Michel Torino 2011 Don David Finca La Maravilla #6 (Cafayate Valley) Salta - Argentina
Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: March 29th, 2014
Tasting Notes: This inky-purple, single-vineyard Malbec from the Cafayate Valley packs a punch. Albeit, a well-balanced, accurate punch. Intense and focused, mixed berry fruit, spiced plums, licorice all-sorts and cedar aromas make for an appealing nose and sets-up the similarly flavoured, dry palate well where the intensity is heightened by big tannins and tangy acidity. Full-bodied and long without resorting to copious amounts of residual sugar. Should make for an excellent pairing with a fine cut of beef, either grilled or broiled. Drink now-2017.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Michel Torino 2012 Cuma Malbec (Cafayate Valley) Salta - Argentina
Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $13.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: March 27th, 2014
Tasting Notes: Juicy and fruit-forward, this rustic, plum and blueberry fuelled Malbec, from the Cafayate Valley in Mendoza, is sourced from organically farmed vineyards and delivers a rough'n'tumble cacophony of dark fruit, spice and scorched earth characters. A vein of bitterness persists through the dry palate where coarse tannins and peppercorn notes linger on the moderate finish. Drink now-2015.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Painted Rock Estate Winery 2011 Merlot (Skaha Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here and select VQA stores
Cost: $40
Alcohol: 14.2%
Date Tasted: March 26th, 2014
Tasting Notes: Best Merlot yet from Painted Rock with more complexity showing on the nose thanks to maturing vines and vineyard practices. The 2011 is elegant with sweet berry fruit, spices and cocoa aromas and lifted floral notes adding a feminine touch.
The palate is well-structured with refined tannins and effortless acidity, boasting rich dark fruit and layers of supporting savoury and sensual notes. True to its New World, cool-climate origins, yet, moves comfortably among the world's Merlot peerage. Drink 2015-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Bodegas Valentin Bianchi 2011 Famiglia Bianchi Malbec (San Rafael) Mendoza - Argentina
Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: March 25th, 2014
Tasting Notes: This inky ruby-hued Malbec opens with intense blackberry and dark cherry aromas supported by light violet, incense and sweet pipe tobacco notes.
The palate is fruity and tangy with concentrated dark fruit and spice flavours balanced by mouth-watering alpine berry acidity and framed by firm, youthful tannins and light earthy notes. Ready to go now. Drink 2014-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Three Thieves 2012 The Show Malbec (Luján de Cuyo) Mendoza - Argentina
Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $18.99
Alcohol: 14.1%
Production: 17,000 casesDate Tasted: March 24th, 2014
Tasting Notes: A straight-forward expression of 'fruit'n'spicy' Malbec with a focus on the balance between the residual sweetness on mouth-watering palate and the grippy nature of the mouth feel. Ripe, dark berry fruit and savoury spice characters are supported by firm tannins procured from 9 months in 25% new French oak contributing to the wine's food-friendliness - think BBQ steak or short ribs. Finish is a bit short and unrefined, but the wine is as advertised: entertaining. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
On a side note: If 'The Show' label looks familiar but you not from only in the Argentina section of your wine store it's because the Napa Valley-based Three Thieves company makes many wines from international regions that will show-up all over your local wine shop. These include a Garnacha from Spain, a Pinot Noir from Chile and a Cabernet Sauvignon from California.
