Os Melhores Vinhos Argentinos da Safra de 2006 pela Wine Advocate de Robert Parker

Muitos podem falar que Mendoza, por ser uma área desértica e necessitar de irrigação, acaba tendo pouca variação entre as Safras e sim, isto é uma verdade! Mas, mesmo com não tanta influência como, por exemplo, no Brasil ou em Bordeaux, o clima durante o ano também afeta as safras de nossos Hermanos. A Safra de 2006 na Argentina realmente foi sensacional. Foi a única Safra, por exemplo, que recebeu 94 pontos pela Wine Advocate de Robert Parker.

Já tive a oportunidade de degustar diversos exemplares desta Safra e realmente a qualidade, na média, é de tirar o chapéu.

Abaixo trago a lista de todos os vinhos Argentinos da Safra de 2006 que tiveram nota igual ou superior a 95 pontos. Os valores são em dólares e para o mercado americano. Na argentina os preços são bem menores! Se encontrar algum deles beba e me conte o que achou!

In Vino Veritas!

Gustavo Kauffman

Os Melhores Vinhos Argentinos da Safra de 2006 pela Wine Advocate de Robert Parker

2006 Vina Cobos Malbec Marchiori Vineyard

A Malbec Dry Red Table wine from Mendoza, Argentina,

Review by

WA # , #180 (Dec 2008)

Rating: 99

Drink 2018 - 2040

Cost: $140

According to Hobbs, 2006 was one of the great vintages of his 20 year career in Argentina. The near perfect 2006 Cobos Malbec Marchiori Vineyard is my favorite of this remarkable collection. A glass-coating, saturated opaque purple/black in color, the wine offers up a sexy/kinky bouquet of pain grille, Asian spices, pencil lead, mineral, lavender, blueberry, and black cherry. On the palate there is layer upon layer of savory fruit, spice notes, espresso, and chocolate as well as exquisite balance. The wine’s finish lasts for more than a minute. Try a bottle, bury the rest in your cellar for ten years, and then drink them from 2018 to 2040. Vina Cobos is Paul Hobbs’ winery in Mendoza. He is better known (at least for the moment) to USA connoisseur/collectors for his namesake winery in Napa Valley which has received many accolades (including 100-point scores from Robert Parker) for its Cabernets, Pinot Noirs, and Chardonnays. What is less well known is that Hobbs is a pioneer in fine wine production in Argentina, having started there in 1988 with Nicolas Catena. Senor Catena gives Hobbs much credit for the success of Catena-Zapata’s Chardonnay program. He has since extended his consulting efforts both in Argentina and Chile but the capstone of Hobbs’ work is Vina Cobos which began in 1998 and moved into its own winery facility in 2007. The first vintage of the top-of-the-line Cobos Malbec Marchiori Vineyard was 1998 but it was ruined by rain and never sold in the USA. 2000 and 2001 were not up to par, 2000 being the El Nino year and 2001 being too dilute, resulting in their declassification. Importer: Paul Hobbs Imports, Sebastopol, CA; tel. (707) 824-9879

2006 Bodegas Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata

A Proprietary Blend Dry Red Table wine from Mendoza, Argentina,

Review by

eRobertParker.com # , #184 (Aug 2009)

Rating: 97

Drink -

Cost: $65-$110

The 2006 Nicolas Catena Zapata is composed of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Malbec and spent 26 months in new French oak. It displays a superb perfume of pain grille, spice box, truffle, wild flowers, black cherry, and black currant. Rich, layered, dense, and complex, it, too, combines elegance and power. The wine is structured for the long haul and should easily see its 25th birthday, with 50 not out of the question. There is no track record, and I won’t be around to find out. Importer: Winebow, Inc., Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

2006 Achaval Ferrer Finca Altamira la Consulta

A Dry Red Table wine from Mendoza, Argentina,

Review by

WA # , #180 (Dec 2008)

Rating: 96

Drink 2012 - 2021

Cost: $120

The 2006 Finca Altamira is deep crimson-colored with a complex aromatic array of wood smoke, spice box, mineral, espresso, black cherry, and black raspberry. Structured, opulent, and long, it will develop in the cellar for another 3-5 years and provide prime drinking from 2012 to 2021. In a brief period of time, Achaval Ferrer has become one of Argentina’s benchmark wineries. A visit to the winery in April 2008 was eye-opening. They export 85% of their production, 40% to the USA. The newest releases will not disappoint. Importer: TGIC Importers, Woodland Hills, CA; tel. (800) 924-0300; fax (818) 225-5111

