Mascota Vineyards 2015 Unanime (Maipú District) Mendoza - Argentina
Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $28.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: March 22nd, 2019
Tasting Notes: A hedonistic blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Malbec and 15% Cabernet Franc, the Unanime shows lively, dark and red fruit aromas on the fruit-forward, expressive nose with notes of vanilla, sweet incense smoke and herbs in the background.
The palate that follows is equally fruit-forward with concentrated mixed berry fruit suggesting off-dry levels of residual sugar, yet, the wine is (mostly) dry with a wave of savoury goodness enveloping the fruit mid-palate and through to the long, smoke'n'spice flavoured finish.
At four years of age, this tasty blend is ready to g now. Drink 2019-2022.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca
Pascual Toso 2014 Malbec (Maipú District) Mendoza - Argentina
Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $13.29 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: June 28th, 2016
Tasting Notes: Beyond the ripe'n'tangy, dark berry facade lies unexpected layers of earthy, spicy and savoury characters on the smoked hard cheese-infused nose and the juicy, mouth-watering, slightly off-dry palate where oak, spiced plum and white pepper notes linger on a moderate finish. Drink now-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca
Pascual Toso 2012 Limited Edition Malbec (Maipú District) Mendoza - Argentina
Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $18.99
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: November 16th, 2014
Tasting Notes: At first sniff, you can appreciate the increased boldness and depth of aromas when compared to its easy-going $15 cousin, though, its unclear what is exclusive or in short supply with this Limited Edition release. Based on the overall intensity and the layers of berry, spice, smoke, oak (light) and cured meat characters, its smooth, smoky tannins and its well balanced acidity, one could guess this wine is the result of a vineyard block and/or barrel selection and a longer élevage in oak which helps to justify the higher price-tag.
At $19 it is still excellent value and well-worth exploring - perhaps, side-by-side with the standard Malbec. Pair with roast beef or a spicy pork dish. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Pascual Toso 2012 Malbec (Maipú District) Mendoza - Argentina
Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $14.99
Alcohol: 14.3%
Date Tasted: March 17th, 2014
Tasting Notes: This easy-drinking, fruit-forward Malbec offers plenty of juicy, ripe cherry and tangy wild-blackberry fruit on the otherwise spicy-vanilla nose and the mild-mannered palate where light tannins and acidity play a supporting role to the hero of the wine, its tangy, fleshy fruit.
Though perhaps lacking in intensity and boldness, this Malbec is well-made and consistent from beginning to end with no rough edges or mis-steps. Fantastic value for money. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
