Felipe Rutini La Consulta Mendoza Malbec - 2005 - 8.7 - James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez

June 22, 2008

A powerful expression of dark black fruit, Malabar pepper and spices from a Rijsttafel

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© 2008 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez


Ben Marco Expresivo Mendoza Red Blend – 2004 – 9.0 - James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez

April 11, 2008

50% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, 10% Bonarda, 5% Merlot; a rich and complex wine; a wine that speaks to it’s homage that could only come from South America – the Malbec and Bonarda give a distinctive quality; this wine gives black currant, blueberry, cooked cherry, plum orchard, a plethora of winter simmering spices.  A nice expression to good taste.

 

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© 2008 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez


Norton Lujan de Cuyo Mendoza Privada – 2005 – 9.1 - James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez

April 10, 2008

Of the Bodega Norton’s Malbecs—this is my favorite.  This has gorgeous Malabar pepper, cedar box, cardamom, marjoram, boysenberry, blackberry

 

¡Salud!

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© 2008 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez


Telteca Mendoza Chardonnay – 2005 - James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez

April 10, 2008

 Adriatic fig, plout, cardamom and anise.

¡Salud!

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© 2008 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez


Tiza Mendoza Malbec- 2005 - 8.6 - James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez

April 6, 2008

 This Malbec didn’t jump out as a notable or outstanding Malbec; I was hoping for a more distinctive flavor profile that would have given this a unique signature.  A combination of red raspberry, Fuji apple, and mocha on the finish.

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© 2008 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez


Bodega Mendel Mendoza Malbec- 2005 – 9.0 - James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez

April 6, 2008

Bodega Mendel consistently produces a wonderful Malbec—of course—each vintage is memorable and different.   This wine proudly served with beef will be remembered.  The wines tannins are soft and silken.  The wine has a gorgeous blackberry and cassis coulis, exotic spice – cardamom, Fall plum orchard and black Trumpet mushroom; each flavor cascades to the next and back again.  The finish is pleasing.  This wine is a reminder of why we are passionate about wine.

 

¡Salud!

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© 2008 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez


Catena Alta Mendoza Cabernet Sauvignon – 2004 – 8.8 - James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez

April 6, 2008

This Cabernet Sauvignon spends a lot of time in French oak – 18 months.  The wine exhibited quite a bit more acid than I expected.  The wine gives generous roasted Blackberry, underbrush, ground mace, ground clove and tied together evenly with chocolate.

 

¡Salud!

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© 2008 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez


Elsa Mendoza Torrontes - 2007 – 8.8 - James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez

April 6, 2008

 Torrontés is truly one of the most under-rated white wines today and this wine is also an excellent value.  This is a lovely wine giving lime zest and white nectarine flesh.

¡Salud!

Tasted at K&L Wine Merchants, San Francisco $7.99

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© 2008 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez

 
 

 

 


Mapema Mendoza Sauvignon Blanc - 2007 – 8.7 - James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez

April 6, 2008

Mapema Mendoza Sauvignon Blanc gives passion fruit and white pepper; a marked difference from it’s New Zealand Brethren. 

¡Salud!

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© 2008 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez

 


Maipe Mendoza Malbec – 2007 – 7.8 - James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez

March 31, 2008

Maipe Mendoza Malbec might be a good Malbec if the producer did not use a synthetic cork.  The cork is highly pronounced especially on the finish and obscured the finer points this wine may have held.  Disappointing. 

 ¡Salud!

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© 2008 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez