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Tasting notes of Argentine wines

(Prices and stockists in the UK are listed in brackets; as a rough guide £1 = US$1.60. Date of tasting is indicated at the end of each note as month/year)

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Familia Schroeder Alpatico Chardonnay 2007 Patagonia, Argentina
Broad, aromatic peachy nose with some vanilla notes. The palate is quite fat with melon, peach and apricot notes as well as some bready, toasty oak influence. Quite a rich, stylish Chardonnay. 87/100 (Waitrose; 13%) 01/09

Vinalba Malbec Reserva 2006 Mendoza, Argentina
Deep coloured. Amazingly sweetly fruited, alluring nose with very ripe blackberries and a hint of blackcurrant jam. The palate is lush and sweet with ripe, dense, pure fruit and some savoury, spicy notes. Lots of impact here: a dense, full, sweet red wine with lovely purity of fruit and real flavour impact. It's unashamedly new world in style and will be sure to win lots of fans. 90/100 (£9.99 Majestic) 02/09

Benegas Finca Libertad 2005 Mendoza, Argentina
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Cabernet Franc (32%) and Merlot (13%). Michel Rolland is the consultant winemaker here, and there's some similarity in style to the Clos de Los Siete, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It shows lovely, smooth, refined pure blackberry fruit with some plummy notes, as well as spicy new oak. It's rich and modern, but not totally over-the-top. As well as the sweet fruit, there are notes of chocolate, coffee and spice, and I reckon it could age quite nicely over the next few years. 90/100 (£12.99 Virgin Wines) 01/09

Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Mendoza, Argentina
This is a really impressive inexpensive red. The nose shows sweet, pure red berry and blackberry fruit. The palate is smooth and refined with accessible blackberry and blackcurrant fruit which flirts with jamminess but stays fresh and well defined. A lovely easy drinker. 87/100 (£7.07 Bibendum, on sale at £5.49 3-13 February) 01/09

Nicolas Catena Zapata 2005 Argentina
Approximately two-thirds Cabernet and one-third Malbec, this is a serious effort from one of Argentina's top producers. A concentrated, dark coloured wine it is currently extremely oaky: on opening, there's a big waft of vanilla and spice, along with ripe, sweet blackberry and blackcurrant fruit. After a while, this oak subsides a little, revealing more interesting floral and mineral notes under the super-ripe fruit. The palate is dense, smooth, ripe and rich with concentrated sweet fruits and some smooth but spicy tannic structure hiding underneath it. Currently quite oak dominated, all the ingredients are here for a long, graceful evolution. Don't open this now, but in five, ten or fifteen years, I reckon it will be quite special. It's 'new world' in style, and I'd probably prefer a little less ripeness, but it's serious. 93/100 (Bibendum) 01/09

Clos de los Siete 2007 Mendoza, Argentina
A blend of 48% Malbec, 28% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Syrah, harvested from the end of March until the end of April. Deep coloured, this has lovely floral aromatics together with ripe but not jammy summer fruit aromas. There's a bit of spice, too. The palate is nicely poised with sweet but well defined dark fruits and good acidity. This isn't jammy or super-ripe, which is a good thing. But the alcohol (14.5%) is evident, and the tannins are a little drying and grippy in the mouth, and they clamp down the finish somewhat. It's a beautifully packaged wine that offers great value for money, and without those rather drying tannins it would get a higher rating. 90/100 (£10.99 Waitrose, Majestic, Oddbins) 09/08

Landelia Malbec ‘Single Vineyard’ 2005 Agrelo, Mendoza
A bit of a bargain this: it’s a dense, dark, fruit driven Malbec of real poise, with some purity to the sweet dark fruits nose that’s nicely complemented by some meatiness and a bit of spice. The palate is densely fruited with chocolatey richness and earthy, spicy complexity, finishing quite savoury. Tastes much more expensive than it is, and is acceptably modern, with lovely focus and purity. Surprisingly low alcohol (13.5%) considering how ripe the fruit profile is. 91/100 (£8.49 Virgin Wines) 04/08

Familia Zucchardi Bonarda Reserva 2006 Mendoza
A deep-coloured, oak-aged Bonarda weighing in at a modest 13% alcohol. This has an attractive, savoury nose of spicy plummy fruit, which leads to a palate that's dense, savoury and structured. There's plenty of forward red berry, cherry and plum fruit here as well as well integrated oak. Some grippy tannins on the finish make this a useful food wine. Great value for money and really delicious. 88/100 (£6.99 Oddbins) 04/08

Fuzion Shiraz Malbec 2007 Mendoza, Argentina
From Familia Zucchardi. Sweet, pure, ripe berry and black fruits dominate here, and there are some autumnal, foresty flavours, too. There's a hint of sweetness, but the dominant feature is the attractive pure fruit. Over-delivers for the price. Just 13% alcohol, too. 83/100 (£3.99 Somerfield) 03/08

Finca Flichman Reserva Shiraz 2006 Mendoza, Argentina
A dark, spicy, slightly meaty wine with lovely fruit intensity. This is joined by a subtle roast coffee edge, perhaps from the oak. There's some grippy structure on the palate which adds savouriness: I reckon this is a style best with food. Some substance here. 86/100 (£5.99 Waitrose, Stevens Garnier) 03/08

Terrazas Reserva Chardonnay 2006 Mendoza, Argentina
From high vineyards, at 1200 m altitude. This initially strikes me as very ripe, with tropical fruit, honey and vanilla to the fore. It's smooth, nutty and rich-textured, but there's also a brightness to the fruit, with some citrussy notes. It's a rounded, well integrated sort of wine of real appeal, although some might prefer their Chardonnays to have a bit more in the way of 'edges' and contrast between the various flavours. I like the way it is so 'together'. 89/100 (£10.99 Harvey Nichols) 03/08

Fuzion Shiraz Malbec 2007 Mendoza, Argentina
From Familia Zucchardi. Sweet, pure, ripe berry and black fruits dominate here, and there are some autumnal, foresty flavours, too. There's a hint of sweetness, but the dominant feature is the attractive pure fruit. Over-delivers for the price. Just 13% alcohol, too. 83/100 (£3.99 Somerfield) 03/08

Finca Flichman Reserva Shiraz 2006 Mendoza, Argentina
A dark, spicy, slightly meaty wine with lovely fruit intensity. This is joined by a subtle roast coffee edge, perhaps from the oak. There's some grippy structure on the palate which adds savouriness: I reckon this is a style best with food. Some substance here. 86/100 (£5.99 Waitrose, Stevens Garnier) 03/08

Terrazas Reserva Chardonnay 2006 Mendoza, Argentina
From high vineyards, at 1200 m altitude. This initially strikes me as very ripe, with tropical fruit, honey and vanilla to the fore. It's smooth, nutty and rich-textured, but there's also a brightness to the fruit, with some citrussy notes. It's a rounded, well integrated sort of wine of real appeal, although some might prefer their Chardonnays to have a bit more in the way of 'edges' and contrast between the various flavours. I like the way it is so 'together'. 89/100 (£10.99 Harvey Nichols) 03/08

Familia Zuccardi Pinot Grigio Torrentes 2007 Mendoza, Argentina
A really successful aromatic white wine, with striking floral, grapey aromas and a fresh, crisp palate. It’s not as flirty as some Torrontes can be, and better for it, I reckon, with the prettiness of this grape variety combining well with the food-friendliness and crispness of the Pinot Grigio. 87/100 (£5.99 Oddbins) 04/08

M&S Fairtrade Pinot Grigio 2007 Famatina Valley, Argentina
This is a really attractive aromatic white wine with a grapey, melony, herby nose that leads to a palate kept fresh by a citrus kick. At 12.5% alcohol this is a light, expressive white with a nice personality from the La Riojana co-operative. 84/100 (£5.49 M&S) 02/08

Finca Flichman 'Gestos' Malbec 2006 Mendoza, Argentina
An equal blend of grapes from 1100 m and 700 m, this is a deep coloured wine. The nose shows raspberry and blackberry fruit with a savoury, spicy overlay and some coffee and tar oak overtones. It's quite tight and reductive. The palate shows nice fresh red fruit character with a bit of plmmy bitterness and some spicy oak influence. It's a savoury wine with some depth, and drying, grippy tannins on the finish. Yet there's some ripeness and charm here also. It's not the most refined wine you'll ever drink, but for the price, there's a lot going on here, and it is tremendously food friendly. Would be perfect with a big Argentinian rump steak. 87/100 (£5.99 Majestic, Stevens Garnier) 11/07

Landelia Malbec ‘Single Vineyard’ 2005 Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina
A bit of a bargain this: it’s a dense, dark, fruit driven Malbec of real poise, with some purity to the sweet dark fruits nose that’s nicely complemented by some meatiness and a bit of spice. The palate is densely fruited with chocolatey richness and earthy, spicy complexity, finishing quite savoury. Tastes much more expensive than it is, and is acceptably modern, with lovely focus and purity. Surprisingly low alcohol (13.5%) considering how ripe the fruit profile is. 91/100 (£8.49 Virgin Wines) 04/08

 

Canale Reserve Merlot 2005 Patagonia, Argentina
The garish orange label isn’t a good indicator of what’s in the bottle. This stylish red wine, from Patagonia in southern Argentina, is really quite restrained and balanced – it’s not at all brash. The nose is quite fresh, with bright dark fruits joined by a bit of gravelly minerality and some vanilla and spice oak notes. The palate is quite Bordeaux-like: there’s a freshness and savouriness to the dark fruits that’s not usually found in the new world, with tar, spice and earth notes joining the well defined dark fruits. This rather sophisticated, well mannered Merlot is a wine that’s best with food, and which will age well over the medium term. 90/100 (Marks & Spencer £9.99) 08/07

 

Marks & Spencer Famatina Valley Pinot Grigio 2006 Argentina
Bright, crisp and fresh – so much so, it’s almost transparent, with lovely purity and focus. Good acidity keeps the palate really fresh, with apple and citrus fruit and a lemony finish. 86/100 (Marks & Spencer)  03/07

Catena Malbec 2004 Mendoza, Argentina
With fruit from three vineyards at altitude: Angelica (2850 ft), Agrelo (3100) and La Consulta (3000). Quite a classy, refined nose which is a bit minerally with dark fruits, a hint of earth and some spice. Some mint too? The palate is dark, spicy and earthy in a subtly understated style . Savoury and food friendly, this is not new-worldy at all. A bit Bordeauz-like. 89/100 (£10.99 Majestic, Waitrose) 11/06

Canale Reserve Merlot 2004 Rio Negro Valley, Patagonia, Argentina
From the far south of Argentina, the back label suggests that ‘guests will be surprised by its provenance’. It has an interesting nose, with deep dark plummy fruit combined with a minerally, spicy, tarry edge. There’s also some chalky richness. The palate is dark, spicy and savoury with some pleasing plummy bitterness and firm tannins under the ripe, black fruits. Dark, complex, savoury and satisfying. It reminds me of the southwest of France, a bit. Very good/excellent 92/100 (Marks & Spencer £9.99) 09/06  

Colome 2004 Valle Calchaqui, Salta, Argentina
This is a striking, modern styled wine that's quite forward and seductive, while at the same time retaining balance. A deep colour, it has a beguiling, sweet, pure nose of blackberry jam with some fresh raspberries in the mix, accompanied by a hint of vanilla oak. The palate shows quite elegant pure fruit, sweet yet not mushy and over-ripe. There's some spicy tannin, and the only negative is the high alcohol (14.5%), which makes its presence felt. Clearly new world in style, and fruit-driven, but pretty classy in this seductive mould. Wines like this will have Chile worried, I reckon. If you are in the mood for it, this is thoroughly delicious, but traditionalists beware! Very good/excellent 91/100 (£12.99 Oddbins) 06/06

Etchart Privado Torrontes 2005 Cayafete, Salta, Argentina
If you’ve not tried a good Torrontes, you’ve been missing something, so try this one. It has a beautifully perfumed, floral nose with grape and lychee aromas. The palate has a fresh herbal edge: it smells sweet but tastes dry, with good acid. Clean, fruity and dry. Very good 83/100 (£4.99 Waitrose) 02/06

Chacayes 2003 Mendoza, Argentina
J&F Lurton. From a vineyards at 1000 m, this is a superb red wine in a modern mould. A vivid red/purple colour it has a tight nose of sweet, refined fruit with a touch of oak and some chocolatey richness. The palate is concentrated, spicy and tannic with primary red and black fruits. A sophisticated wine: a little oaky at the moment, but there’s real potential for development here with its firm structure and intense fruit. Very good/excellent 93/100 (c. £30) 04/06  

Clos de Los Siete 2004 Mendoza, Argentina
Very dark coloured. Lovely supple smooth dark fruits on the nose. The palate is sweet and smooth; dark and supple. There’s a spicy, chocolatey richness. This is a concentrated sweetly fruited modern with but it’s quite well balanced at the same time. Delicious and easily appreciated. Very good/excellent 91/100 (£10.99 Majestic, Oddbins) 10/05  

Clos de los Siete 2003 Mendoza, Argentina
From seven vineyards in the foothills of the Andes, this is an ambitious red wine; the project is managed by Michel Rolland. It’s a striking wine. Very dark colour. Intoxicating sweet nose of liqueur-like blackcurrants and red fruits. Very pure and sweet with a spicy edge: quite like a young vintage port. The palate is sweet with a rounded, roasted character and a spicy edge. It finishes dry with a spicy edge and some drying effect from the alcohol. This is a delicious forward wine for current consumption, but the combination of a firm, spicy, rather drying tannic structure and some alcoholic heat on the finish suggests this is not one for cellaring. This aside, there's no denying that this is a very seductive wine with wonderful purity of the fruit. Very good/excellent 91/100 (£10.99 Majestic, £8.99 if you buy two) 05/05

Finca Flichman Tanguero Reserve Malbec 2004 Mendoza, Argentina
This bold red wine is spicy and dark with soft, rich fruits and a tarry, grippy finish. Quite a rich style but nicely savoury: this will work well with food. Very good+ 86/100 (£5.99 Unwins, 2 for £10 until 10 October) 08/05

Clos de Los Siete 2003 Mendoza, Argentina
Grapes come from 350 hectares at 1100 m altitude. A blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Very deep colour. Sweet forward black fruits nose of lovely vivid fruit. It’s soft, supple and gloriously fruited on the palate. Very intense and quite brilliant. Very good/excellent 93/100 (£9.99 Waitrose) 04/05

Catena Alta Malbec 2001 Mendoza, Argentina
Dark with quite a spicy nose. Good concentration of dark, savoury spicy fruit here. Very good+ 89/100 (£25 Waitrose) 04/05

Achaval Ferrer Quimera 2001 Mendoza, Argentina
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot. Interestingly, the blend occurs before racking into barrels, of which 40% are new (10% American oak and 90% French oak). The wine shows a sensational rounded, sweet perfumed nose, with creamy blackcurrant fruit. The palate displays more of this sweet, rounded fruit which hides a smooth tannic core. There’s a subtle herby complexity and some minerality is apparent on the finish. Very good/excellent 92/100 (£20.56 Corney & Barrow) 02/04

Hacienda San Jose Sauvignon Blanc 2003 Mendoza, Argentina
Quite a rich herby nose with some grassiness, melon and papaya notes. The palate is savoury and quite rich with some herby fruit. Nice for the price. (Aldi) 09/04

Picajuan Peak Bonarda 2002 Mendoza, Argentina
Rich pure berry fruit with an attractive spicy edge and nice juicy acidity. Tasty stuff- this is a great pizza wine. Very good 84/100 (£3.99 Tesco) 01/04

Picajuan Peak Bonarda 2002 Mendoza, Argentina
This red is sealed with a screwcap, which will no doubt help preserve its pure, juicy berry fruit. It's not a wine to take too seriously, but it does deliver a good dollop of bright, tasty fruit with an appealing spiciness and nice acidity. A good pizza wine. Very good 84/100 (£3.99 Tesco) 12/03

Norton Torrontes 2002 Mendoza, Argentina
Striking floral nose is delicate and aromatic. The palate is dry, crisp and slightly herby. A pleasant, interesting white in a light summer style. Very good+ 86 (£5.99 Oddbins) 04/03

