Red
North and South America are home to some of the world's most acclaimed red wine regions, with diverse climates and terroirs that produce an impressive range of varietals. From full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignons to elegant Pinot Noirs, these regions offer a wealth of options for wine lovers.
In North America, Napa Valley is perhaps the most famous region for red wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon. Renowned producers in the area include Opus One, Robert Mondavi Winery, and Silver Oak. Sonoma County is another top producer of red wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Zinfandel, with wineries such as Kosta Browne and Williams Selyem leading the way.
Further north, Oregon's Willamette Valley is gaining a reputation for its Pinot Noir, with producers such as Domaine Serene and Adelsheim Vineyard consistently earning high scores and critical acclaim.
In South America, Argentina's Mendoza region is known for its bold and full-bodied Malbecs, with vineyards such as Bodega Catena Zapata and Achaval-Ferrer producing some of the country's most renowned wines.
Chile's Colchagua Valley is another top producer of red wines, particularly Carmenere, with wineries such as Montes and Lapostolle earning accolades for their premium offerings.
Brazil's Vale dos Vinhedos region is also emerging as a producer of high-quality red wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with wineries such as Miolo and Lidio Carraro garnering attention for their unique and flavorful wines.
Overall, the red wines of North and South America are diverse and impressive, with a range of styles and varietals that can compete with some of the world's most renowned wine regions. With a focus on quality and innovation, these regions are sure to continue producing exceptional red wines for years to come.
Red
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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Mendoza | 6 | 97 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,250.69 |
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Wine Advocate (97)I tasted three consecutive vintages of the reds from Adrianna Vineyard, including the luxury cuvée, starting with the 2014 Adrianna Vineyard Mundus Bacillus Terrae. It is from the coolest year since 2001 (but cooler will come in 2016), and it has 13.5% alcohol and very high acidity—7.5 grams measured in tartaric acid. What that all means is it's moderately ripe and very fresh, with integrated oak after fermenting in 225- and 500-liter oak barrels and an élevage of 24 months in oak. 4,200 bottles were filled in July 2016. |
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Mendoza | 2 | 92 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£357.89 |
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Vinous (92)From a combination of terroirs in the Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo, fermented separately, followed by aging for 18 months in French oak, the majority Cabernet Sauvignon combined with 7% Cabernet Franc, this is a textbook wine. Complex, with aromatic notes including red and black fruit, herbs and oak, it unfolds in layers on the tight, sugary palate, where the grippy tannins provide a precise, enlivening freshness. A surprising wine. |
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Mendoza | 4 | 94 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£658.84 |
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Wine Advocate (94)The 2010 Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino is a blend of grapes from Adrianna and Nicasia, from the deepest, coolest soils in those vineyards, in Gualtallary and Altamira. They were looking for something that represents the essence of Malbec. The first vintage for this wine was 2004, when they finally found the blend and character they were looking for. The name they wanted to use for the wine was Malbec Puro, but they didn’t want any confusion with cigars, so they called it Malbec Argentino instead! It is very aromatic with floral notes, mainly violets and blue fruit, and is nicely defined. It is opulent with sweet tannins but with the hallmark of the freshness found in all the wines from those two vineyards, precise and long. Drink 2015-2020. |
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Mendoza | 10 | 95 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£528.04 |
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Wine Advocate (95)I was truly impressed with the nose of the 2011 Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino, a blend of grapes from Adrianna (Gualtallary) and Nicasia (Altamira) vineyards in the Uco Valley. Even if the grapes are sourced from the same vineyards as the Adrianna and Nicosia bottling, this wine is quite different. Here the plots are selected from the granitic parts that give it a different, austere texture. There is a seamless granularity with the tannins that go in a straight line, and keep going and going. Super! 11,000 bottles were filled. |
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Mendoza | 8 | 98 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£528.04 |
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James Suckling (98)Very dense and powerful with a tight palate of blue fruit and raspberry undertones. Salty with wonderful length and intensity. A blend of malbec from Nicasia Vineyard in Altamira and Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary. Drink in 2022 but so great now. |
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Mendoza | 10 | 95 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£528.04 |
