Decanter World Wine AwardsAll wines
Recommended wines
Valentin Bianchi, Enzo Bianchi, Grand Cru, Mendoza-San Rafael 2006
Impressive combination of sweet red fruit, cedar, sweet spice, oaky cigar box and raisin aromas. A very polished witnh with good middle sweetness - oak has blended in well. Dense and focused with exceptional concentration. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-14. (16.5 points)
£24.50-27.99 Liberty Wines, London SW8 (020 7720 5350), Swig, London W4 (0800 0272 272)
Santa Julia, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva, Mendoza-Uco Valley 2010
Attractive earth, blackcurrant, leather, black cherry, jam, chocolate, smoke and sweet spice aroma. Showing supreme balance and poise. Modern and powerful with almost muscular tannins, yet graceful and sophisticated too. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-15. (16.5 points)
Trapiche, Broquel, Cabernet Franc, Mendoza 2009
Expressive, forward aroma of green pepper, jam, herb, pepper and crunchy berry fruit. Quite succulent, with a sophisticated structure. Lovely bright cassis fruit is tinged with herb and vanilla and framed by fine-grained tannins. Well made. Alc: 14%. Drink 2012-14. (16.75 points)
£11.99-12.49 John E Fells, Herts (01442 870 900), The Secret Cellar, Kent (01892 537 981)
Andeluna Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza 2009
Vibrant, uplifting bouquet of blackberries, cassis, raspberry, violet, liquorice and tar. Graceful wine with a refined structure, good concentration, superb crunchy fruit purity and depth. Very well made. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-15. (16.75 points)
Fabre Montmayou, Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza-Lujan de Cuyo 2008
Lush and forthcoming cassis, red fruit, mineral, capsicum, chocolate and spice aroma. Superb concentration of fruit and creamy texture. Sophisticated, harmonious and velvety smooth. This is lovely. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-14. (17.38 points)
£13.50 www.vinothentic.com
Catena Zapata, Catena Appellation Cabernet Franc, Mendoza 2008
Elegant blackberry, morello cherry, earth, liquorice and floral perfume. Youthful, serious and firm palate which is meaty and concentrated with a good smoothness and Cabernet Franc lift. Needs time but superb. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2012-13. (16.63 points)
Vinalba, Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, Patagonia-Rio Negro 2009
Restrained and elegant bouquet of blackberry, cassis, chocolate and earth. Wonderful, concentrated fruit offering density with excellent purity, firm tannins and oak blended in. Very good sense of place. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2012-15. (16.8 points)
£7.99 Buckingham Schenk, Slough (www.buckingham-schenk.co.uk)
Domingo Hermanos, Finca de Domingo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Salta-Yacochuya 2007
Lifted aromas of blackcurrant, green pepper, graphite, smoke, flint, mint and spice. Refined, refreshing and uplifting palate with vibrant, crunchy fruit and a polished texture. Nice natural sweetness and tannins to back it up. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-14. (17.38 points)
£11.99 www.latinwinesonline.com
Finca Decero, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza 2007
Evolved bouquet of jammy strawberry, earth, leather, mushroom and savoury notes. A pleasant, easy-drinking wine showing signs of maturity. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011. (14.5 points)
Luigi Bosca, Gala 2, Mendoza-Luyan de Cuyo 2007
Focused bouquet of cassis, tar and earth. Well balanced with sweet fruit, cedar, cigar box, savoury notes and easy tannins. Good length but already mature. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-13. (14.63 points)
Fuzion, Alta, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva, Mendoza 2010
Attractive, lifted red fruit and sweet toasty oak bouquet. Fresh, commercial style with attractive, juicy and approachable black fruit. Nice purity. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011-13. (14.63 points)
n/a UK www.fuzionwines.com.ar
Finca Sophenia, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza-Tupungato 2009
Attractive nose of blackberry and cassis. Simple and correct with very good concentration of cool fruit with a touch of bell pepper and firm, ashy tannins. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-13. (15.38 points)
Zuccardi, Q, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza 2010
Attractive and inviting nose of cherry, berry, cassis, cigar box and spicy, charry oak. Already mature with concentrated sweet fruit. Good vineyard depth. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-14. (15.5 points)
Santa Julia, Magma Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza-Uco Valley 2010
Lifted cassis, aniseed, earth, strawberry and toast aromas. Succulently fresh with a sophisticated structure, backbone and refreshing finish. Good wine. Alc: 13.5%. DRink 2011-14. (15.88 points)
Michel Torino, Cuma, Cabernet Sauvignon, Salta-Cafayate 2010
Good purity of blackberry, cassis and cherry fruit. Approachable and structured at the same time. Ripe and generous with natural sweetness. Attractive wine. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-14. (15.75 points)
Vinalba, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva, Mendoza-Lujan de Cuyo 2009
Well-concentrated cassis, blackberry, cherry and toasty oak nose. Harmonious, with opulent cassis flavours, spicy oak and a pleasant finish. Good length. Alc: 14.5%. DRink 2011-14. (15.75 points)
£9.99 Buckingham Schenk, Slough (www.buckingham-schenk.co.uk)
Pulenta Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza-Lujan de Cuyo 2007
Maturing aroma of savoury, spiced oak, cedar, cigar box, menthol, earth and raisin fruit. Nice sweetness, balance and attractive savoury notes. Not much depth. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-12. (14.75 points)
Lagarde, Altas Cumbres, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza-Lujan de Cuyo 2010
Fresh bouquet of tar, complex red fruit and green pepper. Pleasantly approachable, well-integrated palate with good balance, terroir and elegance. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-13. (14.75 points)
Casa Montes, Ampakama, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tulum Valley-San Juan 2010
