Quick Reviews
Rutini Gewürztraminer – Argentina – 2014
Lava-lamp sized bottle is the big standout here, the wine inside is a middling affair. No spice or kick like a typical gwertz but goes down clean and you can drink it by the gulp. A bit too cloying with not enough spice. Syrupy texture.
Intipalka Valle del Sol Sauvignon Blanc – Peru – 2017
Much better than the 2015 and 2016 I had tasted previously. Good balance between tart apple and bracing minerals. If Ica can keep this up it will rival Chile in South American SB.
Santiago Queirolo Shiraz Rosé – Peru – NV
Just as horsepissy as when I reviewed it last year.
Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc – Chile
(No year recorded.) Very serviceable SB from Chile. More fruit than minerals, but in this case it works. Medium dry with notes of aguaymanto and lemon.
Trapiche Varietales Sauvignon Blanc – Argentina – 2011
Orange color made me think this would be interesting, and it was but for all the wrong reasons. Nose is raisin but the palate is bitter almond crashing up against gasoline and prune juice. An unmitigated disaster. Serve this and you’ll be arrested for attempted murder by poison.
Winner of the Winepisser Worst Wine 2018 award, as seen here.
La Rural Pequeña Vasija Malbec Syrah – Argentina – 2017
Bad bottle? Cork was synthetic, so no excuses there. Nose was burnt pea soup and so was the palate. Served aerated, too, with no improvement. My review doesn’t match up with the others I’ve read, though, so I’m inclined to think that something went wrong. Likely bad storage in overheated wine department.
Caballo Loco Grand Cru Sagrada Familia – Chile – 2014
This Chileno Bordeaux style blend (Cabernet Sauvignon / Malbec / Carménère) welcomes you with a nose that hints of African spices and cumin. Once drank it’s smooth and seductive, with mystery and sensuality. There’s no single flavor that dominates but instead it slowly reveals different colors as you enjoy the glass: licorice, currant, and is that pumpkin? Would pair well with a bold spicy soup as well as the traditional red meat plate. Highly recommended.
Palo Alto Reserva Sauvignon Blanc – Chile – 2011
A slightly skunky nose gives way to a pretty nice Chileno SB from the Valle de Maule region. Grass and ocean make this very pleasant, but it’s a bit underpowered. Paired well with polenta and whitefish plate. Just faded fast.
Tabernero Blanco de Blancos – Peru – 2014
A bit too tangy for my tastes and the Chenin Blanc is entirely buried under the Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Unfortunately, it picks up most of the less desirable aspects of those two dominant grapes, too. Would benefit from more floral notes and a tad less tang. Not a winner.