2006 Bodegas Catena Zapata Malbec Catena Zapata Argentino Vineyard

A Malbec Dry Red Table wine from Mendoza, Argentina,

Review by

eRobertParker.com # , #184 (Aug 2009)

Rating: 96

Drink -

Cost: $61-$109

The 2006 Malbec Argentino is a blend of the Nicasia and Adrianna Vineyards with the same elevage. As so often happens, the combination is better than either of the individual components. It is more complex aromatically, seems more opulent, has tons of flavor, and a lengthy, 60-second finish. Importer: Winebow, Inc., Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

2006 Cheval des Andes Cheval des Andes

A Bordeaux Blend Dry Red Table wine from Mendoza, Argentina,

Review by

WA # , #180 (Dec 2008)

Rating: 96

Drink 2015 - 2035

Cost: $54-$89

The 2006 Cheval des Andes was bottled in early 2008 but has not yet been released. The 2006 vintage is superb throughout Mendoza and this wine, as in many other bodegas I visited in April 2008, shows off the extra dimension of complexity made possible in an exceptional year. The wine is composed entirely of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a bit more saturated than the 2005 with a splendid perfume of pain grille, mineral, espresso, black cherry, and black raspberry that leaps from the glass. More opulent and layered than the 2005, it also conceals a bit more structure. The finish seems to go on and on. Drink it from 2015 to 2035. (Not yet released) Cheval des Andes is owned by the legendary Saint-Emilion producer, Chateau Cheval Blanc. The wine is sourced from their 50 hectare estate vineyard planted on its own roots in 1929. The first vintage was 1999 and over time the wine has evolved into having a majority of Malbec in the blend. New oak is used for the Cabernet component and one-year-old barrels for the Malbec. Altogether the wine spends 18 months in cask. Importer: Moet-Hennessey USA; www.mhusa.com

2006 Pulenta Estate Pulenta Gran Cabernet Franc Xi

A Cabernet Franc Dry Red Table wine from Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina,

Review by

eRobertParker.com # , #184 (Aug 2009)

Rating: 96

Drink 2013 - 2026

Cost: $40

The prodigious 2006 Pulenta Gran Cabernet Franc is a glass-staining opaque purple. The aromatics are nearly ethereal with the complexity of a great Saint-Emilion. Exotic spices, wild blueberry, and mineral notes intertwine and mesmerize. Once on the palate, the wine is layered, plush, and voluptuous. The wine’s sweet fruit is perfectly balanced by silky tannin and the finish lasts for over a minute. It will benefit from 4-6 years of cellaring and provide pleasure through 2026. The price makes it a sensational value. Bodegas y Vinedos Hugo y Eduardo Pulenta began their venture in 1991. They still sell grapes to the likes of Catena, Cobos, and Chandon among others. In 2002, 2003, and 2005 they constructed three small winery buildings and current production is at 40-50,000 cases. They began selling in the USA market in 2008 with 20% of their production coming here. Importer: Paul Hobbs Imports, Sebastopol, CA; tel. (707) 824-9879

2006 Vina Alicia Brote Negro

A Malbec Dry Red Table wine from Mendoza, Argentina,

Review by

eRobertParker.com # , #184 (Aug 2009)

Rating: 96

Drink -

Cost: $75-$80

The 2006 Brote Negro is 100% Malbec but of a particular type that the winery believes is a mutation in their 100-year-old Malbec vineyard. These grapes are picked separately after the harvest of the regular Malbec. They are aged in 50% new French oak for 14-16 months. Opaque purple/black in color, it offers up a brooding bouquet of balsam wood, underbrush, lavender, black cherry, and blueberry compote. On the palate notes of licorice, raisins, cinnamon, and raspberry make an appearance. Dense and rich, this full-flavored, totally hedonistic wine is a contender for Argentina’s best Malbec. Importer: Southern Starz, Huntington Beach, CA; tel. (866) 57-STARZ

2006 Vina Cobos Bramare Marchiori Vineyard

A Malbec Dry Red Table wine from Mendoza, Argentina,

Review by

WA # , #174 (Dec 2007)

Rating: (96-99)

Drink -

Cost: $95

The Bramare “Marchiori Vineyard” wines are from 100% estate grown fruit located in Lujan de Cuyo. The 2006 Bramare Malbec “Marchiori Vineyard”, tasted from a barrel sample (the wine should be bottled by the time subscribers are reading this note), is even better than the 2005. Vintage conditions were ideal and, for the first time, Hobbs stopped irrigation 12 weeks before harvest, most unusual in Mendoza’s arid conditions. There was better natural acidity with little acidulation required. The wine offers more flavor complexity, vibrancy, and aromatic lift, and sensational length. The Bramare series is sourced from Lujan de Cuyo, a prime zone in Mendoza. Some of the fruit is from Cobos’s estate vineyard, the balance from contracted fruit. The wines at this level receive more oak, longer macerations, and wild fermentations. Vina Cobos is the Argentina winery of the renowned Paul Hobbs, best known for his namesake wines from California’s North Coast. Hobbs began consulting in South America in 1988 and, early on, became involved with Nicholas Catena in the startup of that winery’s Chardonnay program. In 1998 he temporarily left his consulting projects to start Vina Cobos with the first vintage coming in 1999. In 2005 Vina Cobos constructed its own winery. Paul Hobbs is high on the 2005 and 2006 vintages. At first he felt that 2005 was the finest year (along with 1996) since he started working in Argentina, that is until the 2006 vintage rolled around. It was, he says, “a mild, moderate year with no problems.” The Cobos wines have several tiers. The entry level is the Nativo Collection. The wines are mostly varietal with a small amount of blending. The grapes come primarily from the estate’s own vineyards, but there is sourcing from 5-6 other properties. They all receive oak aging, but the focus at this level is on fruit. Importer: Paul Hobbs Imports; info@paulhobbs.com

2006 Vina Cobos U Nico Marchiori Vineyard

A Proprietary Blend Dry Red Table wine from Mendoza, Argentina,

Review by

WA # , #180 (Dec 2008)

Rating: 96

Drink 2013 - 2026

Cost: $180-$217

The 2006 uNico Marchiori Vineyard is a blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Malbec. Opaque purple-colored, aromatically it has the complexity that a great vintage can provide. Notes of pain grille, crushed stone, lavender, black cherry, blackberry liqueur, and fruit compote are exquisite. On the palate, the wine is opulent, dense, intensely flavored, and lengthy. It will continue to evolve for another 4-6 years and offer prime drinking from 2013 to 2026. Vina Cobos is Paul Hobbs’ winery in Mendoza. He is better known (at least for the moment) to USA connoisseur/collectors for his namesake winery in Napa Valley which has received many accolades (including 100-point scores from Robert Parker) for its Cabernets, Pinot Noirs, and Chardonnays. What is less well known is that Hobbs is a pioneer in fine wine production in Argentina, having started there in 1988 with Nicolas Catena. Senor Catena gives Hobbs much credit for the success of Catena-Zapata’s Chardonnay program. He has since extended his consulting efforts both in Argentina and Chile but the capstone of Hobbs’ work is Vina Cobos which began in 1998 and moved into its own winery facility in 2007. The first vintage of the top-of-the-line Cobos Malbec Marchiori Vineyard was 1998 but it was ruined by rain and never sold in the USA. 2000 and 2001 were not up to par, 2000 being the El Nino year and 2001 being too dilute, resulting in their declassification. Importer: Paul Hobbs Imports, Sebastopol, CA; tel. (707) 824-9879

2006 Alta Vista Alto

A Proprietary Blend Dry Red Table wine from Mendoza, Argentina,

Review by

WA # , #180 (Dec 2008)

Rating: 95

Drink 2015 - 2035

Cost: $76

The winery’s flagship is the 2006 Alto, a wine composed of 77% Malbec and 23% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 15 months in new French oak. Opaque purple-colored, it offers a super-sexy, kinky nose of wood smoke, scorched earth, wild blueberry, black raspberry, and black currant that leaps from the glass. On the palate it is elegant despite its size, with a silky smooth texture, layers of succulent fruit, savory flavors, plenty of spice, and outstanding grip and length. Give it 6-8 years of cellaring and enjoy it from 2015 to 2035. Alta Vista is owned by the d’Aulan family. The estate is located in Chacras de Coria, just south of Mendoza City and contains 397 acres. Importer: Banville & Jones Wine Merchants, New York, NY; tel. (212) 268-0906