Attractive nose of cassis, blackberry, smoke and violets. Excellent concentration of fruit, firm but ripe tannins and fresh acidity. Good, simple, focused wine. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2012-14. (14.75 points)
Bodega del Fin del Mundo, Reserva del Fin del Mundo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Patagonia-Neuquen 2008
Herb, spice, savoury fruit, mint, earth, cherry, blackcurrant and stewed plum nose. Dry, firm and austere even though there is ripe fruit. Drying out. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-13. (14.75 points)
Bodega del Fin del Mundo, Fin del Mundo, Single-Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Patagonia-Neuquen 2008
Forest fruit, vanilla, chocolate, spice, herb, earth, tobacco, smoke and toffee nose. Firm, dense palate with meaty tannins. Excellent mix of power and finesse. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-13. (14.75 points)
Bodega Alamos, Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza 2010
Expressive, forward crushed berry, sweet spice, smoke, liquorice, coconut and toast aroma. Fleshy, vibrant palate with smoky bacon notes. Good depth. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-13. (14.75 points)
Luigi Bosca, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva, Mendoza-Lujan de Cuyo 2007
Evolved nose of meat. plum compote, coffee, forest fruit, chocolate and sweet spice. Open, generous and attractive. Polished winemaking. Beautiful juicy fruit. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-13. (14.88 points)
Alta Vista, Premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza 2007
Herb, spice, cassis, graphite, mushroom, violet, liquorice and herbal bouquet. Good, earthy, herby fruit with nice middle sweetness and firm tannins. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-13. (14.88 points)
Santa Julia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipu 2008
Complex bouquet of oak, plum, cassis, dark cherry, smoke and herbal undertones. Fresh yet firm, very smooth and easy to drink. Good commercial style. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-14. (15.5 points)
Bodega del Fin del Mundo, Postales, Oak-Aged Cabernet Sauvignon, Patagonia-Neuquen 2010
Aromatic red berry, cassis and stewed fruit nose. Well made, Simple style with nice sweetness of fruit and a good balance. Has charm and attractive elegance. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-13. (15.38 points)
Finca Agostino, Ilka, Maipu 2009
Fresh yet ripe fruit, violet and sweet spice on the nose. Well-integrated structure of fresh fruit, ashy tannins and good balance. A juicy, wine-bar wine. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-12. (15.75 points)
Finca La Anita, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza 2003
Earth, blackcurrant, herb, cedar spice and animal bouquet. Well preserved for its age with good soft fruit, round tannins and a pleasant finish. Remarkable. Alc: 15%. Drink 2011. (15.83 points)
Fabre-Montmayou, Phebus, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza-Luyon de Cuyo 2010
Elegant, perfumed nose of cassis, herb, leaf, deep black fruit, vanilla and liquorice. Good varietal wine with a depth of fruit, a sleek structure and some terroir. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-14. (15.63 points)
£7.99 Buckingham Schenk, Slough (www.buckingham-schenk.co.uk)
Kaiken, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza 2008
Plum, red berry, cassis, Christmas cake, spice, jam, earth and sweet spice nose. Well-defined fruit, good middle sweetness and nice tannins. Fruit-driven palate. Alc: 14.8%. Drink 2011-13. (15.5 points)
Chakana, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Mendoza 2010
Cassis, blackberry, smoke and violet perfume. Vivid and pleasantly opulent cassis fruit surrounded by supple tannins and fresh acidity. Firm, focused and youthful. Alc: 14%. Drink 2012-14. (16.13 points)
Michel Torino, Don David, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Salta-Cafayate 2009
Earth. oak, cassis, strawberry, chocolate and vegetal aromas. Good depth and spice on this juicy, elegant style. Smooth and structured with oak blended in. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-13. (16.25 points)
Bodega Ruca Malen, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza 2007
Elegant nose of blackberry, cassis, violet, plum, spicy oak and leather. Fresh and spicy depth with tannins blended in. Graceful, concentrated and refined. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-14. (16.13 points)
Finca Las Divas, Riglos, Gran Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza-Uco Valley 2007
Crunchy red cherry, cassis, blackberry, pepper, oak, smoke, liquorice and violet perfume. Packed with very ripe fruit, floral notes, a silky texture and spicy oak. Alc: 15%. Drink 2011-14. (15.38 points)
£25 The Butlers Wine Cellar, E Sussex (01273 698 724), Cavas de Gaucho, London W18 (020 7734 4040)
Bodega Norton, Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza-Lujan de Cuyo 2007
Lively cassis. blackberry, chocolate, liquorice and vegetal nose. Rich oak and fruit but still youthful. Round tannins, good depth and potential complexity. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-14. (15.38 points)
Bodega Norton, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza-Lujan de Cuyo 2010
Uplifting and vibrant leaf, crunchy red and black fruit nose. Good purity of fresh dark fruit, refreshing acidity and firm tannins. Very drinkable and moreish. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-13. (15.25 points)
Luigi Bosca, Cabernet Bouchet, Mendoza-Lujan de Cuyo 2006
Crunchy ca ss is, red fruit, vanilla, spice, oak and mint aroma. Very good concentration, with lift and freshness. Still some way to go. Pleasant, long finish. Alc: 15%. Drink 2011-14. (15.88 points)
Santa Julia, Organic Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipu 2010
Restrained, elegant red fruit nose. Harmonious wine with well-integrated fruit with a light touch of vanilla oak. An approachably juicy, wine-bar Cabernet. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-13. (15 points)
Familia Schroeder, Alpataco, Cabernet Sauvignon, Patagonia 2007
Attractive morello cherry, cassis and raspberry fruit nose. Refined, refreshing and juicy with a pleasant finish. Nice smooth texture - an elegant wine. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-13. (15 points)
Trapiche, Broquel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipu 2009
Simple nose of plum, cherry and smoke. Stylish balance between ