Argentina Wineries A - E

Argentina Wineries A - E By Derek Smedley MW Last Updated 12/15/2015 Derek Smedley MW, Rectory Cottage, Lilley, Hertfordshire, LU2 8LU. www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk

August 07, 2012 ARGENTINA Tasting notes from the following growers: Contents Achaval Ferrer... 4... 4 Alto Pampas del Sur... 4... 4 Altos Los Hormigas... 5... 5 Amalaya... 6 Calchaqui Valley... 6 Salta... 6 Anubis... 6... 6 Argento Wine Company... 7... 7 Las Boleras... 8... 8 Bodegas Borbore... 9 San Juan... 9 Familia Cassone... 9... 9 Catena Zapata... 10... 10 Bodega Chacra... 26 Rio Negro... 26 Chakana... 27... 27 Finca La Chamiza... 27... 27 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 2

ARGENTINA August 07, 2012 Clos de Los Siete... 27... 27 Bodega Colomé... 29 Salta... 29 Colonia La Liebres... 31... 31 Cupari... 31... 31 Cuvelier Los Andes... 31... 31 Dominio del Plata Winery... 32... 32 Doña Paula... 32... 32 3 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 07, 2012 ARGENTINA Argentina Wineries A - E Tasted at the Wines of Argentina Tastings month + year in italics Tasted on other occasions see date and place in italics Growers / Wineries are in alphabetical order with area underneath Achaval Ferrer Pedriel Malbec 2012 94 2013-19 Tasted at Corney & Barrow tasting October 2013 Bilberry refreshes the nose but the palate is richer with sweet ripe black fruits black cherry underpinned by black truffles and dark chocolate. There is depth at the back but enough freshness to lighten the finish. Quimera 2011 93 2014-20 Malbec 38% Cabernet Frtanc 26% Merlot 23% Cabernet Sauvignon 10% Petit Verdot 3% Tasted at Corney & Barrow tasting October 2013 There is a complex mix of flavours with rich black fruits firmer black cherry a touch of freshness and herbal spiciness. The mid palate has depth concentration of flavours the ripe tannins giving suppleness. Finish has complexity with layers of flavour. Finca Mirador 2008 94 2013-20 Tasted at Corney & Barrow tasting October 2013 Rich black fruits fill the nose and give depth of flavour on the palate. The ripeness of the fruit gives richness lots of concentration in the middle but there is freshness more bilberry and bramble that gives a lighter more elegant feel to the finish. Alto Pampas del Sur White Wines Chardonnay Chenin 2010 87 2012-14 Tasted in Lilley July 2012 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 4

ARGENTINA August 07, 2012 The nose is quite rich with white peach and tropical fruits but the palate is fresher more of a greengage character. There is a nice mix of freshness and sweetness it just lacks complexity and finishes a bit short. Chardonnay Torrontés 2011 86 2012-15 Tasted in Lilley July 2012 The dried fruits and spice on the nose tend to overpower and hide the fruit. The palate is fresh spicy with lots of green lime and the finish is overpoweringly dried raisins. Pinot Noir 2011 86 2012-16 Tasted in Lilley July 2012 The bramble and mulberry mix on the nose is quite fresh but the fruit on the start of the palate is slightly sweeter. The mid palate is heavy minty with a green rather under ripe tone and the hard tannins have a bitterness leaving a dusty dryness on the finish. Malbec 2011 89 2012-17 Tasted at Lincoln s Inn June 2012 Tasted in Lilley July 2012 There is a nice mix of flavours on the nose blackberry and black cherry all quite rich. Sweet fruit gives richness on the start of the palate and although there is some black truffle richness in the middle the back palate is lighter and lacking a bit of depth. Altos Los Hormigas Luján de Cuyo Malbec 2002 89 September 2004 The nose is sweet, ripe with black berried fruits. Good weight of flavour on the palate. Slightly tight in the middle but comes back with rounded tannins and an attractive bilberry and truffle character. Malbec 2006 89 September 2007 The fruit on the nose is full, fat and sweet, lots of black fruit given a boost on nose by the leathery spice flavours. The palate has a good weight of fruit, easy almost fleshy but well balanced by the fresh fairly high acid end. 5 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 07, 2012 ARGENTINA Malbec Clasico 2013 88 2015-20 Tasted at the Liberty tasting The Oval September 2015 Bright on the nose the start of the palate is quite fresh with bramble and bilberry. There is mid richness leathery and spicy with sweet black fruits giving depth on the back palate and finish. Malbec Reserva 2002 92 September 2004 There is a greater depth of fruit on the nose overlaid by an attractive flowery fragrance. The lovely mix of plum and bilberry is backed by supple tannins and good sweet finish. Amalaya Calchaqui Valley Salta Amalaya Red 2013 91 2014-19 Malbec Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon Tasted at the Royal College of Physicians November 2014 The nose has excitement a complex mix of flavours blackcurrant and bramble fresh fruited. The palate starts fresh sweeter in the middle rich black cherry black truffles layers of flavour. The back palate has depth of fruit the sweetness balanced by freshness on the finish. Anubis White Wines Anubis Chardonnay 2006 84 It is very hard and rather green on both nose and palate. It is short of sweet fruit. Anubis Malbec 2003 89 September 2004 Sweet, ripe youthful black berried fruits show on the nose with freshness and fragrance there on the palate, all easy light finish. There is not a great deal of complexity but it is very gluggable. Anubis Tempranillo 2002 88 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 6

ARGENTINA August 07, 2012 September 2004 There is an attractive leafy fragrance on the nose. It feels quite complex on the palate with a mix of red and black berried fruit and hints of vegetal leafiness. Argento Wine Company White Wines Pinot Grigio 2006 88 Light flowery mineral spice nose. The palate has attractive fragrant flavours, mid sweetness and then freshness on the finish. Pinot Grigio 2009 87 2010-11 Tasted at Bibendum Tasting London January 2010 Light spice mineral floral fragrances on the nose that come through on the palate. There is some sweet fruit giving more weight on the mid palate with behind some citrus refreshing the finish. Pinot Grigio 2010 89 2010-12 Tasted at Lincoln s Inn October 2010 The slate and spice that is there on the nose is backed a mix of rich tropical fruits and fresh lime. On the palate the peachy richness is underpinned by freshness with some attractive mineral and spice brightening up the finish. Chardonnay 2006 89 Fresh greengage is there on the nose backed by a trace of lime. The palate is easy, fresh flavours yet sweetness showing towards the finish. The finish shows goodish length. Chardonnay / Viognier 2009 87 2010-12 Tasted at Bibendum Tasting London January 2010 The greengage of the Chardonnay lends some weight to the palate. Behind it is peach and apricot with apple freshness tending to lighten the back palate. Chardonnay / Viognier 2010 89 2011-14 Tasted at the Royal College of Physicians There is a mix of ripe peaches and apricots on the nose. The palate is quite fleshy with sweet fruit but towards the back grapefruit and lime come through balancing and refreshing the finish. Malbec Tempranillo 2009 88 2010-13 7 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 07, 2012 ARGENTINA Tasted at Lincoln s Inn October 2010 The nose has a mix of flavours all feeling ripe. Black fruit is very much in evidence on the start of the palate but in the middle there is freshness with much more of a red fruit influence. The finish has got fair weight of fruit. Malbec 2005 90 Big fat ripe fruit gives flesh on the nose. There is lots of bramble and bilberry on the palate lovely ripe lush fruit on the finish. Malbec 2006 88 It is very fresh on the nose with lots of black fruit flavours. Sweet fruit shows on the mid palate. Goodish depth of flavour but a lighter feel on the finish. Malbec 2009 87 2010-13 Tasted at Bibendum Tasting London January 2010 Some sweet black fruit lends weight on the nose but the palate is quite light, blackberry with a hint of truffle at the back Reserve Malbec 2009 87 2010-13 Tasted at Bibendum Tasting London January 2010 Sweet black cherry and bramble lend some weight to the nose and the start of the palate. The middle is quite light and there is a lack of concentration on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 89 Lots of ripe blackcurrant fruit. Sweetness shows on the mid palate with ripe rounded tannins. A mix of chocolate and black fruit shows towards the finish. Cabernet Merlot 2006 88 The nose has a mix of cassis and plum. Sweet fruit shows at the start but the mid palate has a firmness and structure. Ripeness shows at the back. Las Boleras White Wines Pinot Gris 2012 90 2012-15 Tasted at Lincoln s Inn October 2012 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 8

ARGENTINA August 07, 2012 There is an attractive smoky quality to the nose with fresh fruit backed by shale and minerals. Richer tropical fruits and white peach give more weight on the mid palate but the finish is long fragrant with the freshness of citrus and minerals. Bodegas Borbore San Juan White Wines Avanti Chenin-Torrontés 2011 87 2012-14 Tasted in Trevillian Warbstow Cornwall August 2012 Although this is a 50/50 blend the Torrontés really dominates the nose with its perfumed spiciness. The palate is quite sweet at the start with lots of tropical fruits and guava but there is a fresher feel towards the back lots of grapefruit and this brings out the spiciness on the finish. Avanti Malbec 2011 85 2012-15 Tasted at Lincoln s Inn June 2012 The nose is sweet with black fruits and some spicy liquorice but the palate has more of a red fruit character very quite light the red fruit freshness giving a lean feel to the finish. Familia Cassone White Wines Finca La Florencia Chardonnay 2004 88 September 2004 It is quite light fresh but very fragrant with lemon and lime. There is some attractive fruit on the palate with a long fragrant end. Finca La Florencia Chardonnay 2010 90 2011-14 Tasted at the Mansion House July 2011 The nose has a minty herbal character with lots of fresh lime and apple. The mid palate is sweeter fruited but towards the back the minerals and citrus come through giving it a lovely freshness on the finish. Finca La Florencia Chardonnay 2011 90 2011-14 Tasted at the Royal College of Physicians 9 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 07, 2012 ARGENTINA The nose is quite herbal with apple freshness and this gives a very firm start to the palate. The mid palate has richer flavours a mix of greengage and quite fleshy melon but towards the back but the finish like the nose is fresh, slightly herbal with a mix of apple and citrus. Finca La Florencia Malbec 2003 88 September 2004 The nose has lots of fragrant fruit with hints of bilberry and loganberry. Quite light but very flowery and has a mix of black fruits and truffles. There is nice length on the finish. Finca La Florencia Malbec 2010 90 2011-15 Tasted at the Mansion House July 2011 The fruit on the nose feels ripe giving it a lovely sweetness and richness of flavour. Black cherry, liquorice and black truffle are backed by slightly fresher bilberry but the finish has all the power of the nose. Obra Prima Reserva Malbec 2011 92 2015-20 Tasted at the Royal College of Physicians November 2015 Black truffles and black cherry the nose has depth of flavour the start of the palate is rich with a mix of ripe black fruits. Rounded tannins support the mid palate has suppleness and flesh and although lighter at the back the finish has depth and power. Catena Zapata The Catena Company started in 1898 when Nicola Catena arrived in. He developed vineyards but it was not until 1902 that he planted Malbec, a grape that became his overriding passion. The 1960 s saw economic problems n the country and it was not really worth harvesting and again in the early 1980 s there were problems so the young Nicholás Catena left the family company and spent some time at the University of California as a visiting professor. Seeing what Robert Mondavi was achieving he was sure that could become a quality player on the World scene so he returned, sold off the bulk wine business and set about finding the right soils / sites for each vine. Tupungato, an arid area high up in the Andes seemed ideal and it is here that Catena produces the fruit that makes his World beating wines. It is very fitting that Decanter Magazine has made him their Man of the Year 2009. February 2009 White Wines Tilia Torronté 2012 87 2012-14 Bodegas Esmeralda www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 10

ARGENTINA August 07, 2012 Salta The nose is light quite fragrant and spicy. The palate has citric freshness with richer flavours towards the back and dried fruit spiciness on the finish. Alamos Torrontés 2007 87 Salta September 2007 Very light and flowery, both nose and palate tends to lack some depth and complexity. Alamos Torrontés 2009 88 Cafayate Salta Although the nose is light the palate has rather fat fruit, dried fruit backed by some fleshier peach. The finish is aromatic and quite long. Alamos Sauvignon 2007 88 Tupungato September 2007 Quite firm the nose has crispness, lots of gooseberry and apple which comes through on the palate. The finish has fair length. Alamos Sauvignon Blanc 2009 89 Tupungato Uco Valley It has all the crispness of gooseberry and lime. Richer flavours come through on the mid palate, pineapple and tropical fruits. The apple crispness features on the finish. Alamos Chardonnay 2003 88 September 2004 There is lovely fresh fruit on the nose with a richer feel to the palate, a mix of melon, pineapple and greengage. It is just a touch tight at the moment. Alamos Chardonnay 2004 89 September 2005 The nose is lemon fresh with touch of ripe greengage. The sweetness on the palate is well balanced by freshness. The complex mix of flavours is backed by a touch of oak spice and there is fleshy melon at the end. Alamos Chardonnay 2005 88 11 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 07, 2012 ARGENTINA The fruit on the nose is very ripe and sweet, just a touch dominated by oak. Richness and sweetness come through on the palate but the greengage fruit is quite dominated by oak on the finish. Alamos Chardonnay 2006 88 September 2007 The nose has an attractive weight of fruit and this fleshy greengage comes through on the palate. Some oak shows towards the finish. Alamos Chardonnay 2009 89 Uco Valley Greengage and pineapple vie for dominance enriching the mid palate. Beneath the weight of flavour is a citrus freshness that lifts the fruit and gives a more elegant twist to the finish. Tasted at Lincoln s Inn September 2010 90 2010-13 Pineapple fills out the nose rich and ripe this depth of flavour gives a fleshy feel to the palate. Although the ripeness of the fruit gives sweetness there is the freshness of citrus underneath that lifts and lengthens the flavours. It has the character to compliment full flavoured fish and poultry dishes. Alamos Chardonnay 2010 88 2011-14 The nose is quite light with apple freshness and a touch of citrus. Sweeter greengage comes through on the mid palate but it lacks a bit of depth and there is no real richness on the back palate. Alamos Chardonnay 2011 89 2012-15 There is an attractive mix of fresh fruits on the nose some citrus and apple. The mid palate is richer and sweeter fruited greengage and melon but the finish has the apple freshness of the nose. Catena Chardonnay 2004 92 September 2005 It has a very rich nose with a mix of lemon, melon and greengage. The palate is deep and complex with lots of fruit well supported by the oak. There is power on the back palate and length of flavour. Catena Chardonnay 2005 89 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 12

ARGENTINA August 07, 2012 Fresh lime and greengage give a rich mix on both nose and palate. The fruit feels sweet but there is some mid acidity that refreshes the mid palate and gives a length to the fruit Catena Chardonnay 2008 92 The sweetness of the fruit fleshes out the nose and gives weight of flavour on the palate. Greengage gives a fresher feel but then honeydew melon shows itself adding flesh. Although there is weight of fruit it has an appealing elegance. Tasted at the Imperial College tasting London October 2010 92 2010-14 The nose is very rich full of fruit backed up by hints of oak. Melon richness fleshes out the mid palate but behind is fresher greengage underpinned by apple and lime. The flavours last well on the finish. Catena Chardonnay 2010 91 2011-15 There is some nice rich fruit on the nose with ripe melon giving a fleshy feel on the palate. Balancing the richness is crisp apple and citrus but the finish like the nose is full of rich fruit. Catena Chardonnay 2011 91 2012-16 Behind the freshness on the nose is rich ripe greengage and this gives depth of flavour on the palate. There are layers of flavours ripe melon and greengage backed by fresher apple with the flavours lingering on the finish. Catena Chardonnay 2012 92 2014-19 Tasted at the Carlton Club November 2014 Although the fruit is ripe the nose deep and rich fruited there is freshness some citrus under the melon and rich greengage. The mid palate has balance layers of fruit breadth with fresher fruit coming through at the back giving a more elegant feel to the finish Catena Chardonnay 2013 92 2014-20 Tasted at the Broderers Court Dinner December 2014 The nose has lime and lemon and the start of the palate is light and fresh. It fills out in the middle depth of flavour ripe melon the richness well balanced by the freshness that comes through at the back. Stylish and elegant yet it has fruit richness a lovely balance of flavours.. Catena Appellation Chardonnay 2010 92 2011-15 13 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 07, 2012 ARGENTINA The nose has a rich mix of flavours lots of greengage and apple. Honeydew melon gives flesh on the palate the fruit feeling ripe. The sweet mix is underpinned by citrus which gives a fresher feel on the back palate and the finish. Catena Appellation Chardonnay 2011 91 2012-16 Tasted at the Royal College of Physicians The nose is lime fresh but the palate is richer with lots of greengage and honeydew melon. The rich fruit on the mid palate gives way to fresher flavours with the finish very much dominated by lime. Catena Alta Chardonnay 2002 90 September 2004 It has a very stylish feel on the nose. There is a good weight of greengage on the palate backed by a flinty character. Good weight of fruit on the back palate with a steely middle and good finish. Catena Alta Chardonnay 2003 90 Lots of fruit, the nose has a complex mix of greengage and lime. Rich and ripe at the start of the palate but freshness in the middle gives a brightness to the fruit and ensures length of flavour Catena Alta Chardonnay 2005 94 2009-12 100% Chardonnay sourced from the Adrianna Vineyard in the Gualtallary district of Tupungato Tasted in February 2009 The fruit mix on the nose is rich and ripe, a mix of fleshy melon and pineapple. This power of flavour enriches the palate but under the richness is attractive citrus mineralty that freshens and gives both complexity and length. Catena Alta Chardonnay 2007 92 2010-17 Tasted at Bibendum Tasting London January 2010 The sweetness of the fruit fleshes out the nose and gives richness on the palate. Greengage adds freshness with honeydew melon the flesh. Although there is weight of fruit it has an appealing lightness. Catena Alta Chardonnay 2008 93 2011-14 Tasted at Mercers Hall November 2011 The fruit is lovely and rich with lots of ripe greengage with underlying melon. The palate has layers of flavour ripe feeling fruit with fresher flavours underpinning lots of complexity. The back www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 14

ARGENTINA August 07, 2012 palate and finish have freshness of apple and grapefruit but the richness of flavour comes through towards the back. Catena Alta Chardonnay 2009 93 2011-18 There is a lot of rich fruit on the nose ripe greengages and melon both backed by some freshness that brings out the fragrances. The mid palate is fleshy and lush yet there is enough underlying apple and grapefruit to balance and leave the finish attractively fresh. Catena Alta Chardonnay 2010 92 2012-17 The nose is deep and ripe fruited with sweet melon and greengage. The ripeness of the fruit fills out the palate fleshy lush full of flavour. There is a fresher feel at the back apple and lime and this gives a lighter more elegant feel to the finish. Tilia Cabernet Merlot 2011 87 2012-15 Bodegas Esmeralda There are black fruits on the nose fresh lots of bramble and bilberry. The palate lacks richness and it is quite light towards the back black fruited but not much depth. Tilia Malbec 2011 88 2012-16 Bodegas Esmeralda Ripe black fruits enrich the nose and give weight of flavour on the start of the palate. The ripeness of the fruit fills out the mid palate the fruit backed by black truffle and although the back palate is fresher the finish has a nice weight of fruit. Alamos Pinot Noir 2007 85 Tupungato September 2007 The nose is light and although quite fragrant lacks real depth and character. Not much length. Alamos Selección Pinot Noir 2008 88 Uco Valley 15 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 07, 2012 ARGENTINA Mulberry is in evidence on the nose the sweetness lighted and refreshed by raspberry. There are rich flavours on the mid palate, fruit sweetness with fresher fruits emerging towards the back giving a lighter feel to the finish. Alamos Selección Pinot Noir 2009 89 2011-13 Uco Valley Tasted at Lincoln s Inn May 2011 It has an attractive fragrance, quite light with raspberry freshness. Riper mulberry gives some weight in the centre the fruit feeling sweet. Freshness re-emerges ensuring that the finish is clean and bright. Alamos Selección Pinot Noir 2010 91 2012-15 Tasted at Lincoln s Inn December 2011 The fruit on the nose feels ripe with the richness of black cherry balanced by fresher mulberry and bramble. The palate is rich quite lush but there is an underlying freshness that balances and brings out the fragrances of the grape. It has enough depth of flavour to compliment the more strongly flavoured meats and is not even daunted by beef!! Alamos Bonarda 2008 88 Although the brightness of red fruits is a feature of both nose and palate under this freshness are sweeter black fruits such as bilberry and bramble. It is easy light and not very complex. Alamos Bonarda 2008 87 2010-14 Tasted at Bibendum Tasting London January 2010 The nose has a mix of fruits black cherry is there refreshed by mulberry and bilberry. The fruit on the palate has richness but then the tannins show through tending to shorten the finish. Alamos Bonarda 2011 87 2012-16 Bonarda 100% The nose seems very black fruit in character but there is freshness underneath. Bramble and some cassis show on the palate rich at the start lighter in the middle with a light and slightly short finish. Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 88 September 2005 There is an upfront cassis freshness held back a bit by quite firm tannins. The palate is softer with a mid weight, black fruits and chocolate on the finish. www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 16

ARGENTINA August 07, 2012 Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 89 Tasted at Bibendum Tasting London January 2010 Blackcurrant sweetness gives a lovely rich feel to the nose and power on the palate. The richness of dark chocolate fleshes out the mid palate and as the tannins are ripe the back palate is lovely and lush. There is, though, enough structure to balance the sweetness. Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 89 2011-15 Although the nose is strongly cassis it feels quite fresh and the palate is the same the freshness of bilberry under the blackcurrant. The mid palate has some dark chocolate and coffee beans under the fruit enriching and giving more weight on the finish. Alamos Merlot 2005 88 Lots of ripe black plum shows on both the nose and the palate. Soft and easy with a good weight of ripe flavours lasting well. Alamos Malbec 2003 88 September 2004 The ripe fruit is backed by truffles and bilberries. It starts quite light but has more weight on the mid palate, just lacks a bit of length. Alamos Malbec 2004 88 September 2005 There is ripeness on the nose which is packed with black fruit, a touch of pepper and black truffle. The palate has a mid firmness but there is generosity on the finish. Alamos Malbec 2005 89 It feels fat and lush the ripe black fruit given a spice edge by the black truffle. The palate has a weight of fruit and a supple rounded feel towards the back. Alamos Malbec 2006 88 September 2007 Lots of sweet fruit comes through on the nose and the black fruit and truffle are very much in evidence on the palate. Has some weight and fair depth towards the back. Alamos Malbec 2008 89 17 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 07, 2012 ARGENTINA It is all upfront on the nose a veritable fruit salad of black fruits. The fruit on the palate feels sweet giving flesh and towards the back black truffles give some richness. Alamos Malbec 2009 89 2010-14 Tasted at Bibendum Tasting London January 2010 The nose has all the black truffle spice that one expects from the grape. A complex mix of black fruits enriches the mid palate, layers of flavour ensuring complexity. Blackberry and black cherry fill out the finish. Alamos Malbec 2010 89 2011-15 The nose is quite fresh and remarkably light but the richness of the fruit comes through on the palate giving it more weight. Black cherry intermingles with sloe all quite complex but towards the back rather fresher black fruits appear and give a lighter feel to the finish. Alamos Malbec 2011 89 2012-17 The nose is remarkably light fragrant and fresh fruited but lacking a bit of depth. Cassis, liquorice and black truffle give a richer feel on the mid palate and the finish has a touch of spice. Alamos Malbec 2010 90 2011-15 Patagonia The nose has a lovely mix of flavours rich black cherry underpinned by fresher bilberry and red cherry. The mid palate has the richness of black truffle supple and fleshy helped by the rounded tannins but behind all of this richness is raspberry freshness balancing and giving a lighter twist to the finish. Alamos Syrah 2005 88 Spice and pepper give a lift to the red fruits. Sweetness on the palate, quite ripe and rounded with a goodish length of black pepper and red fruit flavours towards the back. Catena Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 91 2009-14 Blackcurrant and sloe feature strongly on both nose and palate. Behind the ripe fruit mix are hints of liquorice enriched by coffee and dark chocolate. The tannins although quite firm do feel ripe ensuring that there is a structure without aggression. Tasted at the Imperial College tasting London October 2010 91 2010-15 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 18

ARGENTINA August 07, 2012 The mix of cassis and sloe is very rich filling out the nose and giving lots of weight on the start of the palate. The tannins are quite firm giving mid structure but as they feel ripe the fruit shows well on the back palate Catena Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 92 2012-16 Tasted at Lincoln s Inn February 2012 There is a good weight of fruit on the nose lots of cassis rich and sweet. The palate is full of fruit given an added richness by some liquorice and dark chocolate and as the tannins feel ripe the mid and back palate are supple. There is enough bilberry and bramble underneath to balance and refresh. Catena Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 91 2011-16 Ripe black fruits fill out the nose and give a rich start to the palate. Under the blackcurrant and black cherry is fresher bilberry that gives a lighter more elegant feel to the finish. Catena Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 90 2013-20 The richer cassis is backed by fresher bramble. The palate starts quite firm but there are sweeter fruits showing through towards the back. The mix of fruits gives some complexity and the finish has a good length of flavour. Catena Malbec 2003 90 September 2005 Spice black fruits, sweet and ripe. The palate is full of sweet fruit with ripe rounded tannins and a lovely depth of flavour. Blackberry and bilberry with spice truffle on the finish. Catena Malbec 2004 88 Richness and ripeness show on the nose. The palate feels quite firm and the mint chocolate, black fruit start is a bit dominated by tannin. Sweeter feel on the finish Catena Malbec 2007 93 2009-15 The nose has lots of fleshy ripe fruit giving it both richness and sweetness. The different black fruits that emerge ensure lots of complexity, layer upon layer of flavour. It is mouth filling, fleshy, supple and rich. Catena Malbec 2008 93 2011-18 19 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 07, 2012 ARGENTINA Tasted in Lilley May 2011 The nose is packed with rich ripe black fruits depth and flavour. A sensuous richness fleshes out the mid palate with layers of black cherry, damson and black truffle giving complexity. The richness is nicely balanced by bilberry freshness that lifts the flavours on the finish. Catena Malbec 2009 92 2011-16 The black cherry that features on the nose is quite fresh but the palate is richer with deep flavours lots of black cherry and black truffle. There are layers of flavour lovely and complex with the richness of the fruit filling out the back palate. Catena Malbec 2010 92 2013-20 The nose has freshness black fruited but fresh fruits quite a lot of bilberry and bramble. The mid palate is richer with black cherry and truffles the ripeness of the fruit gives richness and depth at the back. Catena Appellation Cabernet Franc 2009 93 2011-16 The nose has an attractive spicy herbal character under which is a mix of black fruits. The fruit on the palate feels ripe quite sweet the fleshiness balanced by the leafy freshness that comes through towards the back. Catena Appellation Cabernet Franc 2010 90 2012-17 San Carlos The black fruits on the nose have a spicy herbal character and this is very much in evidence on the palate. The mainly black fruits feel ripe but towards the back there is freshness an exciting mix of hedgerow fruit flavours. Catena Appellation Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 92 2011-16 Blackberries and blackcurrants intermingle on the nose backed my more fragrant bilberry. The palate has sweet fruit layers of flavour with the fruit underpinned by coffee beans and cocoa. Although the mid palate is full of ripe fruit towards the back there is some freshness that gives a lighter feel to the finish. Catena Appellation Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 91 2013-18 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 20

ARGENTINA August 07, 2012 Agrelo Cassis dominates the nose quite sweet fruited but behind the black fruits are fresher flavours lots of bilberry and bramble. The palate has depth of flavour some dark chocolate, coffee and cocoa and this mix gives complexity to the finish. Catena Appellation Malbec 2009 93 2012-16 The black fruited mix on the nose is backed by a peppery spiciness. Sweet fruit gives a fleshy richness on the palate the mix of blackberry and black cherry backed by black truffles. The fruit feels ripe and this gives a sumptuous richness to the finish. Catena Appellation Malbec 2010 92 2014-24 Vista Flores Black fruits dominate lovely and rich but there is a racy feel at the back from the green pepper spice. The fruit is ripe the palate full of rich flavours black truffle helping the fleshiness. The finish is sumptuous with spicy black truffles. Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 95 2009-16 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from lot 3 in the Pirámide vineyard, lot 2 in the Domingo vineyard and lot 2 in the Altamira vineyard. Tasted in February 2009 Chunky cassis enriches the nose; the blackcurrant backed by sloes is refreshed by bilberry and some red cherry. The palate has a complex mix of fruits, all very black fruited, the underlying liquorice, dark chocolate and coffee add a richness, the rounded tannins give a fleshy suppleness but there is enough structure and freshness to ensure that it is not over sweet on the finish. Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 93 2009-20 The nose is blackcurrant rich but lurking underneath are bramble and sloe. The ripeness of the tannins gives the palate a chocolate richness but this is so well balanced by fresher bilberry and black cherry. Layers of flavour ensure real complexity. Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 93 2011-20 There are a lot of powerful flavours in evidence on both nose and palate all very black fruited. Cassis dominates the palate but underpinning there is liquorice, coffee beans and dark 21 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 07, 2012 ARGENTINA chocolate lovely and rich. Although the finish is power packed there is enough freshness to lift the fruit on the finish. Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 93 2013-22 The nose is deep rich fruited with cassis and black cherry. There are layers of flavour on the palate the black fruited mix backed by liquorice, coffee beans and dark chocolate power and richness. There is though an underlying freshness that balances and gives a lighter feel on the finish. Catena Alta Malbec 2003 89 It feels ripe lovely and lush on the nose. Fat bilberry and bramble with some spice truffle are there. There is depth of fruit and rounded tannins but at the moment the finish is a bit tight the firmness tending to close down the fruit. Catena Alta Malbec 2005 95 2009-17 100% Malbec sourced from the Angelica, Adrianna, La Pirámide and Altamira vineyards. Tasted in February 2009 The rich fruits on the nose have an attractive spiciness all backed by black truffles and old leather. There is a lot happening on the palate, black cherry, sloe and bilberry intermingling with some fresher red cherry and mulberry. The tannins are ripe ensuring lushness on the mid palate giving a voluptuous richness towards the back. There is an underlying red fruit influence that helps to give a floral elegance. Catena Alta Malbec 2006 95 2009-20 The nose is packed with black fruit, more powerful sloe intermingling with the fresher lighter blackberry and black cherry. There are layers of fruit all feeling ripe ensuring a lovely suppleness. The back palate is action packed rich fruit underpinned by freshness leaving an attractive elegance. Catena Alta Malbec 2008 95 2011-22 The nose is deep and serious, brooding and black fruited. The powerful mix of flavours on the palate is sensuously rich the ripe black cherry and black plum backed by sloe and blueberries. There a great deal happening on the back palate layers of fruit, black truffles with a touch of spice on the finish. Adrianna Lot 2 2003 92 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 22

ARGENTINA August 07, 2012 Ripeness dominates the nose. The palate has a mass of sweet bramble with some peppery spice showing. It is nicely balanced with a good weight of fruit showing towards the finish. Adrianna Lot 3 2003 94 The nose has a great weight of fruit and the palate has depth of flavour. The balance is very good sweetness yet a mid freshness. The tannins are supple and the finish has sweetness yet there is a good underlying structure. Adrianna Vineyard 2003 97 2009-18 100% Malbec from the Adrianna vineyard in the Gualtallary district of Tupungato Tasted in February 2009 The fragrances of violets intermingle with black cherry all backed by black truffles. The flavours are upfront rich and deep, filling out the palate, the mix of bramble, bilberry black and red plum all ensure complexity. There is a brooding power, a sensuous richness from the ripe tannins yet all is lifted by a red fruited freshness. Catena Zapata Adrianna 2006 93 2009-18 Malbec There is real power of fruit on the nose, black fruits and truffles backed by hints of violets. The intensity of the flavours gives richness to the palate, first blackberry, then a touch of cassis with black cherry at the back. Rounded tannins add to the supple mouth filling richness. Tasted at Bibendum Tasting London January 2010 93 2009-17 The mix of black fruits is rich and sweet overlaid by hints of violets and black truffles. The palate has an intensity of flavour, cassis and black cherry spiced up by the truffle. Towards the back there are some fresher red fruits, red cherry and mulberry giving the finish an elegant twist. Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard 2008 95 2013-22 Malbec The nose is packed with powerful black fruits rich and ripe yet the fruit overlaid by hints of violets. The palate has depth of flavour richness power black fruited with lots of black truffles yet towards the back there is freshness that lightens and gives a flowing elegance to the finish. Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard 2009 95 2013-22 Malbec Tasted at the CMS Dinner Mansion House October 2014 The nose has black fruited power yet overlaid with attractive fragrance a bank of spring violets. The palate is rich a mix of black cherry, cassis and black truffle sweet fruited lots of power supple the black fruits are underpinned by fresher mulberry. The mix gives complexity the lighter feel at the back elegance and charm. 23 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 07, 2012 ARGENTINA Catena Zapata Nicasia 2006 94 2009-18 Malbec The sweetness of the fruit gives flesh on the nose and richness on the palate. There is lots of complexity with violets giving fragrance and leather and black truffle the spice. The richness of the fruit fills out the back palate. Tasted at Bibendum Tasting London January 2010 94 2009-18 Sumptuous, lush, the mix of black fruits is lovely and rich but there is enough freshness to brighten and allow the violet fragrances to show to advantage. There are layers of flavour giving complexity with just a touch of pepper spice giving excitement on the finish. Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard 2007 96 2013-25 Malbec Tasted at Mercers Hall November 2011 There is a mass of powerful rich ripe fruit on the nose black fruit and sweet. Ripe tannins ensure suppleness on the palate the black truffle and black cherry enriching the middle. The powerful flavours are balanced by some fresher flavours but then towards the back the palate fills out packed out the truffles, dark chocolate and black fruits. Catena Zapate Nicasia Vineyard 2008 96 2014-27 Malbec The fruit on the nose feels ripe depth of flavour with a racy spicy character. The mid palate is supple with rounded tannins fruit power and depth lots of black cherry and blueberry all backed by black truffles. The tannins are still quite firm but feel ripe so not holding back the fruit flavours. The finish is packed out with rich fruit, dark chocolate and liquorice. Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard 2010 96 2014-26 Malbec Tasted at the Carlton Club November 2014 Deep and brooding the nose has a mix of black fruits black cherry and black plum the palate is packed with rich fruit. Black fruits dominate the mid palate supple the fruit underpinned by cocoa beans and dark chocolate with black truffles adding excitement. Tannin is there giving structure supporting not too obvious with the rich fruit fleshing out the back palate. Catena Zapata Argentino 2006 95 2009-20 Malbec Although it is very black fruited underneath on the nose is some red fruited freshness. The palate is black fruit dominated, blackcurrant vies with blackberry both supported by damson. The back palate is chocolate rich fleshing out the finish. Tasted at Bibendum Tasting London January 2010 95 2009-18 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 24

