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Uruguay Wines

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Castillo Viejo 2002 El Preciado Premier Gran Reserva Red (San Jose)

Online Exclusive

Price $60

While this ranks as one of the best Uruguayan reds we've come across, it's not a slam dunk. First off, there's the price; $60 is a lot to spend for any wine, let alone one from the frontier. But getting past that there's pretty fruit, purity, texture and balance to this prestige-aimed effort. And it finishes with alluring tobacco and earth notes. The blend is Cab… — M.S. (6/8/2010)

Bouza 2004 Special Barrel Tannat (Uruguay)

Editors' Choice

Price $50

They call it Special Barrel, and one sniff tells you that this is a Tannat raised in pricey French oak barrels. And that’s not a criticism; the wine is toasty, with alluring charcoal and smoke aromas. The palate is up to it as well, as it exhibits bright, elevated dark-fruit flavors. Nicely balanced for the most part, with plenty of cassis, berry and plum character. — M.S. (11/1/2006)

Monte de Luz 2008 Carquera Cabernet Franc (San Jose)

Rusty colored and leafy on the nose, with fiery spice notes. This is interesting, dare I say it “old school” wine with core acidity and roughness to the mouthfeel and bold cherry, cola and spice flavors. Gets a bit hot at times, but it’s attractive and a well-made wine. — M.S. (12/15/2011)

Castillo Viejo 2005 El Preciado Gran Reserva Red (San Jose)

Price $50

Baked, sweet, heavy aromas turn earthy with time. There’s a lot of size and weight to the palate, but it stays lively and shows balance. Toast, blackberry, coffee and spice flavors lead to a dry, tannic finish. Flavorful but not what you’d call elegant. Cab Franc, Tannat, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. — M.S. (12/15/2011)

Gimenez Mendez 2008 Identity Cabernet Sauvignon (Canelones)

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Price $15

The best wine from this bodega. It’s focused and spicy, with black fruit and depth to the nose and none of the weird, rubbery, roasted characteristics that are sometimes found in Uruguayan wines. Round on the palate, with black cherry and cassis. A good option for grilled meats. — M.S. (10/1/2010)

Bodegas Carrau 2005 Amat Tannat (Uruguay)

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Price $30

Cherry, leather and sweaty saddle are the opening acts here, followed by intense black earth in the mouth and dense but ripe tannins. A lovely licorice note perfumes the medium finish. Give it a few years. — W.E. (6/1/2010)

Bodegones Del Sur 2000 Reserve Tannat (Juanico)

Price $12

Like all the wines from Uruguay, this one has rock-hard tannins that clamp down on the palate. But the nose of cool earth, leather and black fruit is nice, and the flavor profile is nothing to take issue with. The cherry and raspberry flavors are full and healthy, and the wine’s acidity forms a nice base for the fruit. Drink with food due to the firm tannins. — M.S. (9/1/2004)

Vinson Richards 2000 Reserve Tannat (Juanico)

Price $17

Inky and saturated in the nose, with aromas of chocolate, coffee and red berries. The palate kicks up cherry, plum and chocolate, and the finish is typically dry and tannic. But it’s also tasty and comes in a couple of layers. This wine shows more style than most from Uruguay and would be worth a go with grilled steak. — M.S. (9/1/2004)

Most Reviewed Sub Regions [All]

Atlantida Canelones Colonia El Colorado Juanico Montevideo San Jose

Most Reviewed Varietals [All]

Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay Merlot Other Red Pinot Noir Red Blend Rosé Sauvignon Blanc Shiraz/Syrah Viognier White Blend

2009 Chronicle Cerise Vineyard

One sip is all it takes to know this is a terrific Pinot Noir. It’s dry…

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