Quick Reviews
Mauricio Lorca Fantasia Cabernet Franc – Argentina – 2020
That old Disney movie is a bit dated. So-so cab franc with notes of black pepper and dark cherry. By itself it doesn’t do well, so pair it with a red meat and it might improve. Limited notes on this one.
Navarro Correas Alegoría Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon – Argentina – 2018
Green pepper on crack. I’m not sure what went wrong here, but it’s pretty terrible. Vegetable notes dominate, and not in a good way. Label says this a blend of various cabs, but did they also add spinach? Just weird.
Dr. Loosen Dr. L Riesling – Germany – 2021
Younger twin matches brother’s aptitude. A dead tie for the 2020 vintage, and nearly identical in notes. Perhaps a bit more tang, but only slightly so. This is of the German “Qualitatswein” level of labeling, indicating a more varied and less controlled designation than the higher quality “Pradikatswein”, but still fantastic. In Peru, finding a bottle of Pradikatswein is nigh impossible, so this will have to do.
Hacienda López de Haro Gran Reserva – Spain – 2010
Flu can’t stop me dancing. Full disclosure: I tasted this while suffering from flu, so flavors may have been muted for me. Having said that, it’s fantastic. Notes of leather, mushroom, and earth, with smooth black cherry and blueberry. Tannins are super smooth. I couldn’t pick up oak, but since this was aged in barrels for a thousand years, blame the flu. Might have hit a full five stars otherwise? highly recommended. Blend is 90% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano.
Barton & Guestier Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc / Sémillon – France – 2020
Featherweight fight ends in knockout. Super lightweight white Bordeaux, with a color so pale you’ll think you’ve poured water. Notes are mild green apple with the semillon adding some floral notes. You’d never know this packs an 11.5% alcohol punch.
Osado Blend de Tintas – Argentina – 2017
Faded photos from a vacation you already forgot. So-so, cheapo red blend from Argentina. Color was a bit brown which made me worry for heat damage, but didn’t translate to the taste. Main notes are black cherry, a bit of vanilla and some smoke. Overall not particularly memorable, however. Grapes are (allegedly) Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Appetit de France Chardonnay – France – 2020
Local carpenter winds up being an artesan. French table wine proves the French must make great tables. This cheap-o, appellation-free chardonnay nevertheless beats so many of those pretentious California poseurs. Crisp but not tart, this is smooth pear and baked apple. Brief finish but who cares, just take another swig!
Bodega Finca Las Moras Los Intocables “Black” Cabernet – Argentina – 2019
Smoke on the water, fire in the sky. Nose is very faint with cherry and vanilla. On the tongue, it’s more bright cherry, strong vanilla, very slight black pepper. Full disclosure: the label drew me in, as I had to know what a “black” cabernet was. Extra points for marketing. Color is perfect deep purple, so they weren’t kidding. Very very drinkable. Tasted solo, without food.
Château d’Arcins Haut-Médoc – France – 2014
Chocolate-covered cherry, anyone? For me, “Haut-Medoc” usually signals a good, fun wine that will pair nicely with anything you throw at it. This bottle is no different: nose is chocolate and and earth and berries, and on the palate it’s more chocolate and red fruit. Medium tannins, moderate sugar and a long finish make this enjoyable alone, or paired with food. Recommended. Grapes are Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Domaine Saint Germain Persan – France – 2020
If this painting is fake, it was done by a master. Wine was delivered without foil or seal, so suspicion was high. Cork appeared fine, and after tasting all fears dissipated. Nose is black cherry with some earth. On the tongue it’s fruity AF but not at all jammy. Black cherry, blackcurrant and some red cherry dominate. Smooth tannins despite the lack of age, and only a touch of acidity. Easy drinking.