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The wines
of Luigi
Bosca, Familia Arizu, Mendoza, Argentina
Alcia M. de Justo 740, Suite
7, 1107 Buenos Aires, Argentina
Website: www.luigibosca.com.ar
E-mail: luigibosca@aluigibosca.com.ar
UK agent: H&H
Bancroft (www.bancroftwines.com)
The Arizu family have been
making wine for a while, and have lots of vineyards in prime bits of
Mendoza. In all, the Luigi Bosca estate has around 400 hectares of
vines in Luyán de Cujo and Maipú.
There are three ranges of
wines here. First, an entry level, named ‘La Linda’, which I
didn’t taste on this occasion. Then the core range, and finally, a
series of blends labeled Gala 1, 2 and 3.
As with many Argentinean
producers, the whites are a bit more varied in quality than the reds,
which are the star of the show here. In particular, the Gala 2 red is
a reminder that there’s more to Mendoza than just Malbec, good
though Malbec undoubtedly is.
Luigi Bosca Sauvignon
Blanc Reserva 2005 Mendoza
An unusual interpretation of Sauvignon, this has a full-on nose
that combines ripe fruit with an aggressive herbal streak. The fresh,
full palate has a herbal edge. A bit odd. 82/100
Luigi Bosca Gala 3 2005
Mendoza
A blend of 50% Viognier, 40% Chardonnay (fermented in oak) and 10%
Riesling. The sweet, open nose is rich, melony and a bit oily. It’s
quite rich and sweetly fruited on the palate: a rich, fat style of
white wine. 87/100
Luigi Bosca Chardonnay
Finca Los Nobles 2003 Mendoza
Fermented and aged in new French oak. The smooth, sweetly fruited
nose has a rich, mealy edge to it. The palate is smooth, concentrated
and sweetly fruited. A rounded sort of Chardonnay that’s quite
elegant. 89/100
Luigi Bosca Malbec
Reserva 2003 Mendoza
Fresh, bright red and black fruits nose. The palate shows nicely
poised sweet fruit with a savoury twist. Good stuff. 90/100
Luigi Bosca Gala 1 2003
Mendoza
80% Malbec with 15% Petit Verdot and 5% Tannat. It has an
interesting, rather complex nose that displays herb-tinged spicy fruit
and some oak. Rich, full, spicy, oaky palate has a nice old-fashioned
feel to it (this is meant in a positive sense). 89/100
Luigi Bosca Gala 2 2003
Mendoza
Just to show that Mendoza is not a one-trick (Malbec) pony,
here’s a brilliant Bordeaux blend, consisting of 85% Cabernet
Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot. Forward, sweet
blackcurrant and red berry fruit here, with a nice, spicy lift. Lovely
rich, sweet fruit on the palate. I love the juicy, fresh and spicy
character of this wine. 91/100
Luigi Bosca Malbec Verdot
Finca Los Nobles 2001 Mendoza
Malbec and Petit Verdot; 2 years in oak. Lovely vivid, spicy nose
is complex with red and black fruits. The palate is concentrated and
bold with a nice spicy edge. Complex, full, bold and intense. 92/100
Wines tasted 09/06
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