maximum freshness, this perfumed, unoaked style shows its cool climate origins, with brisk acidity, lime and a whiff of kerosene and good palate weight. 2016-20 Page 115 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 2015 El Esteco Ciclos Torrontés Calchaqui Valley 13.7% The Ciclos bottling is mostly sourced from a parcel planted in 1945 and is partially barrel fermented in older oak. It’s a weightier, more complex wine than the Don David release, with the barrels adding an extra dimension of vanilla spice. A tweak of the acidity level gives this more bite and focus. 2016-18 2015 El Porvenir de Cafayate Laborum Single Vineyard Chardonnay Cafayate 13.7% Unusually for a Chardonnay, this is made from bush vines, grown at an altitude of 1,900 metres in the Finca Alto Los Cuises. Among the best Chardonnays in Salta, which is not to damn it with faint praise, this is fresh and zesty, with citrus and pear fruit and well integrated cinnamon oak. 2016-20 2015 El Porvenir de Cafayate Laborum Single Vineyard Torrontés Cafayate 12.8% Picked in three stages to give Torrontés a range of different flavours and levels of maturity, this hails from old parral vines in Finca El Retiro. Citrus, lychee and fresh grape characters combine appealingly on the palate, supported by acidity. 2016-17 2014 Finca La Escarcha Entrelineas Viognier Tupungato 13.8% Santiago Reta’s Tupungato winery is getting better with every vintage. Made by Giuseppe Franceschini, the king of Argentinean white wine, this balanced Viognier is a very subtle, seductively aromatic Viognier with notes of cream, apricot and cinnamon and refreshing acidity. 2016-18 2015 Finca Quara Torrontés Cafayate 13.5% One of my favourite Cafayate Torrontés, this stainless steel fermented white has all the good things about the variety (perfume and charm) and none of the bad ones (oiliness and bitterness). Stylish and floral with tangy, citrus acidity. 2016-17 2015 Lagarde Semillon Mendoza 11.9% Lagarde’s Semillon comes from a parcel planted on its own roots in Drummond in 1906. Picked in two stages and fermented in stainless steel, it’s a crisp, fresh, herbal style complemented by notes of wax and citrus peel. 2016-20 2013 Navarro Correas Alegoría Chardonnay Uco Valley 12.7% Fabián Gardino’s upper Uco Valley Chardonnay is very much in a modern, refreshing style, with low alcohol, bright acidity, subtle oak and flavours of citrus and pear. Typical of the improvements at Navarro Correas in recent vintages. 2016-19 2014 Norton Reserva Chardonnay Uco Valley 13.7% This is a more elegant style of Chardonnay than in the past, reflecting the arrival of winemaker David Bonomi and its Uco Valley origins. Entirely fermented in French oak, the wine shows notes of baking spices, citrus and lightly buttered toast, with a bright, minerally finish. 2016-18 Page 116 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 2015 O Fournier B Crux Sauvignon Blanc Uco Valley 12% Low in alcohol and correspondingly zesty and refreshing, this is a herbal, sappy Sauvignon with notes of grapefruit, green herbs and celery and impressive varietal purity. El Cepillo seems to be well suited to the grape. 2016-18 2015 Piedra Negra Vuela Sauvignon Blanc Uco Valley 12.5% Two separate picks are used to make this partially barrel-fermented Sauvignon from Thibault Lepoutre to provide a greater range of aromas and flavours. Mangetout and grapefruit notes are complemented by struck match reduction, tangy acidity and a touch of vanilla spice. 2016-19 2015 Revolver Chardonnay Gualtallary 12.8% Revolver is the personal project of Altos Las Hormigas’ Chilean winemaker, Leo Erazu. Mostly concrete fermented it’s appley, savoury and complex with low sulphur and an equally low pH. Pithy and bracing, with citrus and sea breeze notes. 2016-20 2014 Rutini Apartado Gran Chardonnay Uco Valley 13.7% The Apartado Chardonnay also contains 7% Semillon and 3% Pinot Gris, all aged in new French oak. This is a rich, creamy, lees-influenced style, with stone fruit and citrus flavours and balancing acidity from the Tupungato origin. 2016-18 2015 Rutini Sauvignon Blanc Tupungato 12.6% A stylish, low alcohol Sauvignon Blanc that shows the “sweaty” notes that you find in some New Zealand interpretations of the grape. Tangy, grapefruity and stylish with notes of lemon grass and a whisper of oak. 2016-18 2015 Trapiche Costa & Pampa Chardonnay Chapadmalal 13% This pioneering vineyard on the Atlantic coast got a change of name in 2015 (from Mar & Pampa), but continues to show the same freshness and lightness of touch in its wines. This is crisp and chiselled, with just a touch of oak adding a sheen to the sappy, citrus-dominated fruit flavours. 2016-19 2014 Trapiche Medalla Chardonnay Uco Valley 13.5% Made with a combination of stainless steel and barrel fermentation, this modern style Chardonnay comes from Los Arboles in the Uco Valley. Subtle oak, apple and pear notes, focused acidity and a dusting of baking spices combine harmoniously on the palate here. 2016-20 2015 Tukma Altura 2670 Sauvignon Blanc Jujuy 13.5% Jujuy is the northern frontier of Argentinean viticulture, producing wines at 2,670 metres in this case. It’s a very individual style of Sauvignon Blanc, showing flavours of green tea, mangetout and paprika. Classy Sauvignon. 2016-17 Page 117 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 91 91 91 2015 Tukma Finca Las Nubes Torrontés Cafayate 13.5% José-Luis Mounier has a special touch with Torrontés and this pepper spicy, well balanced example, made with a little acid adjustment for freshness, is a tasty example of Argentina’s near native grape, with lovely perfume and focus. 2016-17 2014 Tukma Gran Torrontés Salta 14% An old vine Torrontés, made with grapes from Angastaco, this is barrel-fermented in a combination of French and American oak. Focused and refined, with flavours of orange zest and rose water and deftly integrated vanilla spice. 2016-18 2014 Vicentin Blanc de Malbec Mendoza 14.3% Sold as a white wine, but showing a pinkish tinge, this is made with Malbec from Agrelo and Las Compuertas and is a subtle, floral, rose petal-scented wine that’s a rosé in all but name. Elegant and mineral with just a nip of tannin. 2016-18 90 2014 Abremundos Octava Alta Blanco 90 2015 Amalaya Blanco 90 90 90 Mendoza 14.2% Abremundos is an exciting joint venture between Marcelo Pelleriti and musician Pedro Aznar, made with purchased grapes. This is lightly oaked blend of Chardonnay with 40% Torrontés, displaying attractive cream and orange zest notes supported by citrus fruit acidity. 2016-17 Salta 13% People are apparently planting Riesling in Salta because of the success of this blend with 80% Torrontés. Picked early to retain acidity, it’s floral and crisp, unfurling flavours of lime, lemon and grapefruit in the glass. Refreshingly dry. 2016-17 2015 Deumayen Trez Vivante Torrontés Salta 14% Situated firmly at the fresher, less oily end of the Torrontés spectrum, this is zesty, light and fruity. It’s a modern interpretation of the grape, showing lime and citrus notes and just a touch of smoky reduction. 2016-18 2015 Domingo Molina Torrontés Cafayate 14% There’s a touch of barrel-fermentation in this Torrontés from Rafa Domingo, giving it a little more volume and weight. Pale in colour, this is a sappy, refreshing example of the grape showing an appealing combination of fragrance and lime-like acidity. 2016-17 2015 Dominio del Plata Crios Torrontés Argentina 13.8% Susana Balbo’s ever reliable Torrontés is source from Cafayate and the Uco Valley and is a lovely expression of the grape. Aromatic, grapey and fresh, with notes of pear and stone fruit and a fresh, sappy finish. A really good introduction to Argentina’s near native white grape. 2016-18 Page 118 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 90 90 90 90 90 90 2015 El Esteco Don David Torrontés Calchaqui Valley 13.7% Winemaker Alejandro Pepa uses 5% Sauvignon Blanc in this Torrontés, as well as some skin contact. The result is a white that’s typical of the variety, without the oiliness that it can sometimes show. Refreshing and tangy with good texture and weight. 2016-17 2015 Finca Agostino Sauvignon Blanc Mendoza 13.1% José Gómez’s Sauvignon Blanc comes from the warmer district of Maipú, but is a stylish, refreshing, zesty expression of the variety, exhibiting flavours of grapefruit, lemongrass and gooseberry and a hint of carbon dioxide. 2016-17 2014 Luigi Bosca Gala 3 Mendoza 13.5% Gala 3 combines Viognier with 40% barrel-fermented Chardonnay and 10% Riesling. It’s a rich, comparatively forward style, with quite a bit of oak, notes of honey and apricot and underlying acidity from the Riesling. Argentina needs more innovative white blends like this. 2016-18 2014 Mythic Vineyards Mythic Vineyard Chardonnay/Viognier Mendoza 14% This 60/40 blend of Chardonnay and Viognier also has a dash of Sauvignon Blanc in 2014. The oak is a little marked this year, but this is still a well made blend showing notes of grapefruit, peach and apricot and a hint of vanilla spice. 2016-18 2015 Norton Perdriel Colección Sauvignon Blanc Perdriel 13.5% Made with a planting of the 242 clone on high trellised parral vines, this reliable Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and varietally pure, showing flavours of grapefruit, green herbs and lemon zest. Tangy and refreshing. 2016-18 2015 Riccitelli Wines The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From The Tree Pinot Gris Mendoza 13% Fermented with natural yeasts and sourced from Chacayes in the Uco Valley, this is more of a Pinot Gris than Pinot Grigio style. Savoury and complex with pear and apple notes and a musky, peach skin perfume. A really good food wine. 2016-18 90 90 2015 Ruca Malen Chardonnay Mendoza 13.7% Now owned by Nieto Senetiner, Ruca Malen makes a very attractive, understated Chardonnay, showing subtle oak, some texture from lees contact and flavours of pear, melon and citrus fruit. Balanced, refreshing and very drinkable. 2016-17 2015 Saltallary Sauvignon Blanc Argentina 12.5% A joint venture between the Michelini and Dávalos Brothers, this combines Sauvignon Blanc parcels from Gualtallary and Salta (hence the name). Green beans, grapefruit and a hint of asparagus are underpinned by chalky acidity here. 2016-18 Page 119 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 90 90 90 90 90 2015 San Pedro de Yacochuya Torrontés Cafayate 14% The San Pedro de Yacochuya Torrontés comes from 70-year-old vines and shows the richness and concentration you might expect from the winery, given the style of its reds. Tropical fruit flavours of guava and pineapple are complemented by enough acidity to give the wine balance. 2016-17 2015 Terrazas de los Andes Torrontés Reserva Cafayate 13.8% Made at the Piatelli winery in Cafayate for Terrazas, this is typical of the aromas you find in Torrontés from the north of Argentina, but has none of the oiliness that sometimes accompanies it. Lime and floral notes are complemented by refreshing acidity. 2016-17 2015 Vallisto Torrontés Salta 14% You’d expect a team of three oenologists, one of them Pancho Lavaque from Salta itself, to produce a stylish, restrained Torrontés, and you’d be right. This is perfumed, focused and not over-ripe with spice and lime blossom notes. 2016-17 2015 Zorzal Terroir Unico Sauvignon Blanc Gualtallary 12% The Michelinis are sometimes caricatured as early pickers, irrespective of fruit ripeness, but this was harvested in five different stages. It’s a well made Sauvignon that combines crunchy, grapefruity freshness with gooseberry and tropical fruit notes. 2016-17 2015 Zuccardi Serie A Torrontés Salta 14.5% One of the very few Zuccardi wines that doesn’t come from Mendoza, this is made by Torrontés specialist José-Luis Mounier with grapes from Tolombón. Sappy, perfumed and crisp, it’s at the brighter, more citrus-influenced end of the spectrum, showing good finesse. 2016-17 Page 120 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Rosé 91 2015 Riccitelli Wines The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From The Tree Rosado 90 2015 Chacra Mainqué Rosé 90 90 Mendoza 13% There aren’t many outstanding rosés in Argentina, but this is definitely one of them, combining Malbec with 20% Pinot Noir in a pale, Côtes de Provence style blend. Perfumed, understated and refreshing, with raspberry and red cherry notes and a dry, refreshing finish. 2016-17 Patagonia 13.5% Pale and refined in colour, this looks and tastes like a Côtes de Provence style pink. Direct pressed and stainless steel fermented, it’s an elegant style showing red cherry and rosehip flavours and tangy acidity. 2016-17 2015 Dominio del Plata Rosé Blend Mendoza 12% Continuing the change of style that began in 2014, this is a pale, direct-pressed blend of Malbec and Pinot Noir. Light and refreshing, it’s the kind of thing that wouldn’t look out of place on the Côte d’Azur, with rosehip and red cherry fruit and tangy, palate-cleansing acidity. 2016-17 2015 Plop! Rosado de Cabernet Franc Uco Valley 11.5% Manuel Michelini must be the youngest winemaker in Mendoza, but he comes from good stock. This early picked rosé was fermented with natural yeasts and has attractive raspberry and green pepper notes with redcurrant-like acidity. I love the label, too. 2016-17 Sparkling 95 2006 Cruzat Gran Millésime Mendoza 12.5% Whoever imagined that Argentina could produce a sparkling wine as good as this blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, aged on its lees for five years? Toasty, creamy and rich, with notes of brioche and dried mushroom, it’s a stunning fizz from Pedro Resell. The country’s best bubbly. 2016-20 93 Bodega Vistalba Progenie Brut Nature 93 NV Cruzat Cuvée Nature Uco Valley 13.6% Spending 36 months on its lees, Carlos Pulenta’s fizz is a sophisticated blend of Pinot Noir with 40% Chardonnay. The base of the wine is from 2011, but there’s some older material too on this fine, creamy, oak-influenced fizz. Dry, subtle and showing fine, pin-head bubbles. 2016-20 Mendoza 12.5% Almost bone dry and showing a lot of toasty development for a non-vintage blend, this Pinot Noir/Chardonnay cuvée is a complex, beautifully judged fizz. Long and refreshing, it unfurls flavours of dried mushroom and brioche supported by a cushion of fine bubbles. 2016-19 Page 121 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 93 92 92 92 92 92 92 90 90 NV O Fournier A Crux Cuvée Uco Valley 11.5% A new venture for O Fournier, this non-vintage blend of Chardonnay with 20% Pinot Noir, made with San Carlos grapes picked at the end of January, is a complex, creamy, toasty delight with nutty autolysis notes and a long, dry, refreshing finish. Let’s hope this is the first of many releases. 2016-21 NV Bodega Vistalba Progenie II Extra Brut Uco Valley 13.5% Younger and slightly sweeter than the straight Progenie, this is made from a similar blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It gets nine months on lees and is less developed in style as a result, with spicy, raspberry fruit and crunchy acidity balanced by 7 grams of dosage. 2016-19 NV Cruzat Clásico Extra Brut Agrelo 12.5% The Clásico style spends less time on lees (12 months) than most of its stable mates, but it’s no less refined or attractive to drink. Smoky, creamy and toasty, it’s another polished cuvée of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Pedro Rosell, Argentina’s best sparkling winemaker. 2016-19 NV Cruzat Cuvée Extra Brut Agrelo 12.5% The Extra Brut bottling from Cruzat is still quite a dry style, with only 6 grams per litre of dosage. Intense, creamy and focused, with pinhead bubbles, tangy acidity and notes of white pepper, hazelnut and red berries. 2016-19 NV Cruzat Cuvée Rosé Extra Brut Agrelo 12.5% Showing the elegance, texture and lees ageing that’s a feature of the Cruzat fizzes, this is pale, delicate and dry. Rose petal and raspberry flavours are complemented by notes of toast and brioche underpinned by acidity. A classy sparkling wine. 2016-19 NV Lagarde Extra Brut Blanc de Noir Uco Valley 12.7% An excellent choice as an aperitif if you’re sitting down to dinner in the winery’s restaurant, this is a pure Pinot Noir fizz from the Uco Valley showing red fruit flavours and toasty, leesderived autolysis with a complex dry finish. 2016-19 2014 Domaine Bousquet Brut Traditionnelle Rosé Uco Valley 12.5% 91 An impressive blend of Pinot Noir with 25% Chardonnay, all of it from organic vineyards in the Uco Valley. This is a dry style, showing rose petal and strawberry cup flavours, a hint of toasty autolysis and refreshing acidity. 2016-19 Altos La Hormigas Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda Blanc de Noirs Mendoza 11.5% Served as a digestif at the winery, this is much more than a curiosity. Pale in colour, with no dosage at all, it’s floral and refreshing with fine bubbles and a nip of tannin. Just the thing for a hot summer afternoon. 2016-18 Bodega Vistalba Progenie III Extra Brut Uco Valley 12.1% Made with the Charmat method, this equal blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay has a pinkish colour, frothy, easy-drinking bubbles, some less-derived cream and texture and refreshing acidity. The dosage is 8 grams here, but seems lower. 2016-18 Page 122 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 90 90 90 90 2014 Bressia Brut Nature Uco Valley 11.5% It’s easy to overlook the quality of Walter Bressia’s sparkling wines, such is the quality of his other wines. This equal blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay spends 12 months on lees and has a touch of pink to its colour. It’s a dry style, with flavours of summer pudding, a hint of toast and attractive evolution. 2016-19 2015 Bressia Sylvestra Pinot Noir Rosé Uco Valley 11.6% Launched in 2105, this Pinot Noir rosé is sourced entirely from the Uco Valley. Pink in colour, with low dosage of 5 grams per litre, a hint of toasty autolysis and juicy, refreshing raspberry and strawberry cup flavours. Very drinkable in a dry, youthful style. 2016-18 2014 Casa Bianchi Brut Traditional Method Mendoza 12% This blend of Chardonnay with 40% Pinot Noir sees nine months on lees and has fine bubbles, some cream and toast and refreshing flavours of apple, brioche and citrus fruit. A chalky freshness gives the wine added palate length. 2016-19 2012 Moor-Barrio Initium Brut Nature Mendoza 12.7% This dry, savoury blend of Pinot Noir with 40% Chardonnay from the Moor-Barrios’ boutique operation in Guaymallén spent two years on lees and further time in bottle before release. It’s complex, toasty and refined, with a bracing, minerally finish and pin-head bubbles. 2016-20 Sweet 91 2014 Bodega del Desierto Pampa Late Harvest Viognier La Pampa 10% This barrel-aged, late picked Viognier from the Pampa province is one of my favourite Argentinean dessert wines. Subtle and graceful, it has 125 grams of residual sugar, flavours of nectarine and grapefruit and a dusting of vanilla spice. Deliciously tangy and refreshing. 2016-20 Page 123 ©2016 Tim Atkin TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report 2km Paraje Altamira 2013 Red 93 ALCOHOL % 2016 SCORE COLOUR VINTAGE REGION WINE NAME Complete scores A-Z 13 A Pepa Blend Cafayate 2012 Red 93 14.5 Abremundos Octava Alta Mendoza 2012 Red 91 14.5 Abremundos Octava Alta Blanco Mendoza 2014 White 90 14.2 Abremundos Octava Bassa Malbec Mendoza 2012 Red 90 14.5 Abremundos Octava Superior Mendoza 2012 Red 92 14.5 Achával Ferrer Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2014 Red 93 14 Achával Ferrer Finca Altamira Malbec Uco Valley 2013 Red 97 14 Achával Ferrer Finca Bella Vista Malbec Perdriel 2013 Red 96 14 Achával Ferrer Finca Mirador Medrano 2013 Red 93 14.2 Achával Ferrer Quimera Mendoza 2013 Red 94 14.5 Achával Ferrer Temporis Malbec Mendoza 2013 Red 96 14 Aguayo Malbec Cafayate 2013 Red 88 14.5 Alamos Torrontés Salta 2015 White 88 13 Alamos Bonarda Mendoza 2015 Red 88 13.5 Alamos Malbec Mendoza 2015 Red 87 13.5 Alamos Viognier Mendoza 2015 White 91 13.5 Alchimia de los Andes Cabernet Franc Mendoza 2013 Red 84 13.8 Alchimia de los Andes Chardonnay Reserve Mendoza 2012 White 88 13.3 Alchimia de los Andes Malbec Grand Reserve Mendoza 2012 Red 88 15 Alchimia de los Andes Malbec Reserve Mendoza 2013 Red 86 13.9 Alma Austral Barrel Series Cabernet Sauvignon Uco Valley 2013 Red 87 14 Alma Austral Barrel Series Malbec Uco Valley 2014 Red 89 14 Alma Austral Barrel Series Pinot Noir Uco Valley 2014 Red 91 14 Alpamanta Estate Breva Sauvignon Blanc Ugarteche 2015 White 93 14.1 Alpamanta Estate Cabernet Franc Ugarteche 2014 Red 87 14.5 Alpamanta Estate Malbec Ugarteche 2013 Red 88 14.1 Alpamanta Natal Petit Verdot Ugarteche 2014 Red 88 14.5 Alta Vista Atemporal Blend Mendoza 2013 Red 93 14.5 Alta Vista Estate Malbec Mendoza 2014 Red 92 14.5 Alta Vista Single Vineyard Temis Malbec Mendoza 2012 Red 93 15 Alta Vista Terroir Selection Malbec Mendoza 2013 Red 92 15 Altocedro Petit Verdot La Consulta 2013 Red 89 14 Altocedro Pinot Noir La Consulta 2014 Red 94 14 Altos La Hormigas Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda Medrano 2014 Red 91 13.7 Altos La Hormigas Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda Blanc de Noirs Mendoza NV Sparkling 90 11.5 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Mendoza 2014 Red 91 13 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Altamira Paraje Altamira 2014 Red 94 14 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary Arena Gualtallary 2014 Red 91 13.8 ©2016 Tim Atkin Page 124 ALCOHOL % 2016 SCORE COLOUR VINTAGE REGION WINE NAME TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary Piedras Gualtallary 2014 Red 97 14.2 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve Uco Valley 2014 Red 93 13.9 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Uco Valley 2014 Red 92 14 Altos Terruños Calchaqui Valley 2014 Red 92 15 Altupalka Malbec + Malbec Salta 2013 Red 91 15.5 Altupalka Malbec Extremo Salta 2013 Red 91 16.5 Altupalka Sauvignon Blanc Extremo Salta 2015 White 91 13.6 Amalaya Blanco Salta 2015 White 90 13 Amalaya Brut Nature Salta NV Sparkling 89 12.5 Amalaya Finca San Isidro Corte Unico Salta 2013 Red 94 14.5 Amalaya Gran Corte Barrel Selection Cafayate 2014 Red 91 14.3 Amalaya Rosado de Corte Salta 2015 Rosé 86 13.5 Amalaya Tinto de Corte Cafayate 2015 Red 91 14 Andeluna 1300 Cabernet Sauvignon Tupungato 2015 Red 87 14.1 Andeluna 1300 Chardonnay Uco Valley 2015 White 86 13.6 Andeluna 1300 Malbec Tupungato 2015 Red 85 14.2 Andeluna 1300 Sauvignon Blanc Uco Valley 2015 White 86 12.8 Andeluna 1300 Torrontés Tupungato 2015 White 88 12 Andeluna Altitud Cabernet Sauvignon Tupungato 2014 Red 91 14.5 Andeluna Altitud Chardonnay Tupungato 2015 White 92 13.8 Andeluna Altitud Cosecha Tardia Uco Valley 2014 Sweet 88 13 Andeluna Altitud Malbec Tupungato 2014 Red 91 14.2 Andeluna Malbec Rosé Tupungato 2015 Rosé 86 12.5 Andeluna Pasionado Cabernet Franc Tupungato 2013 Red 93 14.2 Andeluna Pasionado Cuatro Cepas Tupungato 2013 Red 95 14.6 Andeluna Pasionado Malbec Mendoza 2013 Red 92 14.4 Anko Flor de Cardón Malbec