90 points

Trapiche 2004 Broquel Bonarda (Mendoza)

It’s not often that Bonarda makes a point, but this new one from Trapiche’s Broquel label is exemplary. The bouquet pumps out mint, tobacco, black cherry and toasted oak, while the blackberry-drenched palate is pure pleasure. With a steak, this is a sure bet. And it won’t break the bank.  — M.S.   Published 11/1/2006
  • Best Buy
90 points

Nieto Senetiner 2003 Limited Edition Bonarda (Mendoza)

If you like a burly, colorful red with a ton of fruit, oak and power, then give this Argentinean bruiser a try. The nose exudes warm aromas of tight-grained oak and berry compote, while the massive palate hits like a ton of bricks on the way to a chocolaty, tannic tail. Some may say it’s overdone, but if you’ve…  — M.S.   Published 2/1/2007
  • Editors' Choice
90 points

Dolce Stefania 2007 Bonarda (Mendoza)

Chocolaty and malty to start with, then more meaty, rubbery and traditional on the nose. The palate is round and just right in feel, while the palate is meaty, layered and savory, with juicy acidity and savory undercurrents. Cutting and food-friendly, and very well-made for a $10 wine.  — M.S.   Published 12/31/2010
  • Best Buy
90 points

Trapiche 2008 Broquel Bonarda (Mendoza)

Round, thick and pulsing, but not too hard, angular or tannic. The nose brings richness, smoke and black fruits, while the palate is juicy, focused and forward, with black-fruit flavor galore and a slight creamy character. Drying and toasty on the finish, with snappy acidity through the final drop.  — M.S.   Published 12/31/2010
90 points

Nieto Senetiner 2008 Limited Edition Reserva Bonarda (Mendoza)

Bold and packed to the gills with black fruit, well-applied oak and rubbery, fresh tannins. As Bonarda goes, this is a clear winner; it’s blowsy and ribald on the nose, with tons of black fruit, coconut and mocha. The palate is firm but not overly hard, with fig, black plum and length to the finish. Drink now…  — M.S.   Published 3/1/2011
90 points

Zuccardi 2009 Emma Bonarda (Mendoza)

Black cherry and wild berry aromas are tight and don’t stray much from center stage. The palate is layered, fresh and spunky, with flavors that match the bouquet in that cherry, wild berry and plum run the show. Toasty and chocolaty on the finish, with a rock-solid feel and bright fruit flavors that don’t quit.  — M.S.   Published 11/1/2011
90 points

Zuccardi 2009 Serie A Bonarda (Mendoza)

Deep, compact and rich on the nose, with a big dose of ripe berry aromas. The palate is healthy and blends a beefy, muscular body with balancing acids and firm but ripe tannins. Tastes pretty and sweet, like blackberry or plum pie. Chewy and chocolaty on the finish; overall it’s a winner.  — M.S.   Published 5/1/2011
  • Best Buy
89 points

Trapiche 2005 Broquel Bonarda (Mendoza)

Rustic yet complete, with dark, sweet aromas of toasted coconut, mint and berry syrup. The palate is juicy and balanced, and that’s really the key in distinguishing the top Bonardas from the more frequently found hard and scouring ones. In our book, Broquel is a Bonarda you can count on.  — M.S.   Published 12/31/2007