Cheers@Home Fall 2023 | Page 15

| WINE REVIEWS |
an attractive blend of stone fruit , citrus and fresh-cut grass . It has great acidity with a lush mouthfeel , and a long , balanced finish . ($ 29 )
( 94 ) El Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2018 ( Argentina ). This luscious , deep garnet cabernet franc epitomizes what this varietal can be on its own . Black currant and plum , sweet , spices and oak notes . All combine , spend 16 months in French oak barrels and give a long finish with great balance that pairs with any hardy , meat-focused menu . ($ 24 )
( 93 ) Santa Julia La Oveja 2021 ( Argentina ). Produced from 100 % organically grown torrontés grapes , it shines with a bright gold color , with subtle green notes . On the nose the fruit jumps out of the glass , with plenty of white stone fruit and floral hints . Wonderfully acidic , it ’ s a great match for a wide variety of seafood and chicken dishes , as well as a perfect aperitif . ($ 18 )
( 93 ) La Celia Pioneer Cabernet Franc 2020 ( Argentina ). This 100 % cabernet franc has a lovely dark ruby aspect in the glass . On the nose , dark fruits dominate , with subtle hints of milk chocolate and spice . It has nice weight , with rich fruit leading the way , and nice weight and texture . A versatile red wine , it ’ s not overly tannic , and is ready to enjoy now . ($ 14.99 )
( 93 ) Antigal Uno Rosé 2022 ( Argentina ). The blend is a proprietary combination of different varieties . Medium-salmon pink in the glass , the nose reveals plenty of bright , red fruit . The taste is also bright ,
with elegant fruit notes and very satisfying finish . ($ 13 )
( 93 ) Crios Rosé of Malbec 2022 ( Argentina ). A lovely and elegant rosé , produced from 100 % malbec . Quite pale in the glass , the nose and palate shine through , with notes of wild strawberry , and a great balance of acidity and fruit . ($ 15 )
( 93 ) Bodegas Garzon Riserva Tannat 2020 ( Uruguay ). This medium-bodied , deep-ruby , almost-purple tannat features aromas of plum and black cherry . Judicious oaking brings out rich spicy notes that pair well with hearty ripe cheeses or rich beef , dishes like London broil , or osso buco . Grown on small hillside parcels less than 18 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean , which provides a nice maritime influence . ($ 20 )
( 92 ) Dandelion Bonarda 2020 ( Argentina ). Toasty notes of wood on the nose . On the palate the wine is feisty , youthful with ripe fruit , with a hint of slate and eucalyptus . Dry , but not overly acidic , with tannins that only put up a fight for a brief moment . Would pair well with a juicy hamburger . ($ 13 )
( 92 ) Casa Julia Carmenere 2020 ( Chile ). The nose on this wine is pretty savory ; notes of BBQ beef . On the palate it is soft , but not subtle . This dry red tastes of eucalyptus and fresh herbs , with a touch of blueberry , with hints of oak . Tannins are there , but not in your face . Okay by the glass , but shines with food . ($ 12 )
( 92 ) Clos D ’ Angel Malbec 2020 ( Chile ). Dried plums and cherries on the nose
continue their way into the palate . This creation from winemaker Aurelio Montes is a structured wine with a soft yet lingering finish . ($ 23.99 )
( 92 ) Catena Zapata Alta Chardonnay 2020 ( Argentina ). A highelevation , cool-weather chardonnay grown at two vineyards , which are 3,700-ft . elevation and 4,700-ft . elevation . It offers a nose of white peach and quince . Made from Dijon clones and aged for 14 months in 45 % new French oak barrels , the oak and partial malolactic regime do not predominate but are rather well integrated into the profile . Rich mid-palate , ripe pear and apricot notes abound . (<$ 20 )
( 92 ) Duberon Chardonnay 2021 ( Argentina ). Crisp and clean are two great descriptions for this wine . Notes of vanilla , rich toasted brioche , and almond envelope you on the palate . Great wine for dinner parties or charcuterie plates , as the food-pairing possibilities are endless with this one . ($ 19.99 )
( 92 ) Cabernairo No 8 Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 ( Chile ). This is the steak wine . Even the nose had charcoal and grilled notes . The palate is plump and filled with soy , umami and herb spices like oregano . Would be a people-pleaser at any barbeque or steak dinner . ($ 19.99 )
FOUR STARS
( 91 ) Cameleon No Sulfites Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ( Argentina ). No
sulfite added , and aged in concrete . This is a South American cabernet sauvignon with an Old World vibe . The palate is tarter and more lifted than a typical South American expression , but with the dark blackberry notes and a welcome structure and backbone . ($ 16.99 )
( 91 ) Clos D ’ Angel Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ( Chile ). This wine is deliciously dark purple with hints of violets amongst other floral scents . The palate is powerful and rich with cassis and a lingering but welcome tannic finish . ($ 23.99 )
( 91 ) Fabre Montmayou Mendoza Reserve Malbec 2021 ( Argentina ). A big malbec for the money . Once it opens up , you ’ ll discover blueberry and coffee , along with a bit of wood . Made from old vines , this malbec has that “ Fabre French Touch ” that sets it apart from the crowd . ($ 17 )
( 91 ) The Seeker Sauvignon Blanc 2022 ( Argentina ). This is a super-clear white wine with green highlights . On the nose it is ripe with a citrus aroma . On the palate it is dry with notes of grapefruit and citrus pith . Savory in nature , and a tad herbaceous . Mouthwatering acidity on the finish , which does linger . ($ 13 )
( 91 ) Santa Ana Chardonnay 2022 ( Argentina ). Ideal wine for a picnic or the beach . The nose is full of crisp apple and juicy tree fruit notes . This wine is silky on the palate , with pops of fresh lychees , mango and peaches . A steal for the price ! ($ 7.99 )
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