Salta 2013 Red 91 13.9 Anko Malbec Salta 2015 Red 89 14 Anko Tigerstone Malbec Estancia Los Cardones Salta 2013 Red 93 14 Anko Torrontés Salta 2015 White 84 13.5 Antonio Mas Chardonnay Uco Valley 2014 White 83 12.4 Antonio Mas Historia Cabernet Sauvignon Uco Valley 2011 Red 84 15.2 Antonio Mas Historia Malbec Uco Valley 2011 Red 86 14.8 Antonio Mas Núcleus Cabernet Sauvignon Uco Valley 2013 Red 83 14.7 Antonio Mas Núcleus Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec Uco Valley 2011 Red 82 14.4 Antonio Mas Núcleus Malbec Uco Valley 2014 Red 85 14.5 Antonio Mas Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Uco Valley 2013 Red 84 14.5 Antonio Mas Single Vineyard Chardonnay Uco Valley 2014 White 82 12.4 Antonio Mas Single Vineyard Malbec Uco Valley 2013 Red 85 13.9 Antucura Blend Selection Vista Flores 2012 Red 88 15.1 Antucura Cabernet Franc Vista Flores 2014 Red 91 15 Antucura Grand Vin Vista Flores 2010 Red 89 15.4 Argento Chardonnay Selección Mendoza 2015 White 86 14 Argento Cabernet Franc Reserva Mendoza 2014 Red 91 14 Argento Esquinas de Argento Malbec Mendoza 2014 Red 83 14 Argento Malbec Reserva Mendoza 2014 Red 90 14 Argento Single Vineyard Malbec La Consulta 2014 Red 91 14 Atamisque Assemblage Uco Valley 2011 Red 94 15 Atamisque Catalpa Assemblage Uco Valley 2013 Red 93 15 ©2015 Tim Atkin Page 125 ALCOHOL % 2016 SCORE COLOUR VINTAGE REGION WINE NAME TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Atamisque Catalpa Chardonnay Mendoza 2015 White 92 14.5 Atamisque Catalpa Pinot Noir Uco Valley 2014 Red 92 14.5 Atamisque Malbec La Consulta 2013 Red 90 14 Atamisque Petit Verdot Uco Valley 2012 Red 92 14.8 Atamisque Serbal Assemblage Tupungato 2015 Red 91 14 Atamisque Serbal Cabernet Franc Tupungato 2015 Red 93 14 Atamisque Serbal Malbec Tupungato 2013 Red 87 14 Atamisque Serbal Pinot Noir Uco Valley 2015 Red 91 14 Atamisque Serbal Viognier Tupungato 2015 White 85 14 Avarizza Blend Number 1 Mendoza 2012 Red 93 14.5 Avarizza Blend Number 2 Mendoza 2012 Red 89 14.5 Avarizza Reserva Malbec Mendoza 2013 Red 92 14.4 Benegas Finca Libertad Mendoza 2010 Red 84 14.7 Benegas Juan Benegas Malbec Mendoza 2015 Red 86 14.5 Benegas La Encerrada Pinot Noir Gualtallary 2014 Red 88 14.4 Benvenuto de la Serna Malbec Vista Flores 2013 Red 89 14.2 Benvenuto de la Serna Trisagio Vistalba 2011 Red 87 14.5 Blanchard y Lurton Uco Valley 2014 White 94 13.5 Bodega Aleanna El Enemigo Bonarda Mendoza 2013 Red 93 13.1 Bodega Aleanna El Enemigo Cabernet Franc Uco Valley 2013 Red 94 13.9 Bodega Aleanna El Enemigo Chardonnay Mendoza 2014 White 93 13.9 Bodega Aleanna El Enemigo Malbec Mendoza 2013 Red 95 13.9 Bodega Aleanna El Gran Enemigo Gualtallary 2012 Red 94 13.9 Bodega Aleanna El Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc Gualtallary 2012 Red 95 13.9 Bodega Aleanna El Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc Agrelo 2012 Red 94 13.9 Bodega Budeguer 4000 Malbec Gran Reserva Mendoza 2013 Red 88 14.8 Bodega Budeguer Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva Mendoza 2012 Red 88 13.8 Bodega Budeguer Tucumen Malbec Reserva Mendoza 2012 Red 87 14.3 Bodega Cuarto Dominio Chento Single Lot Malbec Mendoza 2014 Red 95 14 Bodega Cuarto Dominio Chento Single Lot Malbec Mendoza 2013 Red 94 13.9 Bodega del Desierto 25 Cabernet Franc La Pampa 2011 Red 89 14.8 Bodega del Desierto 25 Malbec La Pampa 2013 Red 88 14.1 Bodega del Desierto 25 Sauvignon Blanc La Pampa 2015 White 88 14.4 Bodega del Desierto Pampa Blend La Pampa 2012 Red 91 14.4 Bodega del Desierto Pampa Cabernet Franc La Pampa 2013 Red 91 14.8 Bodega del Desierto Pampa Late Harvest Viognier La Pampa 2014 Sweet 91 10 Bodega del Desierto Pampa Malbec La Pampa 2013 Red 92 14.9 Bodega del Río Elorza Malbec Reserva Río Negro 2013 Red 93 14 Bodega del Río Elorza Verum Cabernet Franc Reserva Río Negro 2014 Red 90 14 Bodega del Río Elorza Verum Chardonnay Río Negro 2015 White 91 13.7 Bodega del Río Elorza Verum Malbec Río Negro 2015 Red 91 14 Bodega del Río Elorza Verum Pinot Noir Río Negro 2015 Red 90 13.8 Bodega Elvira Calle Alberti 154 Malbec Mendoza 2013 Red 90 14.1 Bodega Elvira Calle Alberti 154 Malbec Mendoza 2014 Red 87 14.1 Bodega Elvira Calle Ca' de Calle Mendoza 2012 Red 91 14.5 Bodega Gieco Georgio Gieco Malbec Mendoza 2014 Red 85 14.5 Bodega Gieco Georgio Gieco Organic Malbec Mendoza 2015 Red 84 15 Bodega Gieco Georgio Gieco Rosé de Malbec Mendoza 2015 Rosé 84 15 Bodega Iaccarini Bonarda Roble San Rafael 2014 Red 88 13 ©2015 Tim Atkin Page 126 ALCOHOL % 2016 SCORE COLOUR VINTAGE REGION WINE NAME TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Bodega Iaccarini Cavas Don Nicasio Bonarda San Rafael 2013 Red 89 14.2 Bodega Iaccarini Cavas Don Nicasio Malbec San Rafael 2013 Red 90 14.6 Bodega Iaccarini Via Blanca Bonarda San Rafael 2015 Red 87 13 Bodega Malma Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva de Familia Neuquén 2011 Red 89 14.5 Bodega Malma Finca La Papay Pinot Noir Neuquén 2014 Red 89 13.4 Bodega Malma Malbec Reserva de Familia Neuquén 2013 Red 90 14.4 Bodega Tacuil 33 de Dávalos Molinos 2015 Red 94 15.5 Bodega Tacuil Cabernet Sauvignon Molinos 2015 Red 93 15.7 Bodega Tacuil Doña Ascensión Molinos 2014 Red 93 15.5 Bodega Tacuil RD Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon Molinos 2015 Red 93 15 Bodega Tacuil RD Sauvignon Blanc Molinos 2015 White 92 13.6 Bodega Tacuil RD Torrontés Molinos 2015 White 89 14 Bodega Tacuil Viñas de Dávalos Molinos 2015 Red 96 15.7 Bodega Teho Teho Malbec Tomal Vineyard La Consulta 2013 Red 93 13.9 Bodega Teho Zaha Cabernet Franc Toko Vineyard Paraje Altamira 2013 Red 88 13.9 Bodega Teho Zaha El Corte Toko Vineyard Paraje Altamira 2013 Red 93 14 Bodega Teho Zaha Malbec Toko Vineyard Paraje Altamira 2013 Red 92 13.9 Bodega Traslapiedra Blend Paraje Altamira 2015 Red 88 14 Bodega Vasija Secreta Rosé Gato Flora Cafayate 2015 Rosé 83 13 Bodega Vistalba Corte A Vistalba 2013 Red 94 15 Bodega Vistalba Corte B Luján de Cuyo 2014 Red 93 14.5 Bodega Vistalba Corte C Vistalba 2014 Red 91 15.1 Bodega Vistalba Progenie Brut Nature Uco Valley NV Sparkling 93 13.6 Bodega Vistalba Progenie II Extra Brut Uco Valley NV Sparkling 92 13.5 Bodega Vistalba Progenie III Extra Brut Uco Valley NV Sparkling 90 12.1 Bodega Vistalba Tomero Gran Reserva Uco Valley 2012 Red 92 15 Bodega Vistalba Tomero Malbec Reserva Uco Valley 2013 Red 92 15 Bodega Vistalba Tomero Petit Verdot Reserva Uco Valley 2013 Red 93 15 Bressia Brut Nature Uco Valley 2014 Sparkling 90 11.5 Bressia Conjuro Mendoza 2011 Red 93 15.3 Bressia Lágrima Canela Uco Valley 2013 White 94 14 Bressia Monteagrelo Cabernet Franc Uco Valley 2014 Red 93 14.5 Bressia Monteagrelo Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2013 Red 90 15 Bressia Monteagrelo Malbec Agrelo 2013 Red 92 14.5 Bressia Monteagrelo Syrah Uco Valley 2013 Red 90 14.5 Bressia Pinot Noir Piel Negra Uco Valley 2013 Red 91 13 Bressia Pinot Noir Rosé Uco Valley 2015 Rosé 89 12 Bressia Profundo Luján de Cuyo 2011 Red 92 15 Bressia Sylvestra Malbec Mendoza 2015 Red 88 14.5 Bressia Sylvestra Pinot Noir Rosé Uco Valley 2015 Sparkling 90 11.6 Bressia Sylvestra Sauvignon Blanc Mendoza 2015 White 87 12.5 Bressia Ultima Hoja Mendoza 2010 Red 94 14.5 Buscado Vivo o Muerte El Indio El Cepillo 2013 Red 93 14 Buscado Vivo o Muerte El Límite Las Pareditas 2013 Red 93 14 Buscado Vivo o Muerte El Manzano Chacayes 2013 Red 91 14 Buscado Vivo o Muerte La Verdad Gualtallary 2013 Red 94 14 Buscado Vivo o Muerte San Jorge Paraje Altamira 2013 Red 93 14 Cadus Wines Blend de Alturas Malbec Mendoza 2013 Red 88 15 Cadus Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Appellation Agrelo 2014 Red 89 13.9 ©2015 Tim Atkin Page 127 ALCOHOL % 2016 SCORE COLOUR VINTAGE REGION WINE NAME TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Cadus Wines Chardonnay Appellation Uco Valley 2014 White 89 13.5 Cadus Wines Malbec Appellation Gualtallary 2013 Red 89 14 Cadus Wines Single Vineyard Finca Las Torcazas Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2011 Red 87 14 Cadus Wines Single Vineyard Malbec Uco Valley 2013 Red 91 15 Cara Sur Bonarda Calingasta 2015 Red 93 13.5 Cara Sur Criolla Calingasta 2015 Red 89 13.5 Cara Sur Moscatel Tinto Calingasta 2015 Red 88 13.9 Carinae Cuvée Brigitte Mendoza 2013 Red 86 15 Carinae Harmonie Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2012 Red 88 14.5 Carinae Hommage Malbec Mendoza 2010 Red 87 14.5 Carinae Malbec Rosado Mendoza 2015 Rosé 86 13 Carinae Passito de los Andes Mendoza 2012 Fortified 87 15.5 Caro Mendoza 2013 Red 95 14.5 Caro Amancaya Mendoza 2013 Red 93 14.5 Caro Aruma Mendoza 2014 Red 90 14.5 Casa Bianchi Brut Traditional Method Mendoza 2014 Sparkling 90 12 Casa Bianchi Enzo Bianchi San Rafael 2012 Red 94 14.5 Casa Bianchi Famiglia Bianchi Malbec Mendoza 2014 Red 92 14.3 Casa Bianchi Particular Malbec San Rafael 2013 Red 93 13.9 Casa de Uco Malbec Vista Flores 2013 Red 94 14.3 Casa de Uco Malbec Vista Flores 2014 Red 94 14.3 Casa de Uco Salvaje Malbec Vista Flores 2014 Red 93 14.3 Casa de Uco Salvaje Malbec Vista Flores 2013 Red 92 14.3 Casarena 505 Cabernet Sauvignon Luján de Cuyo 2015 Red 85 13.9 Casarena 505 Chardonnay Luján de Cuyo 2015 White 85 13 Casarena 505 Esencia Luján de Cuyo 2015 Red 89 13.9 Casarena 505 Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2015 Red 87 13.9 Casarena DNA Cabernet Sauvignon Luján de Cuyo 2013 Red 94 14.7 Casarena DNA Malbec Mendoza 2013 Red 93 14.7 Casarena Jamilla's Vineyard Malbec Perdriel 2013 Red 93 14.5 Casarena Jamilla's Vineyard Syrah Perdriel 2013 Red 92 14.5 Casarena Lauren's Vineyard Cabernet Franc Agrelo 2013 Red 94 14.5 Casarena Lauren's Vineyard Malbec Agrelo 2013 Red 94 14.5 Casarena Lauren's Vineyard Petit Verdot Agrelo 2013 Red 92 14.9 Casarena Malbec Roble Mendoza 2015 Red 89 14 Casarena Reservado Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2014 Red 90 14.5 Casarena Reservado Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2014 Red 89 14.5 Casarena Winemaker's Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Luján de Cuyo 2015 Red 88 14.3 Casarena Winemaker's Selection Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2015 Red 90 14.5 Catena Alta Historic Rows Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2013 Red 94 14 Catena Alta Historic Rows Chardonnay Uco Valley 2014 White 91 14 Catena Alta Historic Rows Malbec Mendoza 2013 Red 93 14 Catena Appellation Cabernet Franc San Carlos 2012 Red 93 13.5 Catena Appellation Cabernet Sauvignon Agrelo 2014 Red 95 13.5 Catena Appellation Chardonnay Tupungato 2015 White 91 13.5 Catena Appellation Malbec Paraje Altamira 2014 Red 93 13.5 Catena Appellation Malbec La Consulta 2014 Red 93 13.5 Catena Appellation Malbec Vista Flores 2014 Red 92 13.5 Catena Appellation Malbec Lunlunta 2014 Red 92 13.5 ©2015 Tim Atkin Page 128 ALCOHOL % 2016 SCORE COLOUR VINTAGE REGION WINE NAME TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Catena Fortuna Terrae Malbec Uco Valley 2013 Red 95 14.1 Catena Mundus Bacillus Terrae Malbec Uco Valley 2013 Red 96 14.1 Catena Riverstone Malbec Adrianna Vineyard Uco Valley 2013 Red 93 14.1 Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Bones Chardonnay Uco Valley 2013 White 96 13 Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Stones Chardonnay Uco Valley 2013 White 94 13 Catena Zapata Argentino Malbec Uco Valley 2012 Red 92 14.3 Catena Zapata Nicolás Mendoza 2011 Red 96 14 Cepas Elegidas Brennan Firth Mendoza 2010 Red 83 15 Cepas Elegidas Contacto Malbec Mendoza 2010 Red 89 14.5 Cepas Elegidas Suono Mendoza 2011 Red 88 15.8 Cepas