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SOUTH AMERICAN WINE
For this round of wine reviews , we asked our national panel of experts to recommend some of their favorite South American Wines . As always , these selections include brief tasting notes , a rating and the wine ’ s retail price , which can vary from store to store and market to market . Unless noted otherwise , the price reflects a 750-ml . bottle .
FIVE STARS
( 97 ) BenMarco Expresivo 2020 ( Argentina ). Mostly malbec , with some cabernet franc in the mix , this wine is intense . Very dark , nearly saturated ruby in the glass , the nose is filled with lovely spice and floral notes . On the palate , the wine shows plenty of rich , dark fruit and firm tannins . ($ 40 )
( 96 ) Colomé Auténtico Malbec 2021 ( Argentina ). A perfect example how a red wine — without any oak or other barrel treatment — can still aexhibit plenty of structure . 100 % malbec , from a vineyard at nearly a mile in altitude , the wine is definitely driven by its ripe and intense fruit . The nose and palate are layered with plenty of dark tree fruit , with hints of spice . ($ 42 )
( 95 ) Vina Alicia San Alberto Morena 2012 ( Argentina ). Once you taste this wine you will forget all about California cabs ! 88 % cabernet sauvignon , 12 % cabernet franc . Handpicked grapes that stay awhile after fermentation , giving the wine a deep color and silky-smooth palate . Plush tannins along with the black and blue fruit and a bit of chocolate makes this a perfect match for brisket barbeque . ($ 35 )
( 94 ) Antigal Uno Malbec 2021 ( Argentina ). This unoaked 100 % malbec is a very dark ruby in the glass . The nose and palate are dominated by rich , black fruit , and touches of spice . Nicely weighty on the palate , the finish balances the fruit and structure of this superb wine . ($ 18 )
( 94 ) Susana Balbo Signature Brioso White Blend 2021 ( Argentina ). This blend of semillón , sauvignon blanc and torrontés is a pale gold , with slight green notes in appearance . The nose is
RATING SYSTEM |
Five stars ( 92-100 points ) A top-flight wine . Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price / value relationship . |
Four stars ( 86-91 points ) A superb wine and an excellent value . A wine for which customers will keep coming back . |
Three stars ( 80-85 points ) An above-average wine at a reasonable price point , one that many consumers will enjoy . |
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