Chateau Bouscasse 2012 Grand Vin - 92pts

Chateau Bouscasse 2012 Grand Vin (Madiran AOC) Occitanie - France

Availability: Costco
Cost: $18.99-23.99 + taxes USD
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: February 23rd, 2018

Tasting Notes: Hailing from the Madiran AOC in South-West France, this blend of 60% Tannat, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc makes one imagine a mash-up of a youthful, Right Bank Bordeaux with an aged, rustic Rioja; both raw and refined with floral-meaty-pruny characters and tannin to spare. Best to give this eclectic wine more time in the bottle to age and integrate further. Drink 2020-2024.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Bodega Finca Las Moras 2015 Reserva Tannat - 86pts

Bodega Finca Las Moras 2015 Reserva Tannat (San Juan) Argentina 

Availability: BCLDB stores

Cost: $12.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: April 17th, 2017

Tasting Notes: The thick-skinned Tannat makes for a meaty alternative to Argentina's signature red grape, Malbec. Similar blackberry and plum fruit are on offer, but framed by smoky, olive-soaked, charcoal tannins on the dry, full-bodied, spice-infused palate. One could argue this wine is unrefined, but it is true to the variety and charmingly rustic. Excellent value.

Ready to go now, though, best after 4+ hours of decanting. Drink 2017-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Bodegas Finca Las Moras 2014 Reserva Tannat - 86pts

Bodegas Finca Las Moras 2014 Reserva Tannat (San Juan) Argentina 

Availability: BCLDB stores

Cost: $12.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: July 4th, 2016

Tasting Notes: Makes a nice, dry alternative to similarly priced Argentinian Malbecs which more often than not, have too much residual sugar. Tannat is spicy and exotic, but still possesses an approachable layer of dark fruit on the smoky-olive and blueberry-infused nose and the full bodied, black plum and toasted oak palate with rustic acidity and charcoal tannins. A little rough around the edges, yet, utterly intriguing at its Under $15 price-point. Drink 2016-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright IconWines.ca 2016

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

Las Moras 2007 Reserve Tannat - 87+pts

Las Moras 2007 Reserve Tannat (Valle del Tulum) San Juan - Argentina

Availability: Private wine shops

Cost: $15-17

Alcohol: 14%

Date Tasted: December 12th, 2009

Tasting Notes: Tannat is another unique grape to North Americans that is historically grown in France but has found modern-day success in South American countries Uruguay and Argentina. Think of a spicy, Syrah-Cabernet Sauvignon cross with similar aging potential.

On the nose this inky-purple coloured wine offers youthful aromas of blueberries, white pepper, pencil shavings and toasted-oak notes. The high-minus bodied palate offers flavours of oak, white pepper, dark fruit and cooking spice notes.

This wine was aged in oak for 16 months and has very high acid and tannins which are a bit unruly. With another year or two of aging the tannins should mellow and the wine will become more balanced and accessible. - LC