Elegidas Torrontés Mendoza 2014 White 80 13.4 Chacra Amor Seco Merlot Patagonia 2014 Red 89 14 Chacra Barda Pinot Noir Patagonia 2015 Red 93 13 Chacra Cincuenta y Cinco Pinot Noir Río Negro 2015 Red 94 13.5 Chacra Mainqué Merlot Río Negro 2013 Red 92 14 Chacra Mainqué Rosé Patagonia 2015 Rosé 90 13.5 Chacra Pinot Treinta y Dos Pinot Noir Río Negro 2013 Red 95 13.2 Chacra Sin Azufre Pinot Noir Río Negro 2015 Red 95 13 Chakana Ayni Malbec Paraje Altamira 2014 Red 95 14.5 Chakana Estate Selection Chardonnay Paraje Altamira 2014 White 92 13 Chakana Estate Selection Malbec Uco Valley 2014 Red 93 14.5 Chakana Estate Selection Red Blend Uco Valley 2014 Red 94 14.5 Chakana Maipe Malbec Mendoza 2015 Red 86 13.5 Chakana Maipe Malbec Rosé Mendoza 2015 Rosé 88 13 Chakana Maipe Sparkling Brut Mendoza NV Sparkling 84 12.5 Chakana Maipe Torrontés Cafayate 2015 White 87 13.5 Chakana Nuna Bonarda Mendoza 2015 Red 89 14 Chakana Nuna Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2014 Red 89 14.5 Chakana Nuna Malbec Agrelo 2015 Red 91 14 Chakana Nuna Syrah Mendoza 2015 Red 91 14.5 Chakana Nuna White Blend Mendoza 2015 White 91 14 Chaman Cabernet Franc Ugarteche 2014 Red 87 14 Chaman El Vuelo del Chaman Viña Alberico Gualtallary 2013 Red 93 14 Chaman Petit Verdot La Consulta 2014 Red 87 13.3 Chaman Red Blend La Consulta 2013 Red 92 13.9 Chaman Viña Delfina La Consulta 2013 Red 92 13.9 Chandon Brut Nature Uco Valley NV Sparkling 89 12.6 Chandon Brut Nature Rosé Uco Valley NV Sparkling 89 12.6 Cheval des Andes Mendoza 2013 Red 96 14.8 Cheval des Andes Mendoza 2012 Red 95 15 Circulo Vero Malbec Cafayate 2015 Red 89 14.5 Clos de Chacras Blend Mendoza 2014 Red 90 14.1 Clos de Chacras Ereditá Malbec Mendoza 2013 Red 89 14 Clos de Chacras IDA C Chardonnay Mendoza 2013 White 89 14 Clos de los Siete Mendoza 2013 Red 92 14.5 Collovati Malbec La Rioja 2012 Red 86 14 Colomé Altura Máxima Lote Especial Pinot Noir Salta 2015 Red 94 14 Colomé Altura Máxima Lote Especial Sauvignon Blanc Salta 2015 White 94 13.5 Colomé Altura Máxima Malbec Salta 2013 Red 98 14.5 ©2015 Tim Atkin Page 129 ALCOHOL % 2016 SCORE COLOUR VINTAGE REGION WINE NAME TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Colomé Auténtico Malbec Salta 2014 Red 96 14.5 Colomé Estate Malbec Salta 2013 Red 93 14.5 Colomé Lote Especial Malbec El Arenal Salta 2013 Red 94 14.5 Colomé Lote Especial Malbec Molinos Salta 2013 Red 94 14.5 Colomé Lote Especial Malbec, La Brava Cafayate 2013 Red 92 14.5 Colomé Reserva Malbec Salta 2011 Red 92 15.9 Colomé Torrontés Salta 2015 White 92 13.5 Coquena Cabernet Sauvignon Calchaqui Valley 2015 Red 89 14.1 Coquena Malbec Calchaqui Valley 2015 Red 90 14.4 Coquena Malbec Rosado Calchaqui Valley 2015 Rosé 87 13.9 Coquena Tannat Calchaqui Valley 2014 Red 90 14.4 Coquena Torrontés Calchaqui Valley 2015 White 86 13.7 Corazón del Sol Cab/Cab Uco Valley 2014 Red 93 14.5 Corazón del Sol Luminoso Uco Valley 2014 Red 92 14.7 Corazón del Sol Malbec Uco Valley 2015 Red 89 14.7 Corazón del Sol Malbec Gran Reserva Uco Valley 2012 Red 93 15 Corazón del Sol Soleado Uco Valley 2012 Red 92 14.8 Corazón del Sol Syrah Uco Valley 2014 Red 93 14.2 Cruzat Clásico Extra Brut Agrelo NV Sparkling 92 12.5 Cruzat Cuvée Extra Brut Agrelo NV Sparkling 92 12.5 Cruzat Cuvée Nature Mendoza NV Sparkling 93 12.5 Cruzat Cuvée Rosé Extra Brut Agrelo NV Sparkling 92 12.5 Cruzat Gran Millésime Mendoza 2006 Sparkling 95 12.5 Cuvelier Los Andes Colección Blend Uco Valley 2012 Red 89 14.5 Cuvelier Los Andes Colección Cabernet Sauvignon Uco Valley 2014 Red 89 14.5 Cuvelier Los Andes Colección Malbec Uco Valley 2014 Red 91 15 Cuvelier Los Andes Colección Malbec Rosado Uco Valley 2015 Rosé 89 12 Cuvelier Los Andes Colección Merlot Uco Valley 2012 Red 90 14 Cuvelier Los Andes El Cuvelier de los Andes Uco Valley 2012 Red 90 16.3 Cuvelier Los Andes Grand Malbec Uco Valley 2012 Red 90 16.5 Cuvelier Los Andes Grand Vin Uco Valley 2010 Red 91 15.5 Dante Robino Bonarda Santa Rosa 2015 Red 87 13.5 Dante Robino Gran Dante Bonarda Santa Rosa 2013 Red 90 14.2 Dante Robino Gran Dante Malbec Mendoza 2013 Red 89 15 Dante Robino Malbec Reserva Luján de Cuyo 2014 Red 89 14.5 De Angeles Viña 1924 Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Vistalba 2014 Red 92 14.5 De Angeles Viña 1924 Single Vineyard Gran Cabernet Sauvignon Vistalba 2013 Red 95 15.2 De Angeles Viña 1924 Single Vineyard Gran Corte Vistalba 2013 Red 95 14.8 De Angeles Viña 1924 Single Vineyard Gran Malbec Vistalba 2013 Red 95 14.8 De Angeles Viña 1924 Single Vineyard Malbec Vistalba 2013 Red 93 14.5 Deumayen Trez Vivante Torrontés Salta 2015 White 90 14 Deumayen Trez Malbec Reserva Vista Flores 2012 Red 91 14.3 Deumayen Trez Vivante Malbec Vista Flores 2014 Red 89 14.5 DiamAndes de Uco Cabernet Sauvignon Uco Valley 2014 Red 91 14.5 DiamAndes de Uco Gran Reserva Uco Valley 2010 Red 87 14.5 DiamAndes de Uco Icono Uco Valley 2012 Red 93 14.6 DiamAndes de Uco Malbec Uco Valley 2015 Red 92 14.5 Diamandes de Uco Perlita Malbec/Syrah Uco Valley 2015 Red 89 14.2 DiamAndes de Uco Viognier Uco Valley 2015 White 92 14.4 ©2015 Tim Atkin Page 130 ALCOHOL % 2016 SCORE COLOUR VINTAGE REGION WINE NAME TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Domaine Bousquet Ameri Tupungato 2012 Red 89 15 Domaine Bousquet Brut Traditionelle Rosé Uco Valley 2014 Sparkling 91 12.5 Domaine Bousquet Gaia Tupungato 2014 Red 91 14.5 Domaine Bousquet Malbec Grande Reserve Tupungato 2014 Red 92 15 Domingo Molina Hermanos Malbec/Tannat Cafayate 2014 Red 82 14 Domingo Molina Hermanos Tannat Cafayate 2014 Red 83 14 Domingo Molina Hermanos Torrontés Cafayate 2015 White 86 14 Domingo Molina Malbec Cafayate 2013 Red 87 14.5 Domingo Molina Rupestre Salta 2011 Red 87 14.5 Domingo Molina Tannat Calchaqui Valley 2014 Red 87 14.5 Domingo Molina Torrontés Cafayate 2015 White 90 14 Dominio del Plata Barrel-Fermented Chardonnay Uco Valley 2015 White 91 14.5 Dominio del Plata Benmarco Cabernet Sauvignon Uco Valley 2014 Red 92 14 Dominio del Plata Benmarco Expresivo Gualtallary 2014 Red 94 14.5 Dominio del Plata Benmarco Malbec Uco Valley 2014 Red 93 14 Dominio del Plata Crios Malbec Mendoza 2015 Red 90 13.9 Dominio del Plata Crios Torrontés Argentina 2015 White 90 13.8 Dominio del Plata Nosotros Malbec Vista Flores 2012 Red 91 14.5 Dominio del Plata Rosé Blend Mendoza 2015 Rosé 90 12 Dominio del Plata Susana Balbo Barrel-Fermented Torrontés Uco Valley 2015 White 93 14 Dominio del Plata Susana Balbo Brioso Mendoza 2013 Red 91 14.5 Dominio del Plata Susana Balbo Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Uco Valley 2014 Red 93 14 Dominio del Plata Susana Balbo Signature Malbec Mendoza 2014 Red 93 14 Dominio del Plata White Blend Uco Valley 2015 White 94 12.5 Domnio del Plata Susana Balbo Limited Edition Malbec Paraje Altamira 2013 Red 94 14.5 Doña Paula 1100 San Carlos 2013 Red 92 14.1 Doña Paula 1350 Gualtallary 2014 Red 93 14 Doña Paula Alluvia Parcel Malbec Bush Vines Gualtallary 2012 Red 96 14.5 Doña Paula El Alto Parcel Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2012 Red 93 14.5 Doña Paula Estate Black Edition Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2013 Red 91 14.1 Doña Paula Estate Chardonnay Uco Valley 2014 White 92 14 Doña Paula Estate Malbec Uco Valley 2014 Red 92 14 Doña Paula Estate Pinot Noir Uco Valley 2014 Red 88 14.5 Doña Paula Estate Riesling Gualtallary 2015 White 91 13.5 Doña Paula Estate Sauvignon Blanc Uco Valley 2015 White 92 13 Doña Paula Sauvage Blanc Brut Argentina NA Sparkling 87 12.5 Doña Paula Selección de Bodega Malbec Mendoza 2012 Red 95 14.5 Dos Puentes Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2014 Red 86 14 Dos Puentes Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Mendoza 2013 Red 84 14 Dos Puentes Malbec Reserve Mendoza 2013 Red 84 14 Durigutti Cabernet Franc Mendoza 2014 Red 89 14 Durigutti Malbec Mendoza 2015 Red 89 14 Durigutti Malbec Reserva Mendoza 2012 Red 90 15.1 Durigutti Reserva Blend Mendoza 2012 Red 86 14.5 DVT Winery HW Cellar Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2007 Red 82 14 DVT Winery HW Winemaker Selection Mendoza 2007 Red 87 14 Eduardo Vidal El Espía Gran Final Uco Valley 2012 Red 85 15.3 Eduardo Vidal Nube Negra Uco Valley 2012 Red 87 15.3 El Esteco Altimus Cafayate 2012 Red 92 15 ©2015 Tim Atkin Page 131 ALCOHOL % 2016 SCORE COLOUR VINTAGE REGION WINE NAME TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report El Esteco Amaru Torrontés Rosé Calchaqui Valley 2015 Rosé 84 12.5 El Esteco Cabernet Sauvignon Calchaqui Valley 2013 Red 91 14.5 El Esteco Chañar Punco Malbec Catamarca 2012 Red 93 15.5 El Esteco Ciclos Icono Calchaqui Valley 2013 Red 91 14.5 El Esteco Ciclos Torrontés Calchaqui Valley 2015 White 91 13.7 El Esteco Don David Cabernet Sauvignon Calchaqui Valley 2014 Red 88 14 El Esteco Don David Malbec Reserve Calchaqui Valley 2014 Red 87 14 El Esteco Don David Torrontés Calchaqui Valley 2015 White 90 13.7 El Esteco Fincas Notables Cabernet Franc Calchaqui Valley 2013 Red 93 14.5 El Esteco Fincas Notables Cabernet Sauvignon Cafayate 2012 Red 91 14.5 El Esteco Fincas Notables Malbec Cafayate 2013 Red 91 14.5 El Esteco Fincas Notables Tannat Cafayate 2013 Red 91 14.5 El Esteco Malbec Calchaqui Valley 2013 Red 89 14.5 El Porvenir de Cafayate Amauta Absoluto Malbec Cafayate 2015 Red 90 14.5 El Porvenir de Cafayate Amauta Absoluto Tannat Cafayate 2015 Red 91 14.5 El Porvenir de Cafayate Amauta Corte Innovación Cafayate 2015 Red 92 14.5 El Porvenir de Cafayate Amauta Corte Inspiración Cafayate 2015 Red 89 14.6 El Porvenir de Cafayate Amauta Corte Reflexión Cafayate 2015 Red 88 14.5 El Porvenir de Cafayate El Porvenir Icono Cafayate 2013 Red 93 14.5 El Porvenir de Cafayate Laborum Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Finca Río Seco Cafayate 2014 Red 91 14.5 El Porvenir de Cafayate Laborum Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2015 White 91 13.7 Cafayate El Porvenir de Cafayate Laborum Single Vineyard Malbec Finca Río Seco Cafayate 2014 Red 93 14.5 El Porvenir de Cafayate Laborum Single Vineyard Rosado Cafayate 2015 Rosé 87 13.5 El Porvenir de Cafayate Laborum Single Vineyard Syrah Cafayate 2014 Red 89 14.5 El Porvenir de Cafayate Laborum Single Vineyard Tannat Cafayate 2015 Red 94 14.5 El Porvenir de Cafayate Laborum Single Vineyard Torrontés Cafayate 2015 White 91 12.8 El Porvenir de Cafayate Laborum Single Vineyard Torrontés Oak-Fermented Cafayate 2015 White 92 13 El Relator Gran Premio La Consulta 2013 Red 92 13.5 El Relator Sauvignon Blanc Agrelo 2015 White 87 12.5 El Relator Tempranillo La Consulta 2014 Red 89 14 Entonado Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2012 Red 94 14.5 Entre Vero Blue Moustache Mendoza 2012 Red 89 14 Entre Vero Extra Brut Agrelo NV Sparkling 88 13 Entre Vero Folie Rosé Agrelo NV Sparkling 87 13 Entre Vero Folie Rosé Agrelo 2015 Rosé 86 13.5 Entre Vero Green Moustache Lunlunta 2013 Red 90 14 Escorihuela Gascón 1884 Malbec Mendoza 2015 Red 92 14 Escorihuela Gascón 1884 Malbec Biodinámico Mendoza 2015 Red 94 14 Escorihuela Gascón 1884 Viognier Mendoza 2015 White 89 13.5 Escorihuela Gascón Candela High Altitude Malbec/Syrah Mendoza 2015 Red 90 13.5 Escorihuela Gascón Don Miguel Malbec Mendoza 2014 Red 92 14.5 Escorihuela Gascón Pequeñas Producciones Chardonnay 1884 Mendoza 2014 White 92 13.9 Etchart Arnaldo B Cafayate 2013 Red 90 14.5 Etchart Gran Linaje Malbec Cafayate 2014 Red 88 14.5 Etchart Gran Linaje Torrontés Cafayate 2015 White 88 13.5 Etchart Malbec Reserve Cafayate 2014 Red 89 14.5 Fabre Montmayou Cabernet Franc Reserva Mendoza 2014 Red 94 