Luca

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Luca 2006 Chardonnay (Altos de Mendoza)

Price $33

Fancy French oak is a big part of the equation in this lofty, high-elevation Chardonnay from Argentina. The nose mixes equal parts resin, vanilla and apple, and for the most part so does the acid-fresh palate. This is no dead-weight wine; the acidity is zesty creating a slight angularity and sharpness. Still, for serious Chardonnay you’d be hard-pressed to find… — M.S. (11/1/2008)

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Luca 2007 Laborde Double Select Syrah (Mendoza)

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Price $25

Violet, black cherry and berry aromas are elevated by mocha and coffee aromas, while the palate is deep and layered. Flavors of boysenberry and plum are creamy and rewarding, and the finish offers plenty of fruit in addition to oak. Maybe not super complex, but the wine’s bold meatiness makes up for that. 1,000 cases produced. — M.S. (12/1/2009)

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Luca 2010 Laborde Double Select Syrah (Uco Valley)

Price $25

Pretty aromatics include balsam wood, blackberry and blueberry. The palate is lush but well structured, with bullish berry, chocolate and creamy oak flavors. Minty and super spicy and long on the finish, with a lasting dark toastiness. — M.S. (10/1/2011)

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Luca 2000 Malbec (Altos de Mendoza)

Price $37

Raspberry jam aromas greet you as the bouquet exudes power: There’s bursting fruit, campfire, earth and chocolate rolled into one. The palate is healthy but not overdone; oak is present but not overwhelming. Quite healthy and spunky, and can age. Luca is the private label of Laura Catena. — M.S. (12/1/2003)

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Luca 2000 Chardonnay (Mendoza)

Price $32

This bold, burly wine has a pretty shine to it. Attractive honey, melon and buttered-toast aromas dance on the nose, and the creamy yet structured palate offers coconut and banana flavors along with proper acids. It’s very much like the inaugural ’99 wine, maybe a bit better balanced, but less concentrated. Regardless, it’s still potent Chardonnay featuring plenty… — M.S. (7/1/2002)

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Luca 2007 Malbec (Uco Valley)

Price $36

Jimi Hendrix would like this wine. It’s pure purple haze and muscular. Earthy, leathery aromas vie with coffee, tar and mocha on the nose. The palate is healthy and less jammy than previous vintages, with textured but agile plum, berry and natural herb flavors. While it shows most of its 14.5% weight, it doesn’t come across overly heavy. Really nice for a marginal… — M.S. (2/1/2009)

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Luca 2009 G Lot Pinot Noir (Tupungato)

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Price $32

This new Pinot from Laura Catena’s Luca label is fresh, honest and peppy. The nose is lightweight, airy and a little earthy, while the palate is fresh and agile, with good acidity and nice raspberry and pie cherry flavors. Shows some oak, vanilla and spice on a dry, mild finish. Definitely on the right path. — M.S. (12/31/2011)

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Luca 2006 Laborde Double Select Syrah (Uco Valley)

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Price $25

Controlled berry and plum aromas are pure and not mucked up by too much oak. Like all Luca wines, this Syrah is bulky, full-framed and meaty. It’s extracted but well balanced, with mellow fruit and a dark, crusty finish. Very pleasant and chunky, but not overwhelming. Drink now or over the next year or two. — M.S. (2/1/2009)

Most Reviewed Designations

G Lot Laborde Double Select

Most Reviewed Varietals

Chardonnay Malbec Pinot Noir Syrah

2007 Trump Brut SP Reserve

Rich and luscious scents of baked apple, dried pineapple, honeyed…

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