2006 Bodegas Catena Zapata Malbec Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard

A Malbec Dry Red Table wine from Mendoza, Argentina,

Review by

eRobertParker.com # , #184 (Aug 2009)

Rating: 95

Drink 2013 - 2026

Cost: $52-$110

The 2006 Malbec Adrianna Vineyard received the identical elevage as the Nicasia cuvee. It has a racier personality with a silky palate feel, sweet flavors, and exceptional length. It, too, merits 6-8 years of cellaring and will present a drinking window extending from 2013 to 2026. Importer: Winebow, Inc., Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

2006 Bodegas Trapiche Malbec Vina Venturin

A Malbec Dry Red Table wine from La Consulta, Mendoza, Argentina,

Review by

WA # , #180 (Dec 2008)

Rating: 95

Drink 2012 - 2026

Cost: $39-$100

The 2006s were bottled in early April, 2008, just a week before I tasted them. The 2006 Malbec Vina Venturin is purple/black-colored with an expressive nose of toasty oak, lavender, mineral, blueberry, and black cherry. More forward than the other 2006 Malbecs, it also exhibits greater complexity, sweeter fruit, awesome depth, and a 60-second finish. Drink it from 2012 to 2026. (Not yet released) Trapiche is best known for its value priced wines but the mid-range and, particularly the single vineyard Malbecs, should not be missed. Two white wines were presented during my trip to Mendoza. The single vineyard Malbecs are the centerpiece of the Trapiche portfolio. The selections vary from vintage to vintage but in each case the grower is honored on the label. The 2005s are currently in the market while the 2006s have been bottled but not yet released. Both vintages are top-notch but the 2006s (at Trapiche and almost every winery I visited) seem to have that extra dimension that sets them apart. Importer: Frederick Wildman & Sons, New York, NY; tel. (212) 335-0700

2006 Bodegas Trapiche Single Vineyard Vina Victorio Coletto Malbec

A Malbec Dry Red Table wine from Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina,

Review by

WA # , #180 (Dec 2008)

Rating: 95

Drink 2015 - 2030

Cost:

The 2006s were bottled in early April, 2008, just a week before I tasted them. The saturated purple 2006 Malbec Vina Coletto is sourced from a vineyard planted in 1948. It is loaded with fruit, density, extract and structure. Beautifully balanced, it will continue to develop for another 6-8 years and be in its prime from 2015 to 2030. (Not yet released) Trapiche is best known for its value priced wines but the mid-range and, particularly the single vineyard Malbecs, should not be missed. Two white wines were presented during my trip to Mendoza. The single vineyard Malbecs are the centerpiece of the Trapiche portfolio. The selections vary from vintage to vintage but in each case the grower is honored on the label. The 2005s are currently in the market while the 2006s have been bottled but not yet released. Both vintages are top-notch but the 2006s (at Trapiche and almost every winery I visited) seem to have that extra dimension that sets them apart. Importer: Frederick Wildman & Sons, New York, NY; tel. (212) 335-0700

2006 Cuvelier Los Andes Grand Malbec

A Malbec Dry Red Table wine from Mendoza, Argentina,

Review by

WA # , #180 (Dec 2008)

Rating: 95

Drink 2014 - 2036

Cost: $75

The deep purple-colored 2006 Grand Malbec has a stunning aromatic display of pain grille, mineral, espresso, black cherry, and black raspberry. Large-scaled yet elegant on the palate, it has gobs of succulent black fruits, serious depth and concentration, and enough stuffing to unfold for another 5-7 years. This lengthy, powerful effort’s drinking window should be open from 2014 to 2036. Cuvelier Les Andes is owned by Bertrand and Jean-Guy Cuvelier, part owners of Chateau Leoville-Poyferre in Saint-Julien. The estate is located in the Uco Valley at the foothills of the Andes and encompasses 115 acres of young vines (age 5 in the 2006 vintage). The consulting winemaker is Michel Rolland. Importer: Slocum and Sons, North Haven, CT; tel. (203) 932-3688