14.5 Fabre Montmayou Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva Mendoza 2014 Red 93 14.5 Fabre Montmayou Gran Reserva Malbec Vistalba 2013 Red 94 14.4 ©2015 Tim Atkin Page 132 ALCOHOL % 2016 SCORE COLOUR VINTAGE REGION WINE NAME TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Fabre Montmayou Grand Vin Mendoza 2012 Red 95 14.5 Fabre Montmayou HJ Fabre Barrel Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Patagonia 2014 Red 92 14.5 Fabre Montmayou HJ Fabre Chardonnay/Torrontés Mendoza 2015 White 86 13.5 Fabre Montmayou HJ Fabre Reserva Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2014 Red 88 14.5 Fabre Montmayou Malbec Reserva Vistalba 2014 Red 94 14.5 Familia Cassone Obra Prima Colección Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2011 Red 87 14.5 Familia Cassone Obra Prima Malbec Reserva Luján de Cuyo 2012 Red 91 14 Familia Cassone Obra Prima Maximus Luján de Cuyo 2011 Red 90 14 Familia Cassone Obra Prima Reserva Blend Luján de Cuyo 2013 Red 87 14 Familia Schroeder Blend Patagonia 2011 Red 91 14.5 Familia Schroeder Pinot Noir Clon R4 Patagonia 2015 Red 91 14.1 Familia Schroeder Saurus Barrel Fermented Malbec Patagonia 2014 Red 91 14.5 Familia Schroeder Saurus Select Pinot Noir Patagonia 2014 Red 90 14.5 Filus Bodega y Viñedos Filus Malbec Mendoza 2014 Red 91 14.5 Filus Bodega y Viñedos Filus Reserve Mendoza 2013 Red 92 15 Filus Bodega y Viñedos MCC Filus Mendoza 2012 Red 90 14.5 Filus Bodega y Viñedos Medrano Estate Malbec Mendoza 2014 Red 88 13.8 Fin del Mundo FIN Cabernet Franc Neuquén 2012 Red 91 14.5 Fin del Mundo Gran Reserva Neuquén 2013 Red 91 14.5 Fin del Mundo Pinot Noir Reserva Neuquén 2013 Red 86 14.5 Fin del Mundo Special Blend Neuquén 2011 Red 92 14.5 Finca Agostino Agostino Familia Mendoza 2013 Red 90 14 Finca Agostino Chardonnay/Viognier Mendoza 2014 White 87 13.5 Finca Agostino Sauvignon Blanc Mendoza 2015 White 90 13.1 Finca Ambrosía Precioso Malbec Gualtallary 2012 Red 93 15.5 Finca Decero Remolinos Vineyard Petit Verdot Agrelo 2013 Red 92 14.5 Finca Decero Amano Agrelo 2013 Red 92 14.5 Finca Decero Remolinos Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Agrelo 2013 Red 91 14.3 Finca Decero Remolinos Vineyard Malbec Agrelo 2014 Red 92 14.5 Finca Decero Remolinos Vineyard Syrah Agrelo 2013 Red 92 14.5 Finca del Enlace Tracia Alados Blend San Juan 2012 Red 83 13.8 Finca del Enlace Tracia Honores Malbec San Juan 2013 Red 84 13.5 Finca El Origen Estate Blend Uco Valley 2014 Red 93 14.6 Finca El Origen Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Uco Valley 2013 Red 89 14.6 Finca El Origen Gran Reserva Malbec Uco Valley 2013 Red 90 14.6 Finca El Origen Phi Single Vineyard Vista Flores 2011 Red 91 14.9 Finca Flichman Dedicado Tupungato 2013 Red 95 14.5 Finca La Anita Corte G Mendoza 2013 Red 90 14.5 Finca La Anita Gran Cosecha Malbec Agrelo 2014 Red 88 14.8 Finca La Anita Petit Verdot Mendoza 2014 Red 88 14.8 Finca La Anita Varúa Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2013 Red 92 15.7 Finca La Celia Elite Malbec Uco Valley 2013 Red 91 14.7 Finca La Celia Heritage Paraje Altamira 2013 Red 89 14.8 Finca La Celia Pioneer Cabernet Franc Reserva La Consulta 2014 Red 87 14.5 Finca La Celia Pioneer Malbec La Consulta 2014 Red 85 14.5 Finca La Chamiza Martín Alsina Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2013 Red 91 14.5 Finca La Escarcha Entrelineas Malbec Tupungato 2013 Red 94 14.5 Finca La Escarcha Entrelineas Syrah Tupungato 2013 Red 93 13.8 Finca La Escarcha Entrelineas Viognier Tupungato 2014 White 91 13.8 ©2015 Tim Atkin Page 133 ALCOHOL % 2016 SCORE COLOUR VINTAGE REGION WINE NAME TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Finca La Igriega Malbec Paraje Altamira 2013 Red 88 14.5 Finca Las Moras Barrel Select Malbec Pedernal 2015 Red 90 14 Finca Las Moras Finca Pedernal Malbec Pedernal 2010 Red 87 14.7 Finca Las Moras Gran Syrah San Juan 2013 Red 94 15 Finca Las Moras Mora Negra San Juan 2012 Red 89 14.5 Finca Las Moras Paz Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc San Juan 2014 Red 90 14.5 Finca Las Moras Paz Malbec Pedernal 2014 Red 91 14.4 Finca Las Moras Pinot Grigio San Juan 2015 White 84 13 Finca Quara Estate Malbec Cafayate 2015 Red 89 13.5 Finca Quara Single Vineyard Tannat Cafayate 2011 Red 87 14 Finca Quara Single Vineyard Viña Cabra Corral Malbec Cafayate 2013 Red 92 14 Finca Quara Special Selection Malbec Cafayate 2014 Red 91 14 Finca Quara Torrontés Cafayate 2015 White 91 13.5 Finca Sophenia Synthesis Malbec Tupungato 2013 Red 92 15 Finca Sophenia Synthesis The Blend Tupungato 2012 Red 93 15 Finca Suarez Brut Nature Paraje Altamira 2014 Sparkling 88 12.5 Finca Suarez Chardonnay Paraje Altamira 2014 White 88 13.1 Finca Suarez Gran Malbec Paraje Altamira 2013 Red 91 14.5 Finca Suarez Malbec Paraje Altamira 2014 Red 90 14.3 Fincas Don Martino Malbec Gran Reserva Mendoza 2013 Red 90 14.9 Fincas Don Martino Malbec Reserva Mendoza 2013 Red 91 14.5 Flechas de los Andes Aguaribay Malbec Gran Reserva Uco Valley 2013 Red 87 14.5 Flechas de los Andes Gran Corte Uco Valley 2011 Red 85 14.5 Flechas de los Andes Gran Malbec Uco Valley 2011 Red 85 14.5 Flechas de los Andes Punta de Flechas Uco Valley 2014 Red 86 14.5 Fuego Blanco Cabernet Franc/Malbec Pedernal 2012 Red 93 13.8 Fuego Blanco Malbec/Syrah Pedernal 2013 Red 93 14.2 Gauchezco Chardonnay Los Arboles 2015 White 87 14 Gauchezco Oro Malbec Mendoza 2012 Red 87 14.2 Gauchezco Petit Verdot Reserve Mendoza 2014 Red 86 14 Gen de Alma Crua Chan Malbec Paraje Altamira 2014 Red 92 13.5 Gen de Alma Ji Ji Ji Finca Villa Seca Chenin Blanc Uco Valley 2015 White 92 10.5 Gen de Alma Ji Ji Ji Malbec C02 Pinot Noir Gualtallary 2015 Red 91 12.1 Gen de Alma Otra Piel Gualtallary 2014 Red 92 14 Gimenez Rilli Cabernet Franc Vista Flores 2013 Red 87 14.2 Gimenez Rilli Don Francisco San Martín Vista Flores 2015 Red 88 14.2 Gimenez Rilli Gran Familia Malbec Paraje Altamira 2011 Red 89 14 Gimenez Rilli Gran Familia Syrah Vista Flores 2011 Red 89 14.5 Gimenez Rilli Joyas de Familia Vista Flores 2012 Red 92 14 González y González Mendoza 2012 Red 93 15 Graffigna Centenario Malbec Reserve San Juan 2014 Red 86 14 Graffigna Centenario Pinot Grigio Reserve San Juan 2015 White 83 13.5 Graffigna Malbec Grand Reserve San Juan 2013 Red 89 14.5 Graffigna Santiago Graffigna Limited Release San Juan 2014 Red 90 14.5 Hacienda del Plata Arriero Reserve Blend Luján de Cuyo 2012 Red 90 14.2 Hacienda del Plata Mayoral Grand Reserve Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2011 Red 90 14.5 Hacienda del Plata Zagal Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2013 Red 89 14 Huentala Wines Edition Malbec Gualtallary 2013 Red 93 15 Humberto Canale Cabernet Franc Estate Río Negro 2015 Red 87 13 ©2015 Tim Atkin Page 134 ALCOHOL % 2016 SCORE COLOUR VINTAGE REGION WINE NAME TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Humberto Canale Merlot Gran Reserva Río Negro 2012 Red 90 14 Humberto Canale Old Vineyard Pinot Noir Río Negro 2012 Red 90 14 Humberto Canale Semillon Finca Milagros Río Negro 2015 White 92 12.7 José-Luis Mounier Laguna Brava Tannat Selected Reserve Cafayate 2012 Red 94 14 José-Luis Mounier Laguna Brava Torrontés Selected Reserve Cafayate 2010 White 93 14 José-Luis Mounier Malbec Cafayate 2013 Red 93 13.5 José-Luis Mounier Mercedes Cafayate 2014 Red 93 13.8 José-Luis Mounier Reserva Cafayate 2011 Red 89 14.5 José-Luis Mounier Torrontés Cafayate 2014 White 92 13.5 Kaiken Mai Malbec Mendoza 2012 Red 92 15 Kaiken Obertura Cabernet Franc Mendoza 2013 Red 92 14.5 Kaiken Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon Luján de Cuyo 2013 Red 91 14.5 Kaiken Ultra Malbec Mendoza 2013 Red 91 14.5 Krontiras Doña Silvina de Verano Mendoza 2015 Red 89 14.3 Krontiras Doña Silvina Malbec Mendoza 2014 Red 88 14.3 Krontiras Doña Silvina Malbec/Aglianico Mendoza 2014 Red 89 14 Krontiras Doña Silvina Single Vineyard Petit Verdot Reserva Mendoza 2014 Red 83 14 La Chamiza Polo Profesional Malbec Mendoza 2015 Red 88 13.5 La Giostra del Vino Bacán Malbec Reserva Agrelo 2010 Red 89 14.5 La Giostra del Vino Bacán Sauvignon Blanc Reserva Vista Flores 2014 White 94 13.7 La Giostra del Vino Saltimbanco Pinot Noir Mendoza 2013 Red 90 14 La Giostra del Vino Saltimbanco Sauvignon Blanc Mendoza 2014 White 95 13.5 La Giostra del Vino Saltimbanco Tempranillo Uco Valley 2014 Red 90 13.5 La Mascota Cabernet Franc Cruz de Piedra 2014 Red 93 14 La Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon Cruz de Piedra 2014 Red 93 14 La Mascota Gran Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon Paraje Altamira 2013 Red 95 14.5 La Mascota Gran Mascota Malbec Mendoza 2013 Red 93 15 La Mascota Malbec Cruz de Piedra 2014 Red 91 14 La Mascota Opi Malbec Mendoza 2015 Red 89 14 La Mascota Unánime Uco Valley 2012 Red 93 14.5 La Tierra Nace Gran Marantal Vistalba 2012 Red 90 14 La Tierra Nace HW Cellar Selection Malbec Mendoza 2009 Red 89 14 Lagarde Altas Cumbres Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2014 Red 86 13.8 Lagarde Altas Cumbres Malbec Mendoza 2014 Red 87 13.5 Lagarde Altas Cumbres Torrontés Salta 2015 White 88 14.8 Lagarde Altas Cumbres Viognier Mendoza 2015 White 89 12.6 Lagarde Extra Brut Mendoza 2012 Sparkling 87 13 Lagarde Extra Brut Blanc de Noir Uco Valley NV Sparkling 92 12.7 Lagarde Guarda Cabernet Franc Luján de Cuyo 2013 Red 91 14 Lagarde Guarda Chardonnay Uco Valley 2014 White 88 13.5 Lagarde Guarda Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2013 Red 90 14.2 Lagarde Henry Gran Guarda Luján de Cuyo 2011 Red 91 14.5 Lagarde Hermanas Chardonnay Gualtallary 2014 White 88 13 Lagarde Malbec Mendoza 2014 Red 89 13.8 Lagarde Primeras Viñas Cabernet Sauvignon Luján de Cuyo 2013 Red 93 14 Lagarde Primeras Viñas Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2013 Red 93 14.1 Lagarde Semillon Mendoza 2015 White 91 11.9 Lamadrid Begani Master Luján de Cuyo 2010 Red 87 14.9 Lamadrid Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc Reserva Luján de Cuyo 2013 Red 89 14 ©2015 Tim Atkin Page 135 ALCOHOL % 2016 SCORE COLOUR VINTAGE REGION WINE NAME TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Lamadrid Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva Luján de Cuyo 2013 Red 90 14 Lamadrid Single Vineyard Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2014 Red 86 14.7 Lamadrid Single Vineyard Reserva Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2013 Red 91 14 Leo Borsi Clos Ultralocal Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot Chacayes 2013 Red 88 15.6 Leo Borsi Clos Ultralocal Malbec Paraje Altamira 2014 Red 93 15.5 Leo Borsi Clos Ultralocal Malbec Vista Flores 2014 Red 92 15 Leo Borsi Clos Ultralocal Malbec San Rafael 2014 Red 89 15.5 Los Toneles Gran Tonel 137 Malbec Mendoza 2012 Red 90 14 Los Toneles Tonel 22 Malbec Mendoza 2014 Red 89 14.2 Los Toneles Tonel 46 Malbec Reserva Mendoza 2013 Red 90 14.1 Los Toneles Tonel 78 Barrel Select Mendoza 2013 Red 90 14.3 Luca Beso de Dante Uco Valley 2014 Red 92 14 Luca G Lot Chardonnay Gualtallary 2014 White 93 14 Luca G Lot Pinot Noir Gualtallary 2014 Red 93 14 Luca Malbec Uco Valley 2014 Red 94 14 Luca Nico by Luca High G Lot Malbec Gualtallary 2013 Red 95 14 Luca Nico by Luca High G Lot Pinot Noir Gualtallary 2013 Red 94 14 Luca Nico by Luca Viñedos Rosas Malbec La Consulta 2012 Red 92 14 Luca Syrah Laborde Double Select La Consulta 2014 Red 91 14 Lui Malbec Uco Valley 2013 Red 87 14 Luigi Bosca A rosé is a rosé is a rosé Mendoza 2015 Rosé 89 12 Luigi Bosca De Sangre Mendoza 2013 Red 90 14.5 Luigi Bosca Finca Los Nobles Cabernet/Bouchet