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."

"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."

"Bright medium ruby. Spicy aromas of raspberry and blackberry with hints of coffee and game. Lush but also juicy and pure on the palate, with attractive balance and sweetness to its dark berry and violet flavors. This rather wild malbec's ripeness and supple texture are enlivened by very good balancing acidity. An excellent value." -Stephan Tanzer

"Cherry liqueur, menthol, violet and spicy oak on the nose and palate. Suave, supple and energetic, with a sugar/acid balance giving the mid-palate insidious intensity and good definition. Nicely rising, fine-grained finish shows good length and a light touch. Sophisticated for the price."-Stephen Tanzer

"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."

"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

"The 2011 “1300” Malbec is aged in American and French oak in equal portion. It has a toasty bouquet of blackberry and licorice, with a touch of hickory emerging with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with dense, dry tannins and a powdery texture, although there is more than enough fruit concentration on the finish to keep you satisfied. Drink now."

"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."

"In the 2010 vintage a Merlot was added to the portfolio. The 2010 Collecion Merlot offers up a fragrant perfume of oak, red fruits, and a touch of herbs and balsamic. With excellent richness and length, it offers outstanding value in a wine that is meant for drinking over the next 5-7 years."