Valentin Bianchi Los Primos Barbera 2000 San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina
Lovely vivid juicy cherry fruit dominates here, with a nice spicy edge. Very juicy and easy to drink but still with good concentration. Brilliant value and a perfect Pizza wine. Very good+ 87 (£4.99 Oddbins) 04/03

Norton Malbec 2000, Mendoza, Argentina
This rather simple glugger shows attractive soft berry fruit with a chocolatey richness and a hint of sweetness. Very soft and approachable. Good/very good 08/02

Alamos Chardonnay 1999 Mendoza, Argentina
Attractive, forward oaky nose with creamy vanilla notes. Rich, oaky and buttery. It’s quite attractive and well made but relies on oak for its character quite a bit. Good commercial Chardonnay. Very good (Majestic) 10/02

Weinert Carrascal 1997, Mendoza, Argentina
This is Argentina's answer to Château Musar: traditionally made with an unusual, old-fashioned character that toys with the border of faultiness. And in an age when all wines appear to be beginning to taste the same, it's a very welcome change. A blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, it has a rich, savoury, slightly leathery nose. It's not overtly fruity, and there's a little bit of volatile acidity. The medium-bodied palate shows some herby, spicy character, and there's a touch of sweetness to the fruit. Some meatiness emerges after a while and there's spicy complexity. Old fashioned in a nice way. Very good/excellent (£7.99 Majestic, Connollys) 02/02

Valentin Bianchi Elsa Barbera 2000, Mendoza, Argentina
This vibrant, juicy red is a wonderful find. Really lovely forward liquoricey berry fruit on the nose. The palate has lots of bright savoury-edged berry fruit with good acidity. Completely more-ish, this is brilliant for the price. Very good/excellent (£5.45 Berry Bros & Rudd) 05/02

La Nature Torrontes 2001, Famatina Valley, Argentina
From northwest Argentina, this organic wine is a delicious example of the indigenous Torrontes. Pretty, aromatic nose with floral, spicy, perfumed rose-petal notes. Nicely balanced fruity palate with a grapey character and good acidity. This is a superb summer sipper with a well poised, delicate texture. Very good+ (£4.29 Sainsbury, Vinceremos) 10/01

Weinert Carrascal 1997, Mendoza, Argentina
This is Argentina's answer to Château Musar: traditionally made with an unusual, old-fashioned character that toys with the border of faultiness. And in an age when all wines appear to be beginning to taste the same, it's a very welcome change. A blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, it has a rich, savoury, slightly leathery nose. It's not overtly fruity, and there's a little bit of volatile acidity. The medium-bodied palate shows some herby, spicy character, and there's a touch of sweetness to the fruit. Some meatiness emerges after a while and there's spicy complexity. Old fashioned in a nice way. Very good/excellent (£7.99 Majestic, Connollys) 02/02

Cavas de Weinert Gran Vino 1996, Mendoza, Argentina
There’s a herby, spicy, mushroomy edge to the nose, showing some evolution and coming across as a tiny bit rustic. Good concentration of spicy, warm fruit on the palate. Nicely balanced, but very old fashioned style. Savoury, earthy and spicy. Fairly complex. Very good+ (£9.99 Majestic) 02/02

Ché Syrah 2001, La Rioja, Argentina
There’s a touch of bubblegum to the bright, almost sweet fruit berry fruit on the nose. The palate is very fruity with good acid balance. Quite juicy, this is Argentina’s answer to Beajoulais. Perhaps a bit synthetic and industrial. Good/very good (£3.99 Oddbins) 02/02

Carmelo Patti Cabernet Sauvignon 1997, Mendoza, Argentina
Really attractive nose of leafy blackcurrant fruit, with a slight herbaceousness (not unattractive, though) and a touch of minerality. The palaye is savoury with some tannins, and is not at all new-worldy: in fact, it’s quite Loire-like. Medium bodied with mineral-laced blackcurrant and raspberry fruit. Delicious stuff. Very good/excellent (£7.99 Oddbins) 02/02

Santa Julia Tempranillo 2000, Mendoza
Roast coffee edge to the nose, with bright, primary cherry fruit. Savoury, spicy edge to the palate which shows pure cherry and raspberry fruit. Very modern and fruity with good concentration and a chocolatey richness. Attractive commercial winemaking. Very good (£4.99 Tesco) 02/02