Mendoza 2012 Red 90 14 Luigi Bosca Finca Los Nobles Malbec/Petit Verdot Las Compuertas 2012 Red 89 14.5 Luigi Bosca Gala 1 Mendoza 2013 Red 91 14.5 Luigi Bosca Gala 3 Mendoza 2014 White 90 13.5 Luigi Bosca Gala 4 Mendoza 2013 Red 91 14 Luigi Bosca Riesling Las Compuertas 2015 White 92 13 Malma Universo Blend Neuquén 2011 Red 89 14.5 Manos Negras Atrevida Blend Paraje Altamira 2014 Red 91 13.9 Manos Negras Pinot Noir Neuquén 2015 Red 90 14 Manos Negras Quimay Paraje Altamira 2014 Red 93 14 Manos Negras Red Soil Select Pinot Noir Neuquén 2014 Red 92 13.9 Manos Negras Stone Soil Malbec Mendoza 2014 Red 89 14 Marcelo Miras Pinot Noir Alto Valle del Río Negro 2015 Rd 91 13.5 Marcelo Miras Salvaje Pinot Noir Alto Valle del Río Negro 2015 Red 90 9.5 Marcelo Miras Semillon Alto Valle del Río Negro 2015 White 92 14 Marcelo Miras Trousseau Nouveau Alto Valle del Río Negro 2013 Red 92 13.5 Marcelo Pelleriti Kauzo Malbec Uco Valley Red 90 14.5 2014 Marcelo Pelleriti Malbec Reserve Uco Valley 2013 Red 92 14.5 Marcelo Pelleriti Sol Fa Sol Malbec Uco Valley 2015 Red 88 14 Marcelo Pelleriti Sol Fa Sol Torrontés La Rioja 2015 White 89 13.5 Mariano di Paola Mapema Malbec/Tempranillo La Consulta 2015 Red 92 14 Mariano di Paola Mapema Malbec Tupungato 2015 Red 91 14 Mariano di Paola Mapema Sauvignon Blanc Tupungato 2015 White 89 12.6 Masi Passo Doble Tupungato 2013 Red 84 13.5 Masi Pinot Grigio/Torrontés Uco Valley 2015 White 83 12.5 Mater Vini Alteza Malbec Salta 2014 Red 94 14 Mater Vini Alteza Malbec Argentina 2013 Red 93 14.8 ©2015 Tim Atkin Page 136 ALCOHOL % 2016 SCORE COLOUR VINTAGE REGION WINE NAME TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Mater Vini Antes Andes Malbec Calchaqui Valley 2014 Red 93 15 Mater Vini Antes Andes Malbec Canota Valley 2014 Red 90 14.5 Mater Vini Finca Malbec Perdriel 2014 Red 94 14.5 Mater Vini Piedras Viejas El Challao 2014 Red 94 14.5 Mater Vini Tinto Uco Valley 2014 Red 89 14.5 Melipal Blend Mendoza 2013 Red 88 15 Melipal Cabernet Franc Mendoza 2014 Red 87 15.3 Melipal Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2014 Red 88 14.9 Melipal Nazarenas Vineyard Malbec Agrelo 2013 Red 86 15.2 Mendel Cabernet Sauvignon Perdriel 2014 Red 93 14.5 Mendel Finca Remota Malbec Paraje Altamira 2013 Red 96 14.4 Mendel Lunta Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2014 Red 91 14.4 Mendel Malbec Mendoza 2014 Red 93 14.5 Mendel Petit Verdot Luján de Cuyo 2014 Red 93 14.6 Mendel Semillon Paraje Altamira 2015 White 94 13.5 Mendel Unus Mendoza 2013 Red 94 14.7 Mendoza Vineyards Fairhills 1907 Mendoza 2015 White 86 13.5 Mendoza Vineyards La Mano Verde Mendoza 2015 Red 87 13.5 Mendoza Vineyards MV Gran Reserva Mendoza 2012 Red 86 14 Mendoza Vineyards R&B Mendoza 2013 Red 84 14 Mi Terruño Bonarda Reserve Maipú 2013 Red 86 13.5 Mi Terruño Cabernet Franc Reserve Maipú 2012 Red 87 13.5 Mi Terruño Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon Limited Reserve Maipú 2011 Red 86 14 Mi Terruño Mayacaba Maipú 2011 Red 85 14 Michelini Brothers Super Uco Calcáreo Malbec Chacayes 2013 Red 93 14 Michelini Brothers Super Uco Calcáreo Malbec Paraje Altamira 2013 Red 92 14 Monte Quieto Quieto 3 Cabernet Franc Mendoza 2014 Red 87 14.3 Monte Quieto Quieto 3 Malbec Mendoza 2014 Red 87 14.3 Monte Quieto Quieto Blend Mendoza 2014 Red 87 14.4 Monte Quieto Quieto Family Selection Mendoza 2010 Red 87 14.1 Montechez Alma de Luna Mendoza 2013 Red 89 14.5 Montechez Cabernet Franc Mendoza 2013 Red 89 14.5 Montechez Chardonnay Reserva Mendoza 2015 White 85 13.9 Montechez Edición Limitada Malbec Mendoza 2013 Red 84 14.1 Montechez Malbec Reserva Mendoza 2012 Red 91 14.1 Monteviejo Festivo Malbec Mendoza 2015 Red 89 14 Monteviejo Lindaflor Blend Uco Valley 2012 Red 91 14.5 Monteviejo Lindaflor Malbec Uco Valley 2013 Red 92 15 Monteviejo Petite Fleur Blend Uco Valley 2013 Red 92 14.5 Monteviejo Petite Fleur Malbec Uco Valley 2013 Red 92 14.5 Moor-Barrio Initium Brut Nature Mendoza 2012 Sparkling 90 12.7 Moor-Barrio Initium Gran Malbec La Consulta 2013 Red 93 14 Morelli Vino de Cava Blanc de Noir Gualtallary 2015 White 92 11 Morelli Vino de Cava Caliche Blend Uco Valley 2014 Red 93 13 Morelli Vino de Cava Caliche Bonarda Uco Valley 2014 Red 90 12 Morelli Vino de Cava Refrán Cabernet Franc Uco Valley 2014 Red 93 13.5 Morelli Vino de Cava Refrán Malbec Uco Valley 2014 Red 91 13.8 Mosquita Muerta Vista Flores 2011 Red 93 14 Mosquita Muerta Perro Callejero Blend de Malbec Vista Flores 2013 Red 87 14.5 ©2015 Tim Atkin Page 137 ALCOHOL % 2016 SCORE COLOUR VINTAGE REGION WINE NAME TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Mosquita Muerta Pispi Blend de Tintas Vista Flores 2013 Red 90 14.5 Mosquita Muerta Sapo de Otro Pozo Vista Flores 2012 Red 90 14 Mundo Revès Mabec Mendoza 2014 Red 91 14.5 Muñoz de Toro Valle Perdido Gran Reserva Neuquén 2008 Red 75 14 Muñoz de Toro Valle Perdido Malbec Reserva Neuquén 2011 Red 80 14 Muñoz de Toro Valle Perdido Pinot Noir Neuquén 2007 Red 89 14 Muñoz de Toro Valle Perdido Pinot Noir Reserva Neuquén 2012 Red 82 14 Mythic Vineyards Mythic Barrel Mendoza 2013 Red 92 14.5 Mythic Vineyards Mythic Block Malbec Mendoza 2013 Red 92 14.5 Mythic Vineyards Mythic Estate Malbec Mendoza 2015 Red 89 13.5 Mythic Vineyards Mythic Vineyard Chardonnay/Viognier Mendoza 2014 White 90 14 Mythic Vineyards Mythic Vineyard Malbec Mendoza 2014 Red 92 14.5 Navarro Correas Alegoría Chardonnay Uco Valley 2013 White 91 12.7 Navarro Correas Alegoría Gran Reserva Malbec Mendoza 2012 Red 93 14.6 Navarro Correas Colección Privada Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2014 Red 92 13.5 Navarro Correas Colección Privada Malbec Mendoza 2014 Red 91 13.5 Navarro Correas Grande Cuvée Mendoza NV Sparkling 89 13 Navarro Correas Selección de Enologo Single Vineyard Malbec Uco Valley 2012 Red 93 14.5 Navarro Correas Selección de Parcelas Cabernet Sauvignon Gualtallary 2012 Red 92 14 Navarro Correas Selección de Parcelas Malbec Mendoza 2013 Red 92 14.5 Navarro Correas Structura Ultra Mendoza 2011 Red 90 15 Nieto Senetiner Blend Collection Luján de Cuyo 2014 Red 90 14 Nieto Senetiner Don Nicanor Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2014 Red 90 14 Nieto Senetiner Don Nicanor Villa Blanca Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2010 Red 87 15 Nieto Senetiner Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2013 Red 90 14 Noemía A Lisa Malbec Río Negro 2014 Red 91 14 Noemía J Alberto Malbec Río Negro 2013 Red 94 14.5 Noemía Malbec Río Negro 2013 Red 95 15 Norton Cosecha Especial Brut Mendoza 2011 Sparkling 89 12.9 Norton Cosecha Especial Extra Brut Mendoza NV Sparkling 84 12 Norton Gernot Langes Mendoza 2010 Red 95 14.8 Norton Lote A112 Malbec Agrelo 2012 Red 95 14.5 Norton Lote L112 Malbec Lunlunta 2012 Red 94 14.5 Norton Lote LC112 Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2012 Red 93 14.9 Norton Perdriel Coleccíon Cabernet Sauvignon Perdriel 2013 Red 90 14 Norton Perdriel Coleccíon Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2012 Red 91 14.2 Norton Perdriel Colección Sauvignon Blanc Perdriel 2015 White 90 13.5 Norton Perdriel Vineyard Selection Perdriel 2010 Red 94 14.5 Norton Privada Mendoza 2013 Red 93 14.5 Norton Privada Malbec Mendoza 2012 Red 94 14.5 Norton Reserva Chardonnay Uco Valley 2014 White 91 13.7 Norton Winemaker's Reserve Malbec Mendoza 2013 Red 89 14.5 O Fournier A Crux Blend Uco Valley 2009 Red 91 15.5 O Fournier A Crux Chardonnay Uco Valley 2015 White 89 14 O Fournier A Crux Cuvée Uco Valley NV Sparkling 93 11.5 O Fournier A Crux Malbec Uco Valley 2012 Red 91 15 O Fournier A Crux Pinot Noir Uco Valley 2013 Red 87 14.5 O Fournier A Crux Sauvignon Blanc Uco Valley 2014 White 93 12 O Fournier B Crux Blend Uco Valley 2012 Red 91 15 ©2015 Tim Atkin Page 138 ALCOHOL % 2016 SCORE COLOUR VINTAGE REGION WINE NAME TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report O Fournier B Crux Sauvignon Blanc Uco Valley 2015 White 91 12 O Fournier Malbec Uco Valley 2013 Red 92 15 O Fournier Urban Uco Chardonnay Uco Valley 2015 White 84 13.5 O Fournier Urban Uco Malbec Uco Valley 2015 Red 89 14.5 O Fournier Urban Uco Malbec/Tempranillo Uco Valley 2015 Red 90 14.5 O Fournier Urban Uco Sauvignon Blanc Uco Valley 2015 White 86 12 O Fournier Urban Uco Tempranillo Uco Valley 2015 Red 89 14.5 O Fournier Urban Uco Torrontés Salta 2015 White 89 13.5 Ojo de Agua Ojo de Vino Contract Agrelo 2013 Red 92 14.5 Ojo de Agua Ojo de Vino Malo Agrelo 2012 Red 92 15 Ojo de Agua Ojo de Vino Puro Corte d'Oro Mendoza 2014 Red 91 14.5 Ojo de Agua Ojo de Vino Puro Malbec Agrelo 2015 Red 88 14.5 Ojo de Agua Puro Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon Agrelo 2015 Red 90 14 Onofri Wines Alma Gemela Pedro Ximénez Mendoza 2015 White 89 13 Onofri Wines Zenith Nadir Mendoza 2014 White 92 13 Paimán 5 Hileras Chañarmuyo Valley 2013 Red 89 14.5 Paimán Keo Malbec Roble Chañarmuyo Valley 2013 Red 90 14.5 Paimán Keo Tannat Roble Chañarmuyo Valley 2014 Red 91 14.5 Pala Corazón Blend Jujuy 2014 Red 85 14 Pala Corazón Bonarda Mendoza 2014 Red 86 13 Pala Corazón Bonarda/Tempranillo Mendoza 2014 Red 86 13 Pala Corazón Extra Brut Uco Valley NV Sparkling 88 12.4 Pala Corazón Malbec Gualtallary 2012 Red 88 13.8 Pala Corazón Malbec Paraje Altamira 2014 Red 87 14 Pascual Toso Alta Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2013 Red 88 14 Pascual Toso Barrancas Toso Mendoza 2014 Red 87 14.5 Pascual Toso Finca Pedregal Single Vineyard Mendoza 2013 Red 91 14.5 Pascual Toso Malbec Reserva Mendoza 2014 Red 90 14.5 Passionate Wine Diverso Syrah Gualtallary 2013 Red 84 11 Passionate Wine Eterno Retorno Tupungato 2013 Red 87 13.5 Per Se Francesca Vista Flores 2014 Red 94 14.4 Per Se Iubileus Malbec Gualtallary 2014 Red 93 14.2 Per Se La Craie Gualtallary 2014 Red 96 14.4 Per Se Volare del Camino Gualtallary 2014 Red 95 14.4 Piattelli Premium Malbec Cafayate 2014 Red 87 14.4 Piattelli Premium Reserve Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2014 Red 90 14 Piattelli Premium Reserve Malbec/Tannat Cafayate 2014 Red 89 14.8 Piattelli Premium Reserve Torrontés Cafayate 2015 White 88 14 Piedra Negra Chacayes Uco Valley 2013 Red 93 14.5 Piedra Negra Gran Lurton Uco Valley 2014 White 95 13.5 Piedra Negra Gran Lurton Cabernet Sauvignon Uco Valley 2013 Red 93 15 Piedra Negra Gran Lurton Cabernet Sauvignon Uco Valley 2011 Red 90 15 Piedra Negra Gran Malbec Uco Valley 2011 Red 92 15 Piedra Negra Malbec Alta Colección Uco Valley 2015 Red 86 14 Piedra Negra Pinot Gris Uco Valley 2015 White 89 12.5 Piedra Negra Pinot Gris Rosado Uco Valley 2015 Rosé 89 12.5 Piedra Negra Reserve Uco Valley 2014 Red 89 14.5 Piedra Negra Vuela Sauvignon Blanc Uco Valley 2015 White 91 12.5 Plop! Rosado de Cabernet Franc Uco Valley 2015 Rosé 90 11.5 ©2015 Tim Atkin Page 139 ALCOHOL % 2016 SCORE COLOUR VINTAGE REGION WINE NAME TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Plop! Tinto de Malbec y Cabernet Franc Uco Valley 2015 Red 91 10.5 Proemio Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Mendoza 2014 Red 89 14.4 Proemio Wines Grand Reserve Mendoza 2013 Red 90 14.6 Proemio Wines Icon Mendoza 2011 Red 89 14.6 Proemio Wines Malbec Reserve Mendoza 2014 Red 89 14.5 Pucará Salta 2013 Red 93 15.5 Puerto Ancona Alma Negra M Blend Vista Flores 2014 Red 84 13.5 Puerto Ancona Siesta Cabernet Franc Vista Flores 2013 Red 89 13.8 Puerto Ancona Siesta Malbec Vista Flores 2013 Red 88 13.7 Puerto Ancona Tikal Natural Vista Flores 2014 Red 91 13.5 Pulenta Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Agrelo 2013 Red 93 14.5 Pulenta Estate Chardonnay Agrelo 2015 White 92 13 Pulenta Estate Gran Cabernet Franc Agrelo 2012 Red 95 14.5 Pulenta Estate Gran Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2012 Red 93 14.5 Pulenta Estate Gran Corte Mendoza 2012 Red 96 14.5 Pulenta Estate Gran Malbec Mendoza 2012 Red 94 14.5 Pulenta Estate Gran Pinot Noir Uco Valley 2012 Red 92 14.5 Pulenta Estate La Flor Cabernet Sauvignon Agrelo 2014 Red 90 14.5 Pulenta Estate La Flor Malbec Mendoza 2015 Red 89 14.5 Pulenta Estate La Flor Sauvignon Blanc Uco Valley 2015 White 88 12 Pulenta Estate Malbec Mendoza 2013 Red 92 14.5 Pulenta Estate Merlot Agrelo 2012 Red 93 14.5 Pulenta Estate Pinot Gris Agrelo 2015 White 89 13 Pulenta Estate Red Blend Mendoza 2012 Red 92 14.5 Pulenta Estate Single Vineyard Finca Don Antonio Malbec Uco Valley 2013 Red 94 14.5 Pulenta Estate Single Vineyard Finca La Zulema Malbec Agrelo 2013 Red 92 14.5 Pulenta Estate Single Vineyard Gualtallary Malbec Uco Valley 2013 Red 94 14.5 Pulenta Estate Single Vineyard Red Blend Mendoza 2010 Red 91 14.5 Pulmary Cabernet Sauvignon Orgánico Medrano 2014 Red 87 14.5 Puramun Co-Fermentado Blend Mendoza 2013 Red 92 14.5 Puramun Malbec Reserva Mendoza 2013 Red 95 14 Pyros Barrel Selected Malbec Pedernal 2014 Red 92 14.5 Pyros Barrel Selected Syrah Pedernal 2014 Red 92 14 Pyros Single Vineyard Malbec Pedernal 2013 Red 93 14 Pyros Special Blend Pedernal 2012 Red 94 14 Renacer Enamore Luján de Cuyo 2014 Red 89 14.7 Renacer Punto Final Chardonnay Uco Valley 2015 White 85 14 Renacer Punto Final Malbec Clásico Luján de Cuyo 2015 Red 88 13.5 Renacer Punto Final Malbec Reserva Luján de Cuyo 2014 Red 89 14.6 Revancha La Gran Revancha Mendoza 2013 Red 92 14.5 Revancha La Primera Revancha Malbec Mendoza 2013 Red 93 14.5 Revancha Malbec Mendoza 2014 Red 91 14.6 Revolver Chardonnay Gualtallary 2015 White 91 12.8 Revolver Pinot Noir Gualtallary 2015 Red 88 13.5 Rewen Estate San Juan 2013 Red 87 13.8 Rewen Estate Petit Verdot San Juan 2013 Red 84 13.5 Riccitelli Wines Hey! Malbec Mendoza 2015 Red 92 14.5 Riccitelli Wines Old Vines Semillon Patagonia 2015 White 95 14 Riccitelli Wines República del Malbec Vistalba 2014 Red 94 14.5 ©2015 Tim Atkin Page 140 ALCOHOL % 2016 SCORE COLOUR VINTAGE REGION WINE NAME TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Riccitelli Wines Riccitelli & Father Mendoza 2013 Red 92 14.5 Riccitelli Wines The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree Bonarda Mendoza 2014 Red 93 14 Riccitelli Wines The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree Malbec Mendoza 2014 Red 93 14.5 Riccitelli Wines The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree Pinot Gris Mendoza 2015 White 90 13 Riccitelli Wines The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree Pinot Noir Uco Valley 2014 Red 89 14 Riccitelli Wines The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree Rosado Mendoza 2015 Rosé 91 13 Riccitelli Wines Vineyard Selection Chardonnay Uco Valley 2015 White 93 14 Riccitelli Wines Vineyard Selection Malbec Mendoza 2014 Red 93 14 Riglos Gran Cabernet Franc Tupungato 2014 Red 94 14.5 Riglos Gran Cabernet Sauvignon Tupungato 2013 Red 96 14.5 Riglos Gran Corte Tupungato 2013 Red 95 14.5 Riglos Gran Malbec Tupungato 2013 Red 93 14.4 Riglos Quinto Malbec Gualtallary 2014 Red 91 14.7 Riglos Quinto Sauvignon Blanc Gualtallary 2015 White 88 12.1 RPB Bodega Privada Rosado de Malbec Mendoza 2015 Rosé 82 14.1 RPB El Supremo Malbec Mendoza 2015 Red 85 13.6 RPB Ricordi Roble Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2012 Red 87 13.5 RPB Ricordi Roble Malbec Mendoza 2014 Red 84 13.7 Ruca Malen Brut Mendoza NV Sparkling 87 12.8 Ruca Malen Chardonnay Mendoza 2015 White 90 13.7 Ruca Malen Kinien Malbec Mendoza 2012 Red 87 13.8 Ruca Malen Petit Verdot Mendoza 2013 Red 88 14 Rutini Antologia XLII Uco Valley 2014 Red 92 14.2 Rutini Apartado Gran Chardonnay Uco Valley 2014 White 91 13.7 Rutini Apartado Gran Malbec Uco Valley 2013 Red 94 14.6 Rutini Colección Cabernet Franc Uco Valley 2013 Red 92 13.8 Rutini Colección Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec Uco Valley 2014 Red 92 14 Rutini Encuentro Barrel Blend Mendoza 2012 Red 93 14.2 Rutini Encuentro Malbec Uco Valley 2013 Red 88 13.9 Rutini Encuentro Pinot Noir Uco Valley 2013 Red 88 13.5 Rutini Merlot Mendoza 2012 Red 90 14.4 Rutini Sauvignon Blanc Tupungato 2015 White 91 12.6 Rutini Single Vineyard Malbec Paraje Altamira 2012 Red 94 14.2 Rutini Single Vineyard Merlot Paraje Altamira 2011 Red 93 14 Salentein Barrel Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Uco Valley 2014 Red 92 14 Salentein Barrel Selection Chardonnay Uco Valley 2015 White 89 13.5 Salentein Barrel Selection Malbec Uco Valley 2014 Red 92 14 Salentein Barrel Selection Pinot Noir Uco Valley 2014 Red 90 13.5 Salentein Gran Vu Uco Valley 2012 Red 93 15 Salentein Killka Blend Uco Valley 2014 Red 88 14 Salentein Killka Chardonnay Uco Valley 2015 White 84 13.5 Salentein Killka Malbec Uco Valley 2014 Red 89 14 Salentein Numina Cabernet Franc Uco Valley 2013 Red 94 14.5 Salentein Numina Gran Corte Uco Valley 2013 Red 94 14.5 Salentein Numina Malbec Uco Valley 2013 Red 92 14.5 Salentein Numina Syrah Uco Valley 2013 Red 89 14.5 Salentein Primus Cabernet Sauvignon Uco Valley 2013 Red 93 14.5 Salentein Primus Chardonnay Uco Valley 2013 White 93 13.5 Salentein Primus Malbec Uco Valley 2013 Red 93 14 ©2015 Tim Atkin Page 141 ALCOHOL % 2016 SCORE COLOUR VINTAGE REGION WINE NAME TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Salentein Single Vineyard Chardonnay Plot No. 2 Uco Valley 2013 White 94 13.5 Salentein Single Vineyard Malbec La Pampa Plot No. 21 Uco Valley 2014 Red 92 14.5 Salentein Single Vineyard Malbec Plot No. 1 Paraje Altamira 2014 Red 94 14.5 Salentein Single Vineyard Malbec Plot No. 14 Uco Valley 2014 Red 95 14.5 Salentein Single Vineyard Pinot Noir Plot No. 1 Uco Valley 2014 Red 94 14 Salentein Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Uco Valley 2015 White 86 13 Saltallary Sauvignon Blanc Argentina 2015 White 90 12.5 Salvador Figueroa Gualiama Cafayate 2015 Red 89 15.5 Salvador Figueroa Gualiama Malbec Cafayate 2014 Red 88 15.5 Salvador Figueroa Gualiama Roble Cafayate 2015 Red 87 15.5 San Huberto Malbec La Rioja 2015 Red 86 13 San Huberto Malbec Reserva La Rioja 2014 Red 87 13.5 San Huberto Nina Blend Argentina 2012 Red 91 14 San Huberto Nina Cabernet/Malbec Argentina 2011 Red 88 14 San Huberto Nina Gran Malbec La Rioja 2013 Red 86 13 San Huberto Nina Petit Verdot La Rioja 2010 Red 88 14 San Huberto Nina Torrontés La Rioja 2015 White 88 13.5 San Pedro de Yacochuya Cafayate 2015 White 92 13.9 San Pedro de Yacochuya Cafayate 2013 Red 91 15.5 San Pedro de Yacochuya Torrontés Cafayate 2015 White 90 14 Seclantas Adentro Salta 2013 Red 90 15.5 Seclantas Adentro Salta 2013 Red 88 15.5 Secreto Patagónico Mantra Chardonnay Edición Limitada Patagonia 2015 White 88 14.1 Secreto Patagónico Mantra Malbec Reserva Patagonia 2012 Red 87 14 Secreto Patagónico Mantra Pinot Noir Patagonia 2015 Red 86 14 Secreto Patagónico Mantra Pinot Noir Reserva Patagonia 2014 Red 78 14.2 Secreto Patagónico Pinot Noir Edición Limitada Patagonia 2015 Red 86 13.5 Sierra Lima Alpha Malbec Molinos 2014 Red 91 15 Sin Fin Gran Guarda Malbec Mendoza 2012 Red 87 13.9 Sin Fin Guarda Bonarda Mendoza 2013 Red 89 13.4 SonVida Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2013 Red 94 14 SonVida Malbec Paraje Altamira 2013 Red 93 14 Sottano Cabernet Sauvignon Clásico Mendoza 2014 Red 89 14 Sottano Judas Malbec Mendoza 2013 Red 89 15.3 Sottano Malbec Clásico Mendoza 2014 Red 87 14 Sottano Malbec Reserva Mendoza 2014 Red 88 14.5 Tamari AR Malbec Mendoza 2013 Red 86 14.7 Tamari Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2013 Red 84 14 Tamari Malbec Reserva Mendoza 2014 Red 88 14 Tamari Red Passion Reserva Mendoza 2014 Red 86 14 Tapiz Alta Colección Cabernet Sauvignon Uco Valley 2013 Red 83 13.9 Tapiz Alta Colección Chardonnay Uco Valley 2014 White 85 13.9 Tapiz Bicentenario Uco Valley 2010 Red 89 14 Tapiz Zolo Malbec Uco Valley 2011 Red 84 14 Tempus Alba 50 Años Malbec Anchoris 2010 Red 92 14 Tempus Alba Syrah Anchoris 2012 Red 90 14 Tempus Alba Vero Malbec Mendoza 2010 Red 94 14 Terrazas de los Andes Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva Mendoza 2014 Red 93 14.3 Terrazas de los Andes Chardonnay Reserva Mendoza 2015 White 92 13.8 ©2015 Tim Atkin Page 142 ALCOHOL % 2016 SCORE COLOUR VINTAGE REGION WINE NAME TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Terrazas de los Andes Malbec Reserva Mendoza 2014 Red 92 14.4 Terrazas de los Andes Single Parcel Los Castaños Malbec Paraje Altamira 2011 Red 94 14.5 Terrazas de los Andes Single Parcel Los Cerezos Malbec Las Compuertas 2011 Red 93 14.6 Terrazas de los Andes Single Vineyard Las Compuertas Malbec Las Compuertas 2012 Red 94 14.6 Terrazas de los Andes Single Vineyard Los Aromos Cabernet Sauvignon Perdriel 2012 Red 92 13.9 Terrazas de los Andes Torrontés Reserva Cafayate 2015 White 90 13.8 The Vines of Mendoza Carmelita Cabernet Franc Uco Valley 2012 Red 89 14.5 The Vines of Mendoza De Moño Rojo Marsanne Uco Valley 2015 White 87 14 The Vines of Mendoza De Moño Rojo Roussanne Uco Valley 2015 White 86 14 The Vines of Mendoza Encendido Cruzado Uco Valley 2013 Red 82 14.5 The Vines of Mendoza Nunum GSM Uco Valley 2012 Red 86 14 The Vines of Mendoza Pozos Malbec Uco Valley 2012 Red 89 14.2 The Vines of Mendoza Recuerdo Aliado Malbec Reserva Uco Valley 2013 Red 88 14.2 The Vines of Mendoza Recuerdo Gran Corte Uco Valley 2012 Red 89 14.5 The Vines of Mendoza Recuerdo Malbec Uco Valley 2014 Red 89 13.7 The Vines of Mendoza Recuerdo Sauvignon Blanc Uco Valley 2015 White 83 14 The Vines of Mendoza Recuerdo Torrontés Uco Valley 2015 White 85 14.5 The Vines of Mendoza Serca Malbec Uco Valley 2012 Red 86 14.9 The Vines of Mendoza Tierra de Dioses Cabernet Franc Uco Valley 2014 Red 83 14.5 The Vines of Mendoza Topografia Barrel-Fermented Malbec Uco Valley 2011 Red 86 15.4 The Vines of Mendoza Topografia Cabernet Franc Reserva Uco Valley 2011 Red 78 15 Tintonegro 1955 Vineyard La Consulta 2013 Red 96 14 Tintonegro Finca La Escuela Malbec Paraje Altamira 2013 Red 95 14 Tintonegro La Escuela Vineyard Cabernet Franc Paraje Altamira 2013 Red 93 14 Tintonegro La Escuela Vineyard El Limo Malbec Paraje Altamira 2013 Red 93 14 Tintonegro La Escuela Vineyard La Arena Malbec Paraje Altamira 2013 Red 91 14 Tintonegro La Escuela Vineyard La Grava Malbec Paraje Altamira 2013 Red 93 14 Tintonegro La Escuela Vineyard La Piedra Malbec Paraje Altamira 2013 Red 95 14 Tintonegro Limestone Block Malbec Uco Valley 2014 Red 92 14 Tintonegro Malbec Uco Valley 2014 Red 90 14 Tintonegro Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2015 Red 86 14 Tittarelli Don Enrico Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2014 Red 82 13.2 Tittarelli Enrico T Mendoza 2015 Red 87 14.5 Tittarelli Oak-Aged Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2014 Red 83 13 Tittarelli Oak-Aged Malbec Mendoza 2014 Red 86 13.5 Trapezio Bo Bó by Trapezio Agrelo 2012 Red 86 14 Trapezio Bo Bó Gran Corte Agrelo 2011 Red 86 14 Trapezio Petit Bo Bó Chardonnay Agrelo 2013 White 86 13 Trapezio Petit Bo Bó Sauvignon Blanc Agrelo 2015 White 88 12.5 Trapezio Petit Bo Bó Tinto Blend Agrelo 2012 Red 80 14 Trapiche Broquel Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2014 Red 90 14 Trapiche Broquel Malbec Mendoza 2014 Red 90 14.5 Trapiche Broquel Pinot Noir Mendoza 2013 Red 89 14 Trapiche Costa & Pampa Chardonnay Chapadmalal 2015 White 91 13 Trapiche Costa & Pampa Pinot Noir Chapadmalal 