Masi Tupungato 2016 Passo Doble (Valle De Uco) Mendoza - Argentina
Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $12-15 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: April 15th, 2019
Tasting Notes: A very consistent, well-produced blend of Malbec and Corvina, the Passo Doble combines dark berry, smoked hazelnut, light spice and fresh almond notes on the impressive nose and the mouth-watering palate. Finish is a bit short-lived and edges towards bitter, but, when paired with food, you'll hardly notice.
Easiest (and best) pairing is grilled red meat drenched in a smokey-sweet or teriyaki BBQ sauce. Drink now-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca
Doña Paula 2016 Estate Malbec (Valle De Uco) Mendoza - Argentina
Availability: Private stores like Everything Wine
Cost: $15.99-18.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: October 26th, 2018
Date Re-tasted: April 14th, 2019
Tasting Notes: A typical, fruity/juicy/fresh Malbec from the Valle De Uco in the Mendoza, but happily, with some smokey goodness on appealing, blackberry and violet infused nose and with beautifully integrated spice on the lively, black fruit dominant palate. A drink now Malbec, lacking the tannin structure for a long life, but a well balanced, food-friendly wine that would pair nicely with spicy, grilled meats. Drink now-2020.
Re-tasting Notes: Tasted 6 months later as part of the lead up to the 2019 World Malbec day (April 17th). Still believe this is a drink-now Malbec with a tasty, juicy-smoky profile and light tannins. Crazy good value for this quality-to-price ratio.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca
Dominio Del Plata 2016 BenMarco Malbec (Valle De Uco) Mendoza - Argentina
Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $18.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: October 26th, 2018
Tasting Notes: A very intense and concentrated Malbec from the Valle De Uco in the Mendoza. Fruit forward, though, with a decidedly acidic direction from the balsamic vinegar notes on the, otherwise, fruity/floral nose, through to the bright blackberry and apple cider flavours on the, otherwise, pepper'n'spice palate. Tannins are light and dominated by the fluidity created by the tangy texture and long-ish finish where nice, savoury spice notes linger. Ready to go now. Drink 2018-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca
Masi Tupungato 2015 Passo Doble (Valle De Uco) Mendoza - Argentina
Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $12-15 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: August 9th, 2018
Tasting Notes: Opens with an appealing combination of smoked and spiced dark berries and Christmas cake candied fruit on the nose. This blend of Malbec and semi-dried Corvina Verenese grapes is generous and inviting with good consistency from the nose to the dry palate where a similar, smoky/spicy profile awaits with black plum and huckleberry fruit replacing the candied fruit notes. A nice alternative to over-extracted, over-sweet Malbecs in the same price-range. Drink now-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca
Masi Tupungato 2014 Passo Doble (Valle De Uco) Mendoza - Argentina
Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $11.49-14.49 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: March 23rd, 2017
Tasting Notes: If you ever randomly daydreamed what a fruity, Argentinian Malbec crossed with a nutty, Venetian Corvina would taste like, Masi's Passo Doble would be the physical embodiment of your imagination.
A blend of Malbec and semi-dried Corvina Verenese grapes, the wine is generous and inviting on the nose with aromas of dark fruit, spices and almond skins. Juicy on the entry with black plum and huckleberry fruit flavours, finishing dry, teetering towards astringent, with lingering spice and prickly tannins. Drink now-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca
Clos de los Siete 2012 Red Blend (Valle De Uco) Mendoza - Argentina
Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $20.49-22.49 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: October 21st, 2015
Tasting Notes: Produced under the direction of famed, French wine consultant Michel Rolland, this is a dense, ripe, dark fruit, vanilla-mocha and spicy-plum infused blend of 57% Malbec, 18% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Syrah and 2% Petit Verdot sourced from vineyards on the foothills of the Andes mountains. Though juicy and plump in the mouth, the palate finishes dry with lingering spices, having been shepherded by smooth tannins and clean, fresh acidity. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca
