May
5
Is Pinot Noir the Most Interesting Grape in the World?
This question may seem audacious, but it deserves serious consideration. The criteria for interest are (1) diversity of flavour, texture, and structural profiles; (2) that diversity derives from both site
Nov
25
Bodega Noemia 2013
So many wine drinkers start with Argentinian Malbec that it has lost its lustre with the wine cognoscenti, most of whom now love to seek out small European producers. Even
Oct
17
Blending and Terroir with Bodega Catena Zapata
At Catena Zapata terroir is an ongoing science experiment. The philosophy is science-driven decision making. Statements about quality are not speculative or driven by marketing but are rather backed by
Oct
10
Bodega Noemia A Lisa 2012
Noemia has been making outstanding wine in Patagonia since 2001. They are overlooked by many sommeliers and wine geeks simply because they make Argentinian Malbec. To overlook Noemia is to
Jul
26
Stones, Bones, and the Greatest White Wines of Argentina
The bet on Malbec paved a road to fair similarity and brand recognition. The few great examples now marred by association with old-guard wine-critics seeking extract and alcohol rather than
Aug
25
Bodega Noemia J. Alberto 2012
I haven’t had an Argentinian wine in at least two years. The country has fallen off my map for lack of truly distinctive, site driven wine. Indeed, Argentina and Chile
Nov
17
A Tale of Two Malbecs: Vina Cobos Bramare 2006 and Catena Alta 2004
Vina Cobos and Catena Zapata are two of the best producers of wine in Argentina. They also share a connection in that Vina Cobos partner and winemaker Paul Hobbs, a
Jan
1
Vina Cobos Cocodrilo Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Here is a wine made by Paul Hobbs’ Argentina project in Mendoza: Vina Cobos. Despite the bottle designs being very critter-like, if this wine is any indication, Cobos is putting
Dec
31
Nicolas Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino 2004
Coupled with the Almaviva, this was the second wine I had to celebrate the end of the term. I have a lot of respect for Catena and am a huge
Dec
16
Catena Alta Malbec 2004
I picked this up on sale, making it a more normal price. I’ve had this before at the Catena dinner I attended and was impressed but not blown away with