2015 Red 91 12.8 Trapiche Gran Medalla Chardonnay Uco Valley 2014 White 93 13.5 Trapiche Iscay Mendoza 2011 Red 96 14.5 Trapiche Iscay Syrah/Viognier Uco Valley 2013 Red 95 14.5 Trapiche Malkina Malbec Mendoza 2015 Red 86 14 ©2015 Tim Atkin Page 143 ALCOHOL % 2016 SCORE COLOUR VINTAGE REGION WINE NAME TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Trapiche Medalla Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2013 Red 89 14.5 Trapiche Medalla Chardonnay Uco Valley 2014 White 91 13.5 Trapiche Medalla Malbec Uco Valley 2013 Red 91 14.5 Trapiche Oak Cask Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2014 Red 90 14 Trapiche Oak Cask Malbec Mendoza 2014 Red 89 14 Trapiche Pure Malbec Paraje Altamira 2015 Red 90 14.5 Trapiche Terroir Series Malbec Cristina y Bibiana Coletto Tupungato 2012 Red 95 14.5 Trapiche Terroir Series Malbec Finca Ambrosía Gualtallary 2012 Red 96 15.5 Trapiche Terroir Series Malbec Finca Orellana de Escobar La Consulta 2012 Red 95 14.5 Tres 14 Imperfecto Gualtallary 2013 Red 96 14.5 Tres 14 Tinto de Garage Vista Flores 2013 Red 90 14.5 Trivento Eolo Malbec Uco Valley 2012 Red 91 15 Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec Mendoza 2013 Red 88 14.5 Trivento Malbec Reserve Mendoza 2015 Red 87 13.5 Trivento Syrah Reserve Mendoza 2014 Red 85 13.5 Tukma Altura 2670 Sauvignon Blanc Jujuy 2015 White 91 13.5 Tukma Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva Cafayate 2013 Red 90 13.8 Tukma Finca Las Nubes Salta 2014 Red 88 13.5 Tukma Finca Las Nubes Torrontés Cafayate 2015 White 91 13.5 Tukma Gran Corte Cafayate 2013 Red 93 13.8 Tukma Gran Torrontés Salta 2014 White 91 14 Tukma Malbec Reserva Cafayate 2013 Red 89 13.8 Underground Bonus Track Blend Gualtallary 2014 Red 86 14.5 Underground Ruido Blanco Gualtallary 2015 White 92 12.6 Vaglio Aggie Malbec Uco Valley 2014 Red 90 14.2 Vaglio Alto Cabernet Franc Agrelo 2014 Red 93 14 Vaglio Chacra Malbec Agrelo 2014 Red 91 13.9 Vaglio Chango Argentina 2014 Red 88 14 Vaglio Temple Malbec Anchoris 2014 Red 90 14 Valle Las Nencias Family Selection Malbec Mendoza 2012 Red 88 14.9 Valle Las Nencias Malbec Reserve Mendoza 2013 Red 90 14.5 Vallisto Felix Salta 2010 Red 92 14.5 Vallisto Malbec Cafayate 2011 Red 88 14.5 Vallisto Torrontés Salta 2015 White 90 14 Ver Sacrum Garnacha Vista Flores 2014 Red 91 13.5 Ver Sacrum GSM Vista Flores 2014 Red 93 14 Ver Sacrum Monastrell Vista Flores 2014 Red 92 13.5 Vicentin Arrogante Mendoza 2011 Red 89 15.5 Vicentin Blanc de Malbec Mendoza 2014 White 91 14.3 Vicentin Colosso Malbec Mendoza 2012 Red 91 15.5 Vicentin Maldito Mendoza NV Red 90 15.5 Viña Alicia Brote Negro Malbec Mendoza 2012 Red 90 14.5 Viña Alicia Cuarzo Petit Verdot Mendoza 2010 Red 90 14.7 Viña Alicia Malbec Las Compuertas 2012 Red 91 14.8 Viña Alicia Morena Luján de Cuyo 2011 Red 91 14.5 Viña Alicia Nebbiolo Luján de Cuyo 2011 Red 91 14.8 Viña Alicia Paso de Piedra Cabernet Sauvignon Luján de Cuyo 2013 Red 89 14.5 Viña Alicia Paso de Piedra Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2013 Red 90 14.8 Viña Cobos Bramare Cabernet Sauvignon Luján de Cuyo 2013 Red 92 14.5 ©2015 Tim Atkin Page 144 ALCOHOL % 2016 SCORE COLOUR VINTAGE REGION WINE NAME TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Viña Cobos Bramare Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2012 Red 92 14.5 Viña Cobos Bramare Malbec Uco Valley 2013 Red 91 14.5 Viña Cobos Bramare Marchiori Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2013 Red 94 14.5 Viña Cobos Bramare Marchiori Vineyard Chardonnay Mendoza 2014 White 92 14.5 Viña Cobos Bramare Marchiori Vineyard Malbec Perdriel 2012 Red 93 15 Viña Cobos Bramare Rebon Vineyard Malbec La Consulta 2012 Red 94 14.5 Viña Cobos Bramare Touza Vineyard Malbec Las Compuertas 2013 Red 92 14 Viña Cobos Bramare Zingaretti Vineyard Malbec Tupungato 2013 Red 94 14.5 Viña Cobos Cocodrillo Corte Mendoza 2014 Red 90 14.5 Viña Cobos Felino Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2014 Red 89 14.5 Viña Cobos Felino Chardonnay Mendoza 2015 White 89 14.5 Viña Cobos Felino Malbec Mendoza 2014 Red 89 14.5 Viña Cobos Malbec Perdriel 2013 Red 96 14.9 Viña Cobos Volturno Mendoza 2012 Red 94 14.5 Viña Las Perdices Ala Colorada Cabernet Franc Luján de Cuyo 2012 Red 92 14.5 Viña Las Perdices Don Juan Reserva Agrelo 2013 Red 90 15 Viña Las Perdices Tinamú Luján de Cuyo 2011 Red 91 15 Viña Las Perdices Torrontés Mendoza 2015 White 87 14 Viña Vida Business Class Gran Reserva Uco Valley 2014 Red 93 14.5 Viña Vida Mourvèdre Uco Valley 2014 Red 89 14.5 Viñalba 50/50 Reservado Uco Valley 2014 Red 92 14.5 Viñalba 80/20 Reservado Mendoza 2014 Red 92 14.5 Viñalba Malbec/Syrah Patagonia 2014 Red 93 14.5 Viñalba Malbec/Touriga Nacional Reservado Uco Valley 2014 Red 93 14.5 Viñalba Reservado Malbec Uco Valley 2014 Red 91 14.5 Vinorum Reserva Mendoza 2014 Red 80 13.9 Vinorum Victorio Altieri Gran Reserva Malbec Mendoza 2013 Red 83 14 Weinert Cabernet Franc Luján de Cuyo 2013 Red 89 14.8 Weinert Cabernet Sauvignon Luján de Cuyo 2006 Red 93 14.5 Weinert Carrascal Cabernet Sauvignon Luján de Cuyo 2012 Red 90 14 Weinert Carrascal Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2012 Red 89 14 Weinert Carrascal Tempranillo Luján de Cuyo 2013 Red 91 13.5 Weinert Carrascal Tinto Luján de Cuyo 2010 Red 92 14.5 Weinert Cavas de Weinert Gran Vino Luján de Cuyo 1983 Red 96 14 Weinert Cavas de Weinert Gran Vino Luján de Cuyo 2006 Red 94 15 Weinert Cavas de Weinert Gran Vino Luján de Cuyo 1997 Red 94 14.5 Weinert Estrella Cabernet Sauvignon Luján de Cuyo 1994 Red 95 14.5 Weinert Estrella Malbec Luján de Cuyo 1994 Red 96 14.5 Weinert Estrella Merlot Luján de Cuyo 1999 Red 94 14.8 Weinert Malbec Luján de Cuyo 2006 Red 93 14.5 Weinert Merlot Luján de Cuyo 2006 Red 92 14 Weinert Pedro del Castillo Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2012 Red 88 14 Weinert Pedro del Castillo Malbec Mendoza 2012 Red 89 14 Yacochuya Malbec Salta 2013 Red 92 15.5 Yacuil Salta 2013 Red 92 15 Zorzal Eggo Blanc de Cal Gualtallary 2015 White 93 13.4 Zorzal Eggo Bonaparte Tupungato 2015 Red 92 13 Zorzal Eggo Filoso Pinot Noir Gualtallary 2014 Red 93 13.1 Zorzal Eggo Franco Gualtallary 2015 Red 94 13.9 ©2015 Tim Atkin Page 145 ALCOHOL % 2016 SCORE COLOUR VINTAGE REGION WINE NAME TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Zorzal Eggo Tinto de Tiza Tupungato 2014 Red 93 14.5 Zorzal Field Blend Gualtallary 2013 Red 95 14.5 Zorzal Gran Terroir Pinot Noir Tupungato 2013 Red 93 14 Zorzal Piantao Tupungato 2012 Red 91 14.5 Zorzal Porfiado Pinot Noir Gualtallary NV Red 86 13.6 Zorzal Terroir Unico Malbec Gualtallary 2014 Red 92 14 Zorzal Terroir Unico Pinot Noir Tupungato 2014 Red 90 13.6 Zorzal Terroir Unico Pinot Noir Rosé Gualtallary 2015 Rosé 89 13.6 Zorzal Terroir Unico Sauvignon Blanc Gualtallary 2015 White 90 12 Zuccardi Aluvional Malbec Paraje Altamira 2013 Red 97 14.5 Zuccardi Aluvional Malbec La Consulta 2013 Red 96 14.5 Zuccardi Aluvional Malbec Gualtallary 2013 Red 96 14.5 Zuccardi Concreto Malbec Paraje Altamira 2015 Red 95 14 Zuccardi Emma Zuccardi Bonarda Paraje Altamira 2014 Red 94 12.9 Zuccardi Finca Canal Uco Paraje Altamira 2013 Red 98 15 Zuccardi Finca Los Membrillos Cabernet Sauvignon La Consulta 2013 Red 96 14.5 Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita Paraje Altamira 2013 Red 97 15 Zuccardi Q Chardonnay Uco Valley 2015 White 92 13.8 Zuccardi Q Malbec Uco Valley 2014 Red 92 14 Zuccardi Q Tempranillo Mendoza 2013 Red 89 14 Zuccardi Serie A Bonarda Santa Rosa 2015 Red 89 13 Zuccardi Serie A Malbec Uco Valley 2015 Red 90 14 Zuccardi Serie A Torrontés Salta 2015 White 90 14.5 Zuccardi Tito Uco Valley 2014 Red 93 14 Zuccardi Zeta Uco Valley 2012 Red 95 15 ©2015 Tim Atkin Page 146 TIM ATKIN ARGENTINA 2016 Special Report Recommended restaurants Buenos Aires Aldo’s Vinoteca www.aldosvinoteca.com Aramburu www.arambururesto.com.ar Astor Bistro www.astorbistro.com Casa Umare www.casaumare.com Chila www.chilaweb.com.ar Don Julio www.parilladonjulio.com.ar El Obrero www.bodegonelobrero.com.ar Fierro Hotel www.fierrohotel.com Four Seasons (Elena Restaurant) www.fourseasons.com/buenosaires El Ceibo +54 0261 4202993 H Resto +54 0261 6935155 Ituzaingo Restó www.ituzaingoresto.com.ar María Restaurant (Bodega Septima) www.bodegaseptima.com Osadía de Crear (Dominio del Plata) www.dominiodelplata.com.ar Fuente y Fondalorentino Bistro www.fuenteyfonda.com.ar 1884 www.1884restaurante.com.ar María Antonieta www.mariaantonietaresto.com.ar Restaurant Terruño www.tapiz.com.ar Siete Cocinas www.sietecocinas.com.ar La Brigada www.parrillalabrigada.com.ar Neuquén La Cabrera www.parrillalacabrera.com.ar Familia Schroeder www.saurus.com.ar Oviedo www.oviedoresto.com.ar La Toscana www.latoscanarestaurante.com Restó + 54 (0)11 4816 6711 Sucre www.sucrerestaurant.com.ar Tegui www.tegui.com.ar Unik www.unik.pro Mendoza Azafrán www.azafranresto.com Anna Bistro www.annabistro.com Bistro M at Park Hyatt www.mendoza.park.hyatt.com Bodega Casarena Restaurant www.casarena.com Bodega Lagarde Restaurant www.lagarde.com.ar Bodega Ruca Malen www.bodegarucamalen.com Brindillas Restaurant www.brindillas.com Casa del Visitante (Familia Zuccardi) www.casadelvisitante.com Casa El Enemigo +54 0261 6974213 Don Alonso +54 0261 4235538 Further reading Salta Altalaluna Boutique Hotel www.altalaluna.com Bodega Piatelli www.piatellivineyards.com Grace Cafayate www.gracehotels.com Terruño www.terruno.todowebsalta.com.ar Uco Valley Alpasión Restaurant www.alpasion.com Andeluna www.andeluna.com.ar Atamisque www.atamisque.com Casa de Uco www.casadeuco.com El Cielo + 54 (0) 2622 470814 Ilo + 54 (0) 2622 488323 La Azul (Bodega La Azul) www.bodegalaazul.com La Juntada www.almacendeuco.com La Posada del Jamón www.laposadadeljamon.com.ar Posada Salentein www.bodegassalentein.com Siete Fuegos Aaado www.vinesofmendoza.com Urban (O Fournier) www.ofournier.com These are all books about Argentina that I have found both interesting and useful on my travels. by Edwin Williamson (Penguin) Andes by Michael Jacobs (Granta) Todo Lo Otro by Matías Michelini Bodegas & Vinos de Argentina International Yearbook (Area del Vino) Vino Argentino by Laura Catena (Chronicle Books) Buenos Aires: A Cultural and Literary History by Jason Wilson (Signal Books) In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin (Picador) La mil y una curiosidades de Buenos Aires by Diego Zigiotto (Libreria Norma) Más allá del Malbec by Andres Rosberg and Eduardo Antin (Editorial Sudamericana) The Vineyard at the End of the World by Ian Mount (WW Norton) Wines of South America by Evan Goldstein (University of California Press) I would also recommend the website of Wines of Argentina (www.winesofargentina.org) for information on wineries, vintages, vineyard plantings and other news and that of the Instituto Nacional de Vitivinicultura (www.inv.gov.ar) for in-depth statistics. The Penguin History of Latin America ©2016 Tim Atkin Page 147 For tasting notes, articles, music and wine matches & more special reports, go to www.timatkin.com Sign up to receive my newsletter. You can also follow me on twitter @timatkin All images and written content 2016 © Tim Atkin Sub-editing by Sue Wixley Layout by Elise Castrodale I would like to acknowledge the help and support of Wines of Argentina in funding a trip to Argentina in February 2016. Agustín Marchena of Hon Travel drove me around Mendoza for ten days and introduced me to some great new music. And my friend and right arm María Laura Ortiz of Winifera organised my sit-down tastings in Mendoza. Bueno, bueno, bueno!