Santa Julia Bonarda Sangiovese Reserva 1999, Mendoza, Argentina
Pretty nose dominated by minty spicy vanilla-edged new oak. Good concentration on the palate which shows cherry and berry fruit, and rather overwhelming savoury, spicy new oak, and woody tannins. A crowd pleaser, but perhaps too manufactured with a bit too much oak influence. But it’s a nicely savoury food wine. Good/very good (£5.99 Tesco) 02/02

Vina Amalia Chardonnay 1999, Mendoza
Barrel-fermented for 4 months in new French oak, this is a pale yellow colour. Slightly shy, sulfury nose with grapefuit and pineapple notes. The palate is richly textured with some nuttiness from the oak, but it’s a bit alcoholic and unbalanced. Lacking in flavour where it counts. Good (£4.99 Oddbins) 03/02

Vina Amalia Malbec 1999, Mendoza
Aged for 8 months in French and American oak; unfiltered. Slightly sulfury, minerally nose. Reasonably concentrated ripe fruit on the palate with good acidity and a spicy finish, but a bit rough-edged. I’m not too keen on this. Good (£4.99 Oddbins)  03/02

Catena Chardonnay Agrelo Vineyard 2000, Mendoza, Argentina
The nose is a bit shy initially, but when coaxed shows a rich, lifted, nutty character. The palate is quite nutty, alcoholic and a bit disappointing, with the oak sticking out. Good concentration, though. Very good (£8.50) 09/01

Bright Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 'Barrica Reserve' 1999, San Juan, Argentina
The nose shows sweet fruit and vanilla, with notes of coffee and spice. The palate is ripe and very accessible, with blackcurrant fruit and plenty of seductive oak. Tasty and with good concentration, there's just enough acidity and spicy tannins to give balance. My only criticism is that it is a little bit anonymous and relies heavily on the oak for its character. Very good+ (£6.49 Sainsbury) 09/01

Valentin Bianchi Malbec 'Elsa's Vineyard' 1998, Mendoza
I'm a bit confused. This Malbec from Valentin Bianchi is labelled very differently to the Valentin Bianchi wines carried by Oddbins (both cheaper and more expensive examples are part of the range). Oddbins also used to stock this very same wine, although in slightly grander packaging and at a higher price. Can anyone enlighten me? Anyway, this is a single vineyard wine made from 85% Malbec and 15% Barbera. It's a lovely savoury red wine with a nice herby nose, showing some leafy notes in the background. There are also notes of spice, tar and chocolate. The palate is rich, soft and ripe with a spicy edge. Quite delicious: a full on wine, but not a manufactured, new-world style. Very good/excellent (£6.70 The Good Wine Shop) 06/01

Norton Privada 1998, Mendoza, Argentina
The Norton range is one of Argentina's most reliable, and this, their top wine is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec that's decent enough without actually being exciting. Muted nose, with ripe berry fruit on the palate. Quite restrained with good tannins. Nice balance. Very good. (£8.99 Oddbins)

Norton Privada 1995, Mendoza, Argentina
A premium blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, aged in French oak, from the export-oriented Norton winery. This has been cellared for some three years or so since I bought it: a nice experiment to see how new-wave Argentinean reds age. This has a sweet, powerful cedary nose; on the palate it is soft and full. The fruit is drying out a little and there's high acidity, but it is still very much alive. Although this is a classic Bordeaux-style blend, it is quite Italian-like in style -- it's also a bit reminiscent of an aged Aussie. Very good (Current release is £8.99, Oddbins) 11/00

Bodega Lurton Pinot Gris 2000, Mendoza, Argentina
Light, dry white wine with fresh character and attractive floral lift to the nose. There's some melon fruit and a touch of spiciness on the palate, but overall this is a bit neutral for my tastes. Will do a job as an all purpose white table wine. Good+ (£3.99 Waitrose) 11/00

Viña el Paraiso Chardonnay 1999, Mendoza, Argentina
Clean, modern-styled Chardonnay with good depth. Balanced, lean palate, and not too 'synthetic'. Very good. (Adnams £5.45) 11/00

