Saturday, December 13, 2008

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2005 Bodegas Bressia "Monteagrelo" Malbec Mendoza, Argentina $30
91 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2005 Malbec Monteagrelo was sourced from five parcels, aged in French oak, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Deep crimson-colored, it has an expressive nose of cedar, tobacco, coffee, black currant and black cherry. This leads to a smooth-textured, seamless wine with superior depth, ripe flavors, and a forward personality. Drink this outstanding value in Malbec over the next 5-7 years. Bodegas Bressia is a 20 hectare estate owned by Walter Bressia, a veteran winemaker of 30 years." (12/07)

monte cinco malbec 2003
This wine has an intense purple color and acomplex aromaof mature redfruits, spices,chocolate andvanilla. Anextremely longdelicious finishcompletes thisexcellent example of the Malbec varietal.91 WS A defined, balanced, artistic rendition of Malbec. Cola and hard spices mix with leather and sweet marshmallow on the bouquet, then it dishes berry pie, coffee and mocha flavors. Plenty of charcoal and chocolate create a sturdy but delectable finish. An excellent Malbec Food Pairing: Tapas, spicy foods, Thai and
Mexican cuisines $29

Carmelo Patti Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Light to medium bodied. Blackcurrant (cassis) fruit and raisins, almost tawny-port-like, with a fresh bright balancing acidity. Caramel and coffee hints, zingy green peppers, black olives and spicy tobacco leaf. Very herbaceous and spicy, lending a slightly woody (but not harsh) character. Tannins are very soft and round and the length impressive. $32


Lorca Poético Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 $21
Perfect varietal typicity. Great balance of fruit and oak. Deep garnet-red color. Spicy aromas of ripe red peppers and fresh cherry. Robust structure and depth on the palate. Great complexity, smoothness and a very long finish.

Azul Gran Reserva 2004 $66
Only 766 bottles were produced of this impressive Malbec. La Azul delivers a line of intense, powerful wines crafted by Flavia Monterola, one of Mendoza’s only female winemakers. The full-bodied Gran Reserva is a blend which shows an intense and brilliant purple color and aromas of black fruit jams, ripe plums, blackberries and vanilla. A complex wine with a fruit laden mouthfeel and lasting finish. Try it with duck breast with a cherry & wine reduction

Walter Bressia Profundo 2004 $49
50% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 10% Syrah. This wine has an intense and deep red color, with hues of purple. It carries aromas of blackberries, strawberries and an elegant presence of oak which is manifested through the smell of chocolate, tobacco, caramel and vanilla. On the palate, it is sweet and harmonic. It has a persistent taste of ripe red fruit.