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Wine Advocate (95)They blend two plots from two of their flagship vineyards, Adrianna in Gualtallary and Nicasia in Altamira to create the 2013 Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino. It is a classical Malbec with some creamy, smoky notes, juicy, polished and fresh but with enough power to stand up to food. Some 11,000 were bottles produced. |
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Mendoza | 5 | 98 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£501.64 |
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James Suckling (98)Perfumed and seductive nose of purple plums, blueberries, dried roses, violets, lemon zest, chocolate, truffles and cigar box. It’s full-bodied, yet so elegant and weightless. Seamless, finely knit tannins. Beautiful, lengthy finish. Try from 2024. |
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Mendoza | 8 | 96 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£553.24 |
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Wine Advocate (96)The 2013 Malbec Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard is produced with grapes from the vineyard that names it--a vineyard planted in 1997 in the Altamira zone of Valle de Uco. It's mostly Malbec with some 4% Cabernet Franc, but the two grapes fermented together. It has less Cabernet Franc than other years because 2013 was fresh enough that just that pinch provided enough of the character they are looking for. They call this the most Malbec of our Malbecs and it has the textbook aromas of violets and red berries with perfectly integrated oak. The palate is also elegant and fresh and showcases the telltale round tannins of Malbec. This is truly outstanding. Some 8,000 bottles were filled in December 2015. |
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Mendoza | 10 | 96 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£553.24 |
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Wine Advocate (96)The Catena Zapata range comprises some single-vineyard wines, like the 2014 Malbec Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard that comes from a plot of ungrafted vines planted in Altamira in 1996 using Malbec cuttings from the ancient Angélica vineyard. Cropped from a year that delivered moderate alcohol and notable acidity, it fermented with full clusters in 2,000- and 5,000-liter oak foudres with indigenous yeasts. It matured in French oak barrels for 24 months. This shows superbly and is open and expressive, very classical and elegant, floral and mineral, with no excess whatsoever. The palate reveals superb balance, really harmonious and elegant. This one might be overlooked because there is a lot of attention given to the Malbecs from Adrianna vineyard, but this is really at the same quality level. 12,000 bottles were filled in July 2016. |
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Mendoza | 4 | 93+ (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£553.24 |
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Vinous (93+)Bright medium ruby. Blackberry, licorice and violet on the nose. Far tighter and less sweet than the 2014 version; a more minerally and linear version of Malbec that lacks the expansiveness of the '14. Finishes with a firm edge of tannins and terrific length. A bit less ripe--and more green--than the 2014, with tighter tannins. A bit of a question mark owing to its serious tannic spine, this wine would appear to offer excellent potential longevity but it will require patience. |
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Mendoza | 5 | 95+ (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£553.24 |
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Vinous (95+)Bright ruby. Captivating floral and spicy high tones lift aromas of blackberry, cassis and dark chocolate on the subtle, complex nose. Juicy, penetrating Malbec with sharply delineated black fruit, violet and spice flavors carried on the back end by brisk acidity (actually 6.5 grams per liter) and strong salty, chalky minerality. In its focus and youthfully lean style, this is hardly your typical Argentina Malbec. But this wonderfully suave yet powerful wine opens out and rises spectacularly on the saline back end, where the crushed dark berry flavors are perfectly supported by noble tannins. A knockout! Winemaker Vigil's use of a bit of Cabernet Franc in his top Malbec bottlings always leaves me wondering why more of his colleagues don't take this approach. |
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Mendoza | 1 | 98 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£386.44 |
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Wine Advocate (98)The 2018 Malbec Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard, from a vineyard planted in Altamira in 1996 from an old massal selection, has contained ripeness, reflecting the less warm vintage (after 2017). The grapes were picked very early but with good ripeness because of the low yields in a very dry year. It fermented in open-top barrels with 100% full clusters and indigenous yeasts and matured in 500-liter oak barrels. It's a balanced and elegant Malbec with some restraint and a very fine thread in the palate, with really fine tannins. It follows the path of the phenomenal 2017, fine and elegant. 12,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2020. |
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Mendoza | 10 | 96 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£499.49 |
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Vinous (96)From Paraje Altamira, the 2019 Malbec Nicasia Vineyard was made with grapes from a selected set of rows in Parcel #1 of the Nicasia Vineyard and aged for 24 months in new and second use French barrels. Dense, bright purple in the glass. The fruitiness of the complex, attractive nose is down to the region. The nose delivers a mixture of fresh plum and blackberry with lavender and violet aromas, hints of country herb and notes from the aging process. Broad but delicate in the mouth with good energy. The palate is gently sculpted by chalky tannins made juicy by the freshness. The fruity intensity is enhanced by the texture. A superb Malbec. |
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Mendoza | 1 | 90 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£1,173.89 |
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Vinous (90)(13.8% alcohol; 6.0 g/l acidity; 3.45 pH): Healthy dark red. Highly aromatic scents of dark plum, chocolate and smoke. Rounder and sweeter than the 1997 bottling but showing a bit less lift and detail than the earlier vintage. The plum and chocolate notes carry through onto the palate. Finishes with good density and length, an intriguing saline note and chewy, ripe tannins. (There was no 1998 bottling as this was a disastrous El Niño vintage in Argentina during which steady rainfall led to rot before the fruit ripened properly. In fact, Catena bottled only their inexpensive, entry-level Alamos wines in '98.) |
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Mendoza | 10 | 95 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£484.84 |
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James Suckling (95)Complex aromas of dark berry, shaved chocolate and minerals. Full-bodied, bright and fruity with a beautiful balance and length. It's so polished and gorgeous. A blend of 80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% malbec. |
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Mendoza | 10 | 93+ (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£488.69 |
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Vinous (93+)Bright, dark ruby-red. Reticent aromas of blackcurrant, blueberry, licorice and spicy oak are a bit less expressive than those of the 2015 bottling. Impressively rich, pliant and sweet but with excellent vinosity too. A bit more muscular than the 2015 version, as much saline as sweet, with its substantial tannins saturating the entire palate and building. This will take at least a few more years to deliver on its inherent complexity. (Incidentally, the old Agrelo vineyard--La Piramide--from which much of the Cabernet Sauvignon comes has many Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc vines interspersed in it, but the vineyard is registered as Cabernet Sauvignon so this is what goes on the technical sheet.) |
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Mendoza | 10 | 96 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£573.64 |
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James Suckling (96)A giant. Not only in Argentina’s strong suit in terms of power, it also shows finesse and aromatic complexity. There are all manner of blackberries, smoke, chocolate and spicy notes. Built on a panoramic scale, but full of energy and enormous refinement. The finish cascades on and on. A blend of 83% cabernet sauvignon and 17% malbec. Try in 2021. |
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Mendoza | 1 | 97 (DC) |
Inc. VAT
£377.44 |
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Decanter (97)The 2016 vintage is a classic example, a superb blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with 31% Malbec and 8% Cabernet Franc that’s still in its infancy. Subdued aromas of cassis, black cherries and nuanced herbaceous and tobacco notes. A lovely fluid entrance builds on concentration and complexity. Malbec’s seductive juiciness joins a vertical Cabernet structure, tannins and integrated oak, with a long, lingering finish. A wine to wait for. |
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Mendoza | 2 | 97 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£448.24 |
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James Suckling (97)Sweet tobacco, walnuts, blackberries and dried flowers on the nose. Full body, yet ultra-fine tannins and a super long finish. Superb finesse and polish. Drink after 2023, but already fabulous. |
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Mendoza | 1 | 97 (JA) |
Inc. VAT
£454.24 |
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Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (97)A sit up and take notice wine. Inky colour, smooth tannins, still young and crouched but already combining subtlety and confidence. On the palate, you get a wall of liquorice, crushed cardamom, rosemary, cassis, liqueur, all expertly delivered by winemaker Fernando Buscema. Sensational wine. Tasted twice, same impression each time, of a wine full of life and interest. Bottled unfiltered and unfined. |
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Mendoza | 1 | 98 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£434.44 |
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James Suckling (98)This has a complex nose of baked blackberries, grilled plums, dried earth, moss, pine cones, sandalwood, charcoal and cloves. It’s medium-bodied with firm, tightly knit tannins. Wow. So much going on. Layered, seamless and silky. Incredible length. Keeps going. 42% cabernet sauvignon, 30% malbec and 28% cabernet franc. Try this from 2024. |
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California | 3 | - |
Inc. VAT
£588.29 |
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Delve into a world of unprecedented flavour and richness with the exquisite Cattleya Cuvee Number Eight Pinot Noir 2021. Highly regarded and meticulously crafted, this prestigious Californian wine originates from Sonoma County, a region acclaimed for its vineyards. Its respected producer, Cattleya Wines, is steered by the expertise of Bibiana González Rave who channels her passion and precision into each creation. The Cattleya Cuvee Number Eight Pinot Noir 2021et exhibits an invigorating bouquet of black cherries and red plum, layered with subtle nuances of spices and sweet oak. The palate is a harmony of rich fruit flavours and fine tannins, culminating in a general finish of extraordinary depth. Hand-harvested, sustainably farmed grapes and minimalist intervention ensure the wine's quality remains unsurpassed. This embodiment of age-worthy Pinot Noir displays Cattleya's continuous commitment to excellence in winemaking. Truly, the Cattleya Cuvee Number Eight Pinot Noir 2021 is a timeless paragon of refinement. |
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California | 5 | - |
Inc. VAT
£588.29 |
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The Cattleya Number One Pinot Noir 2021 is an exquisite example of the California winemaking tradition, handcrafted by Bibiana Gonzalez Rave. Bibiana, highly esteemed among connoisseurs, sources her grapes from the heart of Russian River Valley, assuring unbeatable quality. Known for its elegant and complex profile, the Cattleya Number One Pinot Noir 2021 showcases a deep ruby colour, expressive nose of red fruit, vanilla and earthy tones, coupled with exceptionally balanced acids and tannins. The wine spends 15 months maturing in French oak, endowing it with layers of depth and character. A perfect representation of Pinot Noir in its purest form, this wine delivers a silky finish with an exceptional ageing potential. The Cattleya Number One Pinot Noir 2021 exemplifies Bibiana's ethos of creating true expressions of terroir, delivered in harmonious balance. It's a wine that deserves a place in the ranks of any discerning collector's cellar. |
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California | 10 | - |
Inc. VAT
£1,553.09 |
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California | 4 | 96 (JD) |
Inc. VAT
£633.64 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (96)The 2020 Pinot Noir Cuvee Chloe is highly aromatic and moves into a more classical perfume of cherry cola and forest floor. The palate is generous with its fruit of cranberry cocktail, rose petal, and fine tannins that emerge on the finish. Drink over the next 15 or more years. |
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California | 7 | - |
Inc. VAT
£733.49 |
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The Ceritas Cuvee Chloe Pinot Noir 2021 is an enlightened expression of complexity and class. Cultivated in Sonoma County, California, Ceritas focuses on delivering wines of character rooted in the region's unique climates and soils. The 2021 release of their Cuvee Chloe Pinot Noir is testament to their artisanal practices. Each grape is handpicked and fermented naturally, showcasing great dedication to traditional techniques whilst employing modern understanding. The minimalist intervention approach employed by Ceritas allows for the Pinot Noir's true character to shine. Deeply aromatic with notes of wild berries and ground spice, this wine cascades across the palate with exceptional balance and textured depth. Its lingering finish delivers an unforgettable impression. Made by the widely respected winemaker, John Raytek, Ceritas Cuvee Chloe Pinot Noir 2021 offers an absorbing insight into the expressive beauty of California Pinot Noir. A captivating ensemble of craftsmanship and terroir - this is a wine of unmistakable pedigree and charm. |
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California | 1 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£598.84 |
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Vinous (94)The 2018 Pinot Noir Elliott Vineyard is one of the more nervous, edgy wines in this lineup. Readers will want to give it a few years to soften, as it is reticent and tightly wound in the early going. Bright mineral and savory notes drive a core of sweet red berry fruit. When I taste the 2018 I think of a lyric tenor voice that, while maybe not big in size, has the resonance to be heard all the way in the cheap seats. The Elliot is a cool, introspective Pinot that will reward those who can spend some time with it. |
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California | 2 | 99 (JD) |
Inc. VAT
£768.04 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (99)The 2021 Pinot Noir Elliott is packed with layered aromas of gravelly mineral earth, framboise, and wild herbs. Profound and balanced, with outstanding structure and gripping ripe tannins, it reveals notes of crunchy cherry, fresh earth, and a refined, elegant perfume on the finish. It continuously evolves in the glass and is an absolutely stunning and singular wine. |
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California | 1 | 96 (JD) |
Inc. VAT
£817.24 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (96)The 2020 Pinot Noir Occidental Vineyard is savory with fresh mint and more masculine aromatics, including cherry fruit and dark minerality. The palate is structured and long, with a more iron-rich quality, pomegranate seed, red cherry, and spice. Hold 2-3 years and drink over the following 15 years. |
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California | 2 | - |
Inc. VAT
£894.29 |
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Introducing the Ceritas Occidental Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021, valuable addition to the cellar of any discerning oenophile. This radiant Pinot Noir is produced by Ceritas, maestros of viniculture with a predilection for crafting small batch wines reflective of their unique terroir. Nestled within the-aesthetic cool-climate of Sonoma Coast, California, the Occidental vineyard's maritime influence enhances the grape qualities, cultivating distinctive flavours. The Ceritas Occidental Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 is an homage to artisan winemaking traditions - hand harvesting and indigenous fermentations lead to minimal intervention. This expression is marked by eloquent layers of red cherry, clove, wild herbs and orange peel, juxtaposed against a robust structure. The wine's finish is noted for its gripping minerality and liveliness, making it age-worthy and versatile. Its precise balance between rustic charm and sophisticated depth presents the Ceritas Occidental Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 as a pure expression of its prestigious origin, ready to tantalise the palette of the patient connoisseur. |
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Mendoza | 6 | 97 (WA) |
In Bond
£1,023.00 |
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Wine Advocate (97)I tasted three consecutive vintages of the reds from Adrianna Vineyard, including the luxury cuvée, starting with the 2014 Adrianna Vineyard Mundus Bacillus Terrae. It is from the coolest year since 2001 (but cooler will come in 2016), and it has 13.5% alcohol and very high acidity—7.5 grams measured in tartaric acid. What that all means is it's moderately ripe and very fresh, with integrated oak after fermenting in 225- and 500-liter oak barrels and an élevage of 24 months in oak. 4,200 bottles were filled in July 2016. |
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Mendoza | 2 | 92 (VN) |
In Bond
£279.00 |
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Vinous (92)From a combination of terroirs in the Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo, fermented separately, followed by aging for 18 months in French oak, the majority Cabernet Sauvignon combined with 7% Cabernet Franc, this is a textbook wine. Complex, with aromatic notes including red and black fruit, herbs and oak, it unfolds in layers on the tight, sugary palate, where the grippy tannins provide a precise, enlivening freshness. A surprising wine. |
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Mendoza | 4 | 94 (WA) |
In Bond
£533.00 |
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Wine Advocate (94)The 2010 Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino is a blend of grapes from Adrianna and Nicasia, from the deepest, coolest soils in those vineyards, in Gualtallary and Altamira. They were looking for something that represents the essence of Malbec. The first vintage for this wine was 2004, when they finally found the blend and character they were looking for. The name they wanted to use for the wine was Malbec Puro, but they didn’t want any confusion with cigars, so they called it Malbec Argentino instead! It is very aromatic with floral notes, mainly violets and blue fruit, and is nicely defined. It is opulent with sweet tannins but with the hallmark of the freshness found in all the wines from those two vineyards, precise and long. Drink 2015-2020. |
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Mendoza | 10 | 95 (WA) |
In Bond
£424.00 |
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Wine Advocate (95)I was truly impressed with the nose of the 2011 Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino, a blend of grapes from Adrianna (Gualtallary) and Nicasia (Altamira) vineyards in the Uco Valley. Even if the grapes are sourced from the same vineyards as the Adrianna and Nicosia bottling, this wine is quite different. Here the plots are selected from the granitic parts that give it a different, austere texture. There is a seamless granularity with the tannins that go in a straight line, and keep going and going. Super! 11,000 bottles were filled. |
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Mendoza | 8 | 98 (JS) |
In Bond
£424.00 |
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James Suckling (98)Very dense and powerful with a tight palate of blue fruit and raspberry undertones. Salty with wonderful length and intensity. A blend of malbec from Nicasia Vineyard in Altamira and Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary. Drink in 2022 but so great now. |
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Mendoza | 10 | 95 (WA) |
In Bond
£424.00 |
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Wine Advocate (95)They blend two plots from two of their flagship vineyards, Adrianna in Gualtallary and Nicasia in Altamira to create the 2013 Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino. It is a classical Malbec with some creamy, smoky notes, juicy, polished and fresh but with enough power to stand up to food. Some 11,000 were bottles produced. |
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Mendoza | 5 | 98 (JS) |
In Bond
£402.00 |
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James Suckling (98)Perfumed and seductive nose of purple plums, blueberries, dried roses, violets, lemon zest, chocolate, truffles and cigar box. It’s full-bodied, yet so elegant and weightless. Seamless, finely knit tannins. Beautiful, lengthy finish. Try from 2024. |
