Graffigna 2014 Centenario Reserve Pinot Grigio - 85pts

Graffigna 2014 Centenario Reserve Pinot Grigio (San Juan) Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores

Cost: $12.59 + taxes

Alcohol: 12.5%

Date Tasted: July 11th, 2015

Tasting Notes: A light, subtle Pinot Gris, with nothing out-of-place, though, nothing terribly memorable either. Perfect as a picnic wine for a hot day to pair with salads and sandwiches. Apricot and apple lead on the doux nose and refreshing palate, with tropical fruit acidity and delicate mineral notes supporting. Drink now-2016.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Bodega Finca Las Moras 2012 Paz - 88pts

Bodega Finca Las Moras 2012 Paz (Valle de Perdernal) San Juan - Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $18.99
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: November 12th, 2014

Tasting Notes: An inky-ruby hued, very-nearly-dry Malbec from Argentina's second largest wine growing region, San Juan, which nicely balances its fruit-forward, berry and sweet plum aromas and flavours with more 'serious' notes like intense vanilla bean, licorice, mineral and oak. A light vein of herbs and spice flows through the palate and lingers on the long, mouth-watering finish.

Well worth the price and a good fit for Malbec fans who are weary of the many sweetened, overtly 'plump' examples exported from Argentina. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Graffigna 2013 Centenario Reserve Pinot Grigio - 86pts

Graffigna 2013 Centenario Reserve Pinot Grigio (San Juan) Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores

Cost: $14.49

Alcohol: 13.5%

Date Tasted: November 7th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Oh to have reviewed this wine in Summer! Now that it's winter we'll have to use this wine as a conduit back to that warm, sunny deck that where we sit with a glass of crisp, slightly off-dry white wine and soak in the imaginary rays.

Subtle on the apricot and apple scented nose, this well-priced Grigio is all about its balance of light, orchard fruit flavours, tangy tropical fruit acidity and delicate mineral notes on the palate. The taste of summer in a glass. Drink now-2015.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Graffigna 2011 Centenario Reserve Malbec - 86pts

Graffigna 2011 Centenario Reserve Malbec (San Juan) Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $14.49
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: March 13th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Impressive intensity and balance of aromas on the nose of this Malbec with ripe blackberry and sweet spices in the lead supported by light, toasted oak and sun-drenched rock notes. Palate is front-loaded with a wave of bright, wild-berry acidity and intense mixed-berry fruit flavours, though, smooth-ish tannins and tasty spice and mineral notes linger through to a moderate finish. Enjoy this wine with a straight-forward, juicy, grilled steak. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Las Moras 2011 Reserve Tannat - 87pts

Las Moras 2011 Reserve Tannat (Valle del Tulum) San Juan - Argentina

Availability: BCLDB stores

Cost: $14-15
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: February 25th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Makes a nice alternative to the region's bread'n'butter variety, Malbec, with unique smoky-blueberry characters and a 16 month oak program usually reserved for more expensive wines. Both rustic and modern with light earthy notes and medium tannins framing the extracted, plump blue fruit favours and full body. Moderate finish is a tad bitter though offers nice dried fruit and spice flavours. Ready to be enjoyed now and should hold for 2 more years. Drink 2013-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright Icon Wines 2013