What a score! Torrontès, a little-known Spanish white winegrape, turns out to be a superstar in Mendoza. Packed tight with bright, vivid, penetrating fruit, this strikingly flavorful wine begins with lovely scents of citrus, orange peel and tangerine and takes off from there. It moves into still more complexity, with traces of diesel, talc and flower petal. Think…
— P.G.
(11/15/2004)
Clean and flush throughout, with baked-fruit, chocolate and earth aromas. Very big on the palate, but soft and chewy. Finishing notes of coffee along with wide tannins create a lasting, long impression. Fine for the price.
— M.S.
(11/15/2004)
Drinkability combined with power, and for $13: Alert the authorities! This is a textbook everyday Cabernet Sauvignon, the antithesis of a stripped-down, mass-market plonkster. The cola, berry and cherry flavors are pure as can be while the chocolaty, modestly tannic finish is lasting and secure.
— M.S.
(2/1/2007)
Blackberry, tar and other dark notes coat the masculine bouquet, while cherry and cassis work the palate. This is a solid, big wine with structure; it’s also fairly tannic and hard. Has its merits; pretty full and rugged.
— M.S.
(12/1/2006)
Moderately perfumed, with a mostly smooth, likable bouquet. It runs fairly sweet, with a good mix of fruit and oak. Finishes in a clean, wavy ride. Notes of chocolate and blueberry accent the flavor profile.
— M.S.
(11/15/2004)
Slightly brambly but otherwise dominated by strong red-fruit aromas and flavors. The palate is fairly rich and full, as it should be, with chocolate and herbal/pepper notes sneaking in. Doesn’t have a lot of finish or sweetness. Pretty good mouthfeel and core acidity.
— M.S.
(12/1/2006)
Aromas of melon and baby powder are light but attractive, while the peach and citrus flavors are wet, zesty and fresh. Finishes with dried-fruit flavors and a sprinkle of minerality. Commendable for its simplicity.
— M.S.
(12/1/2006)
The nose features a mish-mash of rubber, cinnamon and red fruit, and then turns toward tomato upon airing. Cherry and raspberry flavors are best called “fresh,” while the finish is light and modestly tannic.
— M.S.
(11/15/2004)