Credit: Terrazas de los Andes

I hope everyone has recovered well from their Thanksgiving meals. And whatever holidays you’re celebrating at this time of year, may they be full of healthy family and friends, and delicious wines for all to enjoy.  Now that we’re getting close to those holidays, value is important as ever. So, it’s time to dig into a few wines from Argentina.

I’ve long loved wines from Argentina, for both their value and reliability. When I was first getting into wine, I found so many Mendoza Malbecs that delivered a ton of flavor and complexity for not a lot of money. And in those 15 years or so since, the options and quality have only increased.

Terrazas de los Andes started in the early 90s, and today they’ve grown to farm more than 200 mountain terrace sites. Their reserva line at $20 would be a great by-the-glass option at a wine bar or restaurant, as they offer classic Mendoza goodness at such reasonable prices. While the Grand Malbec has a lot of complexity and depth to unpack with a great steak and a cold night. And there’s a nice Malbec from Orfila to add to the mix as well.

These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.

2021 Terrazas de Los Andes Chardonnay Reserva – Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco
SRP: $20
Light yellow color. The nose shows a bright mix of sea salt and chalk over top of peaches, orange peel, lemons. The palate is crisp and brisk with zesty acidity and a crunchy appeal, but it shows nice depth of texture as well. The lemon and orange fruit is backed up with honey, white and yellow flowers, almond skin and white tea. There’s a mountain stream focus that is really pleasant. If you’re a fan of the lesser-concentrated style, this is a lovely expression of Chardonnay. Fermented in a mix of oak and stainless steel, sourced from Guatallary and El Peral appellations. (90 points IJB)

2019 Orfila Malbec Reserva – Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco
SRP: $20
Deep purple color. Aromas of dark plums, saucy blueberries and blackberries, with violets, tilled soil, dried roses, eucalyptus and mint – lovely stuff. The palate sports zesty acidity and dusty tannins, with crunchy yet deep fruit (blueberries, blackberries). Complexities of cocoa, clove, pepper, earth, and bay leaf add a lot to enjoy. The floral and savory complexity needs time to come out, but this is a balanced, vibrant Malbec. Aged 12 months in 70% French and 30% American oak. (89 points IJB)

2020 Terrazas de Los Andes Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva – Argentina, Mendoza
SRP: $20
Vibrant purple color. Saucy nose of dark plums and blackberries, mixed with pepper, anise, earthy-gravelly tones. Vibrant acidity frames the wine well, dusty tannins provide some moderate grip. Currants and plum fruit, saucy and juicy, mix well with stony, earthy, graphite and rocky elements, along with some coffee, roasted chestnut, violets and tar. Fun and fresh, with a lot of complexity at this price point. Aged 12 months in French oak. (89 points IJB)

2020 Terrazas de Los Andes Malbec Reserva – Argentina, Mendoza
SRP: $20
Deep purple color. The nose sports a warm compote of dark fruit (blackberry, cassis) with a spicy, earthy, floral mix – potting soil, black pepper, roses, graphite – with tones of coffee and coconut. Ripe and plummy texture on the palate, suave tannins and moderate acidity make for a balanced Malbec. Deep cherry and blueberry fruit with notes of graphite, cocoa, potting soil, and some coffee and dark chocolate accents. Fun and ripe but also deep and nuanced. (88 points IJB)

2019 Terrazas de Los Andes Malbec Grand Malbec – Argentina, Mendoza
SRP: $60
Dark purple color. The nose is packed with sweet blueberries, tangy dark currants, with a complex mix of gravelly, loamy, rocky soil, tossed with sage, bay leaf and coffee grounds. The palate is framed with vibrant acidity, supported with solid but suave tannins, and full of tangy black cherries and tart blueberries. There’s a smoky, earthy, spicy essence to this wine that’s really attractive, with spiced tea, anise, roasted red pepper, and sweeter notes of vanilla and coffee. The mineral and earthy vibes abound. Beautiful now but will show a lot more in three to five years. A blend of three estate vineyards, aged 12 months in French oak. (91 points IJB)

By: Isaac Baker
Title: Wine Reviews: Argentina
Sourced From: www.terroirist.com/wine-reviews-argentina/
Published Date: Sat, 03 Dec 2022 16:00:33 +0000

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