1 | Wine | Argentina, 86 or higher | Page 3

"A dense, smoky red, showing a creamy edge to the spicy kirsch, plum sauce and grilled fig notes that mingle with hints of baking spice and medium tannins. Fine length."

"It has a very similar bouquet to the 2011, although the palate is much fresher and vibrant with subtle Conference pear and bruised apple notes towards the finish. It is simple, but refreshing. Drink now."

"Ruby-red. Good spicy lift to the aromas of blackberry, licorice and bitter chocolate. Pure and focused, with intense dark berry and spice flavors firmed by a solid spine of acidity. Finishes strong and long, with broad but fine tannins. Excellent potential here."-Stephen Tanzer

"It has a pure natural nose that expresses the essence of Malbec: lifted raspberry leaf and wild strawberry scents with traces of dried rose petal. It is a medium-bodied with supple, fine tannins and great purity. It glides across the mouth with those raspberry and strawberry notes continuing, joined by a taut citric edge and a slight leafiness towards the composed finish. This is pure class had for a fabulous price."

"Bright medium ruby. Complex aromas of kirsch, blackberry, licorice and dark chocolate. Sweet and plush but with lovely inner-palate mineral lift to the dark berry and herb flavors. This tightened up in the mouth as its slightly green cabernet component, substantial dusty tannins and firm underlying structure became more apparent. May yet merit an outstanding rating, but this will need patience. These wines are very reasonably priced."

"A glass-coating opaque purple color, it sports an enticing nose of Asian spices, incense, lavender, plum, and blueberry. In the glass it opens to reveal a ripe, plush, savory wine with no hard edges."

"The 2011 Tilia Bonarda comes from the El Mirador vineyard in east Mendoza and sees light oak aging for six to nine months. It has a pure, floral bouquet with dark cherries and cassis aromas that are well-defined and pure. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and very good weight. There is an underlying minerality here, a sense of symmetry that is very satisfying. Light on its feet and pretty on the saline-tinged finish, this is a superb Bonarda."

"Good dark red-ruby. Smoky blackberry and minerals on the nose. Sweet, lush and fruit-driven; offers terrific volume for the price. Not quite complex enough for 90 points but finishes smooth and broad, with lush tannins and notes of licorice, violet and game. An outstanding value." -Stephen Tanzer

"The flagship is the 2009 Grand Malbec, a contender for Malbec of the vintage at this early stage. A glass-coating opaque purple color with legs that ooze down the glass, it offers up a beautiful bouquet of sandalwood, exotic spices, truffle, floral notes, red licorice, and black cherry. Voluptuous on the palate, this sweetly-fruited, dense, nicely proportioned Malbec will evolve for 4-5 years and deliver prime drinking from 2015 to 2029."

"Bright ruby-red. Slightly high-toned aromas of blackberry, kirsch, bitter chocolate, violet and spice cake. Densely packed and smooth but also lively and light on its feet thanks to harmonious acidity. Conveys a lovely restrained sweetness to its dark berry, licorice, violet and tobacco flavors. Finishes with smooth tannins and sneaky length; in comparison, the estate's cabernet sauvignon is a bit drier and more herbal on the back end." -Stephen Tanzer