Viña el Paraiso Syrah 1999, Mendoza, Argentina
Bright purple colour this displays lively primary fruit characteristics. It's a rather dull commercial red wine though. (Adnams £5.45) 11/00

Catena Chardonnay 1999 Agrelo Vineyard, Mendoza, Argentina
A remarkable, full-flavoured Chardonnay that is sophisticated yet still very oaky. Lovely full, rounded toasty nose. Rich, ripe and complex palate with prominent (but classy) toasty oak. I really like this wine, which shows impressive concentration, but avoid if you are averse to oak. Very good + (£8.99 Majestic) 9/00

Catena Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 Agrelo Vineyard, Mendoza
This is a dense, classy Cabernet from Catena, possibly Argentina's leading 'modern' winery. Lusciously textured blackcurrant fruit is underlain by an attractive mineral streak. Approachable now, there is the tannic structure to reward a few years' cellaring. Very good+ (£8.99 Majestic) 9/00

Santa Julia Viognier 2000, Mendoza, Argentina
Viognier is one of the most trendy white varieties, but I've rarely been convinced by cheap examples -- this is an exception. Authentic varietal Viognier with an attractive nose of flowers, spice and peaches. Good concentration on the palate with crisp, clean, spicy flavours and good acidity. Very good. (£4.99 Sainsburys) 9/00

Argento Malbec 1999 Mendoza, Argentina
A wine that has had the press swooning this summer, it really left me cold -- I ended up pouring the remains down the sink after two nights. From Argentina's leading light, Catena, this is not as good as the offerings from Bianchi and Norton in this price bracket. A muted nose leads to soft, vanilla-edged fruit: a bit sweet and synthetic, lacking real guts. OK (£4.99 widely available) 9/00

Etchart 'Rio de Plata' Torrontes 1998, Salta, Argentina
A hugely enjoyable wine that represents great value for money, from Argentina's 'own' white grape variety, Torrontes. Beautiful open nose of sweet floral notes is followed up on the palate by grapefruit and spice. Bone dry: a bit like a cross between a Gewürztraminer and a Sauvignon blanc. Very good + (£3.99, Asda) 7/00

Tesco Torrontés NV, Famatina Region, Rioja, Argentina
Produced by the firm of La Riojana. Grapey, musky nose. Thick and bitter on the palate. Lacks the floral elegance this grape is capable of: overly alcoholic at 13.5%. (£3.49, Tesco) 7/00

Norton Barbera 1997, Mendoza, Argentina
Bright, fruit-driven red with lashes of cherry fruit and some exotic, porty/herby complexity. There are notes of coffee and olives too. Really good, chunky stuff, with some Italian character married to the pure primary fruit typical of new wave South American wines. (£4.99 Oddbins) 12/99

Valentin Bianchi Malbec Reserve 1996, San Rafael, Argentina
A superb example of Argentina's 'own' grape. Lovely rich meaty and medicinal nose with a slightly burnt quality and some smokiness. Super, rich and soft on the palate with rich licqouricey character. Slightly odd, but lovely. Rich and supple. Very good/ excellent. (£8.99 Oddbins) 6/00

Vina Alicia Petit Verdot 1998, Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina
A remarkable wine! Made from the rare Bordeaux variety Petit Verdot, this is a thick, opaque, super-ripe concoction. Inky and dense, ripe, sweet fruit is joined on the palate by jammy, licqouricey elements with a dusty dry texture. The massive concentration and soft, sweet fruit together combine to make a memorable and interesting wine. Very good to excellent. With a bit more structure this would be sensational stuff. (Adnams) 4/00  

Norton Torrontes 1999, Mendoza
Torrontes is Argentina’s ‘own’ white variety – widely grown there, all but non-existent elsewhere, and capable of making delightful aromatic wines. This is a good floral, aromatic quaffer with a delightful nose, and a touch of spice. On the palate it is reasonably simple (it is a very pale wine), but the aromatic qualities really make this a super match for strongly flavoured foods. Recommended. (£4.49 Oddbins) 11/99

Norton Torrontes 1998, Mendoza
Big floral nose is varietally true, but is spoiled by a flat, slightly bitter palate. Better examples exist of this interesting grape. (Oddbins £4.99) 5/99

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