Bodegas Catena 2015 Catena Alta Chardonnay - 92-93pts

Bodegas Catena 2015 Catena Alta Chardonnay (Mendoza) Argentina

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $38.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: May 16th, 2018

Tasting Notes: Produced from select lots from two of Catena's high altitude vineyards with a combination of gravelly and limestone soils. This is an enchanting and elegant Chardonnay with gentle oak influence throughout the gorgeous, easy-to-love nose of vanilla cream, apple, melon and stonefruit aromas and the mango, mineral and grapefruit flavoured, slightly off-dry palate. 

Balance is spot-on with a delicate weight and texture and lively acidity. Finish is long and refined. Very Niagara Peninsula in its structure. Should improve over the next two to three years. Drink 2020-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Bodegas Alamos 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon - 88pts

Bodegas Alamos 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon (Uco Valley) Mendoza - Argentina

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $14.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: October 29th, 2014

Tasting Notes: An over-achieving Cabernet Sauvignon from Mendoza produced under the direction of the Catena Family of wineries that delivers excellent value for money and good varietal typicity. Ripe, robust, dark fruit carries the appealing, sweet nose with smoky oak, vanilla and menthol notes adding depth.

The palate is full of flavour, though, less-so in body, weighing in more as a middleweight-+ with plenty of cassis, blackberry and blueberry fruit flavours supported by ripe, dusty tannins and a layer of background spice. Perfect for BBQs and steaks. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Catena 2007 Malbec - 89pts

Catena 2007 Malbec (Mendoza) - Argentina

Availability: Private and BCLDB stores
Cost: $22.99

Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: June 2010

Tasting Notes: If Montes is the wine family of Chile, Catena is the family of Argentina.  Their Malbecs are world renowned and they offer consistency year after year.  This Malbec is one of the entry level wines in their flight and accessible at $23.

Ideal for that summer BBQ with ribs.  It is concentrated ruby in appearance and opaque.  The nose offers perfumed blackberry and floral notes with light smoke and coffee.  The oak is evident on the palate with vanilla that compliments the blackberry.  The finish is long and smooth completing a beautiful and complex wine.  This wine is best enjoyed with food and would likely drink well through to 2015.

 - Hugh Carter