ARGENTINA August 07, 2012 The richness of the ripe black fruits gives power on the nose and palate. Towards the middle some fresher red fruits come through giving a lighter more elegant feel. Blackcurrant and black cherry take over enriched by dark chocolate and black truffle. Catena Zapata Argentino Vineyard 2008 95 2014-24 Malbec The nose is deep and brooding packed with ripe black fruits. The richness of black plum fills out the mid palate but behind the ripe powerful mix of black fruits there is some mulberry that refreshes. Dark chocolate and liquorice underpin the fruit towards the back giving a lovely rich feel to the finish. Nicholás Catena Zapata 2005 98 2009-20 78% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from La Pirámide, Domingo and Adrianna vineyards, 22% Malbec sourced from Nicasia and Adrianna vineyards. Tasted in February 2009 It has a wonderful complexity, a wonderful power yet a flowing elegance. The power comes from cassis and sloe, the elegance from the brighter bilberry, bramble and mulberry. Black truffle is in evidence, enriched by dark chocolate and liquorice, the complexity helped by eucalyptus and cedar wood. It has near perfect balance. Nicholás Catena Zapata 2006 96 2009-20 Cabernet Sauvignon70% Malbec 30% The nose has a fruit salad of flavours, very black fruit dominated but there is some red cherry refreshing. Rounded tannins give flesh and suppleness on the mid palate, the ripeness of the fruit ensuring sensual lushness towards the back Tasted at Bibendum Tasting London January 2010 95 2009-18 There is a great deal happening on the nose blackberry and bilberry underpinned by mulberry. The layers of flavour are enriched by ripe tannins, all very lush but there are enough red fruits in evidence to lighten and balance with enough black truffles to add spice and give interest. Nicholás Catena Zapata 2008 97 2014-26 Cabernet Sauvignon70% Malbec 30% The nose is full of rich fruit with a lovely depth of flavour. Layers of flavour give complexity on the palate the richness of the fruit packing out the mid palate cassis is backed by black plum and black cherry all underpinned by liquorice and black truffles. Despite all of this power there is a lighter feel towards the back and a lovely flowing elegant finish. Sparkling Wines Alamos Extra Brut NV 88 25 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 07, 2012 ARGENTINA Chardonnay 50% Pinot Noir 50% The nose has the crispness of apples whilst on the palate there is some richer greengage. It is easy quite light on the finish but has length. Tasted at the Carlton Club March 2011 87 Although the nose is light and fresh the palate is full fat rather heavy and sweet fruited. The rich fruit on the mid palate is backed by some acidity that helps to balance the sweetness. Bodega Chacra Rio Negro Patagonia Barda 2007 89 Pinot Noir The nose is light but packed with charming fragrances. Sweet mulberry is there on the palate backed by some bramble that fills out the back palate. Barda 2008 90 There is a lovely mix of mulberry and red cherry on the nose. Sweet fruit gives some weight in the middle but the freshness of the red fruits shows towards the back leaving it long and elegant. Cincuenta y Cinco 2008 90 Pinot Noir The nose has an appealing weight of mulberry and wild strawberry. Layers of flavour on the palate give complexity, fresher red fruits show towards the back giving a charming elegance. Treinta y Dos 2008 91 Pinot Noir Behind the mix of mulberry and wild strawberry are richer bramble flavours. The palate has the sweetness of ripe fruit all supple and rich on the back palate. Mainqué 2007 90 Merlot www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 26

ARGENTINA August 07, 2012 Ripe damsons lend weight to both nose and palate. The sweetness of the fruit gives a rich suppleness and flesh on the finish. Chakana Reserve Malbec 2008 85 2010-13 Tasted at the Carlton Club July 2010 The nose is jammy sweet and this ripeness fleshiness fills out the palate. Blackberry is enriched by truffle and although there is a little mid freshness it is all too jammy sticky sweet. Finca La Chamiza Polo Amateur Malbec 2013 91 2014-20 Tasted in Old Hunstanton March 2014 There is a nice depth of flavour on the nose a mix of black fruits with a complex mix of flavours on the palate bilberry, cassis and black cherry. There are fresher flavours under the sweet fruit yet the finish has black fruit and black truffle richness. Clos de Los Siete Vista Flores Clos de Los Siete 2002 86 2011-12 Malbec 40 % Merlot 20% Syrah 20% Cabernet Sauvignon 20% Tasted at Château Le Gay in the Pomerol Bordeaux April 2011 There is the nuttiness of maturity on both nose and palate and the fruit is beginning to dry out. The black fruit that shows towards the back soon fades. Clos de Los Siete 2003 96 September 2004 Powerful sweet fills out nose lots of upfront fruit. The palate is velvet smooth with mulberries and black truffle all so ripe and supple with intensity and weight of fruit. The tannins are ripe and the finish is packed with a mix of black berried fruit and truffle 27 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 07, 2012 ARGENTINA Tasted at Château Le Gay in the Pomerol Bordeaux April 2011 89 2011-13 Sweet black fruits give richness on the nose and fair depth on the palate. The tannins though firm feel ripe helping the fleshiness on the palate. Behind the rich black cherry there is red fruit freshness that helps to balance. It is beginning to show a lot of maturity on the finish. Clos de Los Siete 2004 93 Malbec 50 % Merlot 30% Syrah 10% Cabernet Sauvignon 10% September 2005 The nose is rich and full of ripe fruits. Complexity of flavour with bilberry, black plum and cassis mixed with some peppery raspberry. Depth of fruit on the palate, Rounded and ripe but also well structured. Depth of pepper spice truffle on the finish. Tasted at Château Le Gay in the Pomerol Bordeaux April 2011 90 2011-16 There is a lot of rich fruit on the nose and a good weight of flavour on the palate. Concentrated flavours are supported by firm but ripe tannins with the black fruited power packing out the back palate. Clos de Los Siete 2005 92 Malbec 50 % Merlot 30% Syrah 10% Cabernet Sauvignon 10% There is a lot of rich ripe black fruit on the nose, a mix of bramble, black plum and bilberry. Black truffle and dark chocolate are there on the palate and although it is quite firm at the moment but the tannins feel ripe. Hints of pepper and spice give a racy feel on the finish. Tasted at Château Le Gay in the Pomerol Bordeaux April 2011 89 2011-13 Rich ripe black plum gives flesh on the nose but the palate feels a bit leaner with fresher bramble and black cherry. The tannins are still a bit obvious and their firmness holds back the fruit on the back palate. Clos de Los Siete 2006 93 Malbec 45% / Merlot 35% / Cabernet Sauvignon 10% / Syrah 10% September 2007 Lovely depth of fruit on the nose, lots of complexity, black fruits, plums and black truffles. The palate has a richness and depth of fruit, lush and rounded but it has a nice structure; power and weight of fruit on the finish. Tasted at Château Le Gay in the Pomerol Bordeaux April 2011 89 2011-17 On the nose mainly black fruits are in evidence but the palate shows some red fruited freshness. There is good weight of fruit ripe feeling tannins and all of this leads to a fleshy richness on the finish. Clos de Los Siete 2007 94 Malbec 48% Merlot 28% Cabernet Sauvignon 12% Syrah 12% September 2008 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 28

ARGENTINA August 07, 2012 There are lots of black fruits showing on the nose backed by some fresher red fruits and spiced up by black pepper. Black truffles are in evidence fleshed out by plum and enriched by blackcurrants. The old leather and spice towards the back adds to the complexity. 93 The nose has lots happening with cassis and plum underpinned by black truffle and liquorice. The palate is packed with fruit rich and powerful flavours spiced up by the hints of black pepper. The richness of the fruit fleshes out the back palate. Tasted at Château Le Gay in the Pomerol Bordeaux April 2011 89 2011-18 Damsons and cassis vie for dominance with the blackcurrant tending to be more prominent. The mid palate has a good weight of flavour and towards the back the truffle of Malbec comes through adding a hint of spice. Clos de Los Siete 2008 93 2010-24 Both nose and palate are action packed black fruits enriched by dark chocolate. Cassis is very much in evidence with behind it black plum and black truffle. The mix of rich fruits has fresher bilberry and red cherry underneath all adding to the complexity. Tasted at Château Le Gay in the Pomerol Bordeaux April 2011 91 2011-20 The nose has the richness of dark chocolate and the palate is packed with black fruits, the fleshiness of black plum with the concentration of black cherry. The tannins feel ripe adding to the plush richness on the mid and end palate. Clos de Los Siete 2009 92 2012-20 Malbec 50 % Merlot 30% Syrah 10% Cabernet Sauvignon 10% Tasted at Château Le Gay in the Pomerol Bordeaux April 2011 There is a lot of sweet fruit on the nose all very black fruit in character. Black cherry gives firmness whilst damson give flesh all backed by rich black truffle and dark chocolate. The finish is packed with juicy fruit. Bodega Colomé Calchaqui Salta Salta White Wines Torrontés 2008 91 The nose is fresh with lots of floral fragrances backed by dried fruit. There is an attractive zippy freshness with sweeter more tropical fruit giving some weight on the mid palate. Spiced dried fruits give the finish a lovely complexity. 29 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

August 07, 2012 ARGENTINA Torrontés 2011 93 2011-14 White flowers give an attractive fragrant feel on the nose. The palate has the same fragrant appeal with hints of dried fruits behind the flowers. Layers of flavour give complexity with the touch of sweetness nicely balanced by freshness the dried fruits at the back adding a hint of spice. Amalaya White 2011 92 2011-14 Torrontes 85% Riesling 15% The fragrance of spring blossoms is backed by a racy herbal note. Tropical fruits give sweetness and some richness on the palate but behind is a touch of green apple that crisps up the finish. Amalaya de Colomé 2007 92 Malbec 70% Cabernet Sauvignon 20% Syrah 5% Tannat 5% Some fresh red fruits give a bright feel to the nose. Ripe black truffle and blackberry fill out the middle, the black fruit mix enlivened by a touch of spice and black pepper. The flavours last well. Tasted in Lilley 2010 92 2010-15 The nose has an attractive mix of black and red cherry. The fruit on the palate is sweet and ripe the mix of bramble, bilberry and cherry given an added complexity by the black truffle that enriches mid and back palate. The hints of vanilla give a spicy twist to the finish. Amalaya Red 2009 93 2011-16 Malbec 75% Cabernet Sauvignon 15% Tannat 5% Syrah 5% There is a lot happening on the nose with a mix of blackcurrant, blackberry and red cherry spiced up by hints of black pepper. The mid palate has depth of flavour the richness of black truffle nicely balanced by the freshness that comes through towards the back ensuring a lovely elegant long finish. Estate Malbec 2007 93 Malbec 85% Cabernet Sauvignon 10% Tannat 5% Powerful black fruits fill out the nose and lend some weight on the palate. Bramble is backed by black cherry all underpinned by black truffles. The cassis richness on the mid palate is refreshed by bilberry and given depth by the herbal sloes that emerge on the finish. Estate Malbec 2009 94 2011-18 Malbec 85% Tannat 8% Cabernet Sauvignon 5% Syrah 5% www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 30