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Mendoza | 8 | 96 (WA) |
In Bond
£445.00 |
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Wine Advocate (96)The 2013 Malbec Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard is produced with grapes from the vineyard that names it--a vineyard planted in 1997 in the Altamira zone of Valle de Uco. It's mostly Malbec with some 4% Cabernet Franc, but the two grapes fermented together. It has less Cabernet Franc than other years because 2013 was fresh enough that just that pinch provided enough of the character they are looking for. They call this the most Malbec of our Malbecs and it has the textbook aromas of violets and red berries with perfectly integrated oak. The palate is also elegant and fresh and showcases the telltale round tannins of Malbec. This is truly outstanding. Some 8,000 bottles were filled in December 2015. |
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Mendoza | 10 | 96 (WA) |
In Bond
£445.00 |
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Wine Advocate (96)The Catena Zapata range comprises some single-vineyard wines, like the 2014 Malbec Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard that comes from a plot of ungrafted vines planted in Altamira in 1996 using Malbec cuttings from the ancient Angélica vineyard. Cropped from a year that delivered moderate alcohol and notable acidity, it fermented with full clusters in 2,000- and 5,000-liter oak foudres with indigenous yeasts. It matured in French oak barrels for 24 months. This shows superbly and is open and expressive, very classical and elegant, floral and mineral, with no excess whatsoever. The palate reveals superb balance, really harmonious and elegant. This one might be overlooked because there is a lot of attention given to the Malbecs from Adrianna vineyard, but this is really at the same quality level. 12,000 bottles were filled in July 2016. |
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Mendoza | 4 | 93+ (VN) |
In Bond
£445.00 |
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Vinous (93+)Bright medium ruby. Blackberry, licorice and violet on the nose. Far tighter and less sweet than the 2014 version; a more minerally and linear version of Malbec that lacks the expansiveness of the '14. Finishes with a firm edge of tannins and terrific length. A bit less ripe--and more green--than the 2014, with tighter tannins. A bit of a question mark owing to its serious tannic spine, this wine would appear to offer excellent potential longevity but it will require patience. |
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Mendoza | 5 | 95+ (VN) |
In Bond
£445.00 |
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Vinous (95+)Bright ruby. Captivating floral and spicy high tones lift aromas of blackberry, cassis and dark chocolate on the subtle, complex nose. Juicy, penetrating Malbec with sharply delineated black fruit, violet and spice flavors carried on the back end by brisk acidity (actually 6.5 grams per liter) and strong salty, chalky minerality. In its focus and youthfully lean style, this is hardly your typical Argentina Malbec. But this wonderfully suave yet powerful wine opens out and rises spectacularly on the saline back end, where the crushed dark berry flavors are perfectly supported by noble tannins. A knockout! Winemaker Vigil's use of a bit of Cabernet Franc in his top Malbec bottlings always leaves me wondering why more of his colleagues don't take this approach. |
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Mendoza | 1 | 98 (WA) |
In Bond
£306.00 |
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Wine Advocate (98)The 2018 Malbec Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard, from a vineyard planted in Altamira in 1996 from an old massal selection, has contained ripeness, reflecting the less warm vintage (after 2017). The grapes were picked very early but with good ripeness because of the low yields in a very dry year. It fermented in open-top barrels with 100% full clusters and indigenous yeasts and matured in 500-liter oak barrels. It's a balanced and elegant Malbec with some restraint and a very fine thread in the palate, with really fine tannins. It follows the path of the phenomenal 2017, fine and elegant. 12,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2020. |
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Mendoza | 10 | 96 (VN) |
In Bond
£397.00 |
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Vinous (96)From Paraje Altamira, the 2019 Malbec Nicasia Vineyard was made with grapes from a selected set of rows in Parcel #1 of the Nicasia Vineyard and aged for 24 months in new and second use French barrels. Dense, bright purple in the glass. The fruitiness of the complex, attractive nose is down to the region. The nose delivers a mixture of fresh plum and blackberry with lavender and violet aromas, hints of country herb and notes from the aging process. Broad but delicate in the mouth with good energy. The palate is gently sculpted by chalky tannins made juicy by the freshness. The fruity intensity is enhanced by the texture. A superb Malbec. |
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Mendoza | 1 | 90 (VN) |
In Bond
£959.00 |
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Vinous (90)(13.8% alcohol; 6.0 g/l acidity; 3.45 pH): Healthy dark red. Highly aromatic scents of dark plum, chocolate and smoke. Rounder and sweeter than the 1997 bottling but showing a bit less lift and detail than the earlier vintage. The plum and chocolate notes carry through onto the palate. Finishes with good density and length, an intriguing saline note and chewy, ripe tannins. (There was no 1998 bottling as this was a disastrous El Niño vintage in Argentina during which steady rainfall led to rot before the fruit ripened properly. In fact, Catena bottled only their inexpensive, entry-level Alamos wines in '98.) |
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Mendoza | 10 | 95 (JS) |
In Bond
£388.00 |
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James Suckling (95)Complex aromas of dark berry, shaved chocolate and minerals. Full-bodied, bright and fruity with a beautiful balance and length. It's so polished and gorgeous. A blend of 80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% malbec. |
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Mendoza | 10 | 93+ (VN) |
In Bond
£388.00 |
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Vinous (93+)Bright, dark ruby-red. Reticent aromas of blackcurrant, blueberry, licorice and spicy oak are a bit less expressive than those of the 2015 bottling. Impressively rich, pliant and sweet but with excellent vinosity too. A bit more muscular than the 2015 version, as much saline as sweet, with its substantial tannins saturating the entire palate and building. This will take at least a few more years to deliver on its inherent complexity. (Incidentally, the old Agrelo vineyard--La Piramide--from which much of the Cabernet Sauvignon comes has many Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc vines interspersed in it, but the vineyard is registered as Cabernet Sauvignon so this is what goes on the technical sheet.) |
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Mendoza | 10 | 96 (JS) |
In Bond
£462.00 |
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James Suckling (96)A giant. Not only in Argentina’s strong suit in terms of power, it also shows finesse and aromatic complexity. There are all manner of blackberries, smoke, chocolate and spicy notes. Built on a panoramic scale, but full of energy and enormous refinement. The finish cascades on and on. A blend of 83% cabernet sauvignon and 17% malbec. Try in 2021. |
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Mendoza | 1 | 97 (DC) |
In Bond
£298.50 |
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Decanter (97)The 2016 vintage is a classic example, a superb blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with 31% Malbec and 8% Cabernet Franc that’s still in its infancy. Subdued aromas of cassis, black cherries and nuanced herbaceous and tobacco notes. A lovely fluid entrance builds on concentration and complexity. Malbec’s seductive juiciness joins a vertical Cabernet structure, tannins and integrated oak, with a long, lingering finish. A wine to wait for. |
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Mendoza | 2 | 97 (JS) |
In Bond
£357.50 |
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James Suckling (97)Sweet tobacco, walnuts, blackberries and dried flowers on the nose. Full body, yet ultra-fine tannins and a super long finish. Superb finesse and polish. Drink after 2023, but already fabulous. |
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Mendoza | 1 | 97 (JA) |
In Bond
£362.50 |
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Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (97)A sit up and take notice wine. Inky colour, smooth tannins, still young and crouched but already combining subtlety and confidence. On the palate, you get a wall of liquorice, crushed cardamom, rosemary, cassis, liqueur, all expertly delivered by winemaker Fernando Buscema. Sensational wine. Tasted twice, same impression each time, of a wine full of life and interest. Bottled unfiltered and unfined. |
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Mendoza | 1 | 98 (JS) |
In Bond
£346.00 |
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James Suckling (98)This has a complex nose of baked blackberries, grilled plums, dried earth, moss, pine cones, sandalwood, charcoal and cloves. It’s medium-bodied with firm, tightly knit tannins. Wow. So much going on. Layered, seamless and silky. Incredible length. Keeps going. 42% cabernet sauvignon, 30% malbec and 28% cabernet franc. Try this from 2024. |
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California | 3 | - |
In Bond
£471.00 |
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Delve into a world of unprecedented flavour and richness with the exquisite Cattleya Cuvee Number Eight Pinot Noir 2021. Highly regarded and meticulously crafted, this prestigious Californian wine originates from Sonoma County, a region acclaimed for its vineyards. Its respected producer, Cattleya Wines, is steered by the expertise of Bibiana González Rave who channels her passion and precision into each creation. The Cattleya Cuvee Number Eight Pinot Noir 2021et exhibits an invigorating bouquet of black cherries and red plum, layered with subtle nuances of spices and sweet oak. The palate is a harmony of rich fruit flavours and fine tannins, culminating in a general finish of extraordinary depth. Hand-harvested, sustainably farmed grapes and minimalist intervention ensure the wine's quality remains unsurpassed. This embodiment of age-worthy Pinot Noir displays Cattleya's continuous commitment to excellence in winemaking. Truly, the Cattleya Cuvee Number Eight Pinot Noir 2021 is a timeless paragon of refinement. |
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California | 5 | - |
In Bond
£471.00 |
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The Cattleya Number One Pinot Noir 2021 is an exquisite example of the California winemaking tradition, handcrafted by Bibiana Gonzalez Rave. Bibiana, highly esteemed among connoisseurs, sources her grapes from the heart of Russian River Valley, assuring unbeatable quality. Known for its elegant and complex profile, the Cattleya Number One Pinot Noir 2021 showcases a deep ruby colour, expressive nose of red fruit, vanilla and earthy tones, coupled with exceptionally balanced acids and tannins. The wine spends 15 months maturing in French oak, endowing it with layers of depth and character. A perfect representation of Pinot Noir in its purest form, this wine delivers a silky finish with an exceptional ageing potential. The Cattleya Number One Pinot Noir 2021 exemplifies Bibiana's ethos of creating true expressions of terroir, delivered in harmonious balance. It's a wine that deserves a place in the ranks of any discerning collector's cellar. |
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California | 10 | - |
In Bond
£1,275.00 |
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California | 4 | 96 (JD) |
In Bond
£512.00 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (96)The 2020 Pinot Noir Cuvee Chloe is highly aromatic and moves into a more classical perfume of cherry cola and forest floor. The palate is generous with its fruit of cranberry cocktail, rose petal, and fine tannins that emerge on the finish. Drink over the next 15 or more years. |
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California | 7 | - |
In Bond
£592.00 |
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The Ceritas Cuvee Chloe Pinot Noir 2021 is an enlightened expression of complexity and class. Cultivated in Sonoma County, California, Ceritas focuses on delivering wines of character rooted in the region's unique climates and soils. The 2021 release of their Cuvee Chloe Pinot Noir is testament to their artisanal practices. Each grape is handpicked and fermented naturally, showcasing great dedication to traditional techniques whilst employing modern understanding. The minimalist intervention approach employed by Ceritas allows for the Pinot Noir's true character to shine. Deeply aromatic with notes of wild berries and ground spice, this wine cascades across the palate with exceptional balance and textured depth. Its lingering finish delivers an unforgettable impression. Made by the widely respected winemaker, John Raytek, Ceritas Cuvee Chloe Pinot Noir 2021 offers an absorbing insight into the expressive beauty of California Pinot Noir. A captivating ensemble of craftsmanship and terroir - this is a wine of unmistakable pedigree and charm. |
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California | 1 | 94 (VN) |
In Bond
£483.00 |
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Vinous (94)The 2018 Pinot Noir Elliott Vineyard is one of the more nervous, edgy wines in this lineup. Readers will want to give it a few years to soften, as it is reticent and tightly wound in the early going. Bright mineral and savory notes drive a core of sweet red berry fruit. When I taste the 2018 I think of a lyric tenor voice that, while maybe not big in size, has the resonance to be heard all the way in the cheap seats. The Elliot is a cool, introspective Pinot that will reward those who can spend some time with it. |
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California | 2 | 99 (JD) |
In Bond
£624.00 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (99)The 2021 Pinot Noir Elliott is packed with layered aromas of gravelly mineral earth, framboise, and wild herbs. Profound and balanced, with outstanding structure and gripping ripe tannins, it reveals notes of crunchy cherry, fresh earth, and a refined, elegant perfume on the finish. It continuously evolves in the glass and is an absolutely stunning and singular wine. |
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California | 1 | 96 (JD) |
In Bond
£665.00 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (96)The 2020 Pinot Noir Occidental Vineyard is savory with fresh mint and more masculine aromatics, including cherry fruit and dark minerality. The palate is structured and long, with a more iron-rich quality, pomegranate seed, red cherry, and spice. Hold 2-3 years and drink over the following 15 years. |
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California | 2 | - |
In Bond
£726.00 |
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Introducing the Ceritas Occidental Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021, valuable addition to the cellar of any discerning oenophile. This radiant Pinot Noir is produced by Ceritas, maestros of viniculture with a predilection for crafting small batch wines reflective of their unique terroir. Nestled within the-aesthetic cool-climate of Sonoma Coast, California, the Occidental vineyard's maritime influence enhances the grape qualities, cultivating distinctive flavours. The Ceritas Occidental Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 is an homage to artisan winemaking traditions - hand harvesting and indigenous fermentations lead to minimal intervention. This expression is marked by eloquent layers of red cherry, clove, wild herbs and orange peel, juxtaposed against a robust structure. The wine's finish is noted for its gripping minerality and liveliness, making it age-worthy and versatile. Its precise balance between rustic charm and sophisticated depth presents the Ceritas Occidental Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 as a pure expression of its prestigious origin, ready to tantalise the palette of the patient connoisseur. |
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