LÃGRIMA CANELA 2006
REGION: Cafayate, Salta
VARIETAL COMPOSITION: 60% Chardonnay, 40% Semillon
WINEMAKING: The only white wine produced by renowned winemaker Walter Bressia, Lagrima Canela is the pinnacle of Argentine Chardonnay and an evocative example similar to the best that California has to offer. Only 3,250 bottles were produced of this wine from grapes that were hand- picked at an altitude of more than 3,000 feet and aged for 14 months in French oak barrels before bottling.
TASTING NOTES: With the color of lightly spun gold and intense aromas of tropical fruit, honey laced pears and toasty oak, this wine is delicate and lively from the moment you put your nose to the glass. Sumptuous fruit flavors of pineapple and white peach are elegantly balanced by hazelnut and coconut. The viscous mouthfeel makes for a wine that pleases every sense and leads to an endless finish.
FOOD PAIRING: A perfect choice for afternoon tea in the summer months
DRINKING GUIDE: Drink now through 2009
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PULENTA ESTATE - PINOT NOIR 2006
REGION: Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza
VARIETAL COMPOSITION: 100% Pinot Noir
WINEMAKING: Pulenta Estate is owned by brothers Hugo and Eduardo Pulenta and, with winemaker Fabricio Orlando, they constantly strive to create wines of elegance and delicacy. This wine spent 12 months in first and second use French oak to soften the wine without concealing its true fruit character.
TASTING NOTES: It is a delicate burgundy color true to the origins of the varietal. The bouquet is of ripe red fruit balanced by the earthy notes of a wooded glen, along with cloves and pepper. The youthful fruit excites and stimulates the palate, and the perfect balance of tannins and acidity leaves you eager for more.
FOOD PAIRING: Poultry, subtly spiced lighter meats
DRINKING GUIDE: Now through 2011
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PROEMIO RESERVA - MALBEC 2003
REGION: Uco Valley, Mendoza
VARIETAL COMPOSITION: 100% Malbec
WINEMAKING: The grapes are grown in vineyards in Tupungato and Tunuyan, both of which benefit from strong sunlight and permeable rocky soil that provides ideal conditions for ripening and drainage. This wine spent 12 months in French oak and 12 months in bottle before release.
TASTING NOTES: With a deep color of freshly laid red bricks, Proemio is like a cherry cheesecake on fire. Inviting and mouthwatering aromas of chocolate and cinnamon lead to a basket of zesty summer fruit on the palate and a warm extended finish.
FOOD PAIRING: A perfect picnic wine to be paired with your favorite meats and cheeses
DRINKING GUIDE: Now through 2010
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HINOJOSA RESERVA - MALBEC 2005
REGION: Tunuyán, Uco Valley, Mendoza
VARIETAL COMPOSITION: 100% Malbec
WINEMAKING: The grapes are grown at an altitude of almost 4,000 feet and were hand-harvested in early April. The intense aromas are obtained by cold maceration in stainless steel tanks, and the wine is aged for 9 months in first use French oak. It is then allowed to settle in the bottle for one year before being released for sale.
TASTING NOTES: Full of the alluring aromas that waft out of a chocolatier as you stroll past, the stunning bouquet will stop you in your tracks. Blackish burgundy in the glass, this wine is a force to be reckoned with. With firm tannins, black fruit and cola, the vibrant flavors will coat your palate and leave you pondering.
FOOD PAIRING: Prosciutto wrapped figs stuffed with bleu cheese
DRINKING GUIDE: Now through 2013
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LA AZUL GRAN RESERVA 2004
REGION: Tunuyán, Uco Valley, Mendoza
VARIETAL COMPOSITION: 65% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon
WINEMAKING: Produced by one of the smallest bodegas in Mendoza, with a lot of love was put into each bottle. The winemaking team consists of only 2 people: female winemaker Flavia Monterola and her young assistant who is currently studying enology. The attention to detail in the winemaking process allows for the creation of a truly great wine with unique personality.
TASTING NOTES: It is a deep, extracted garnet red color with sweet aromas of marzipan and cocoa accompanied by eucalyptus and mint. The palate is soft, rich, subtly textured and overflowing with dark and mature tannins. The finish goes on and on making for a truly luscious wine.
FOOD PAIRING: Perfect with rich stewed meats
DRINKING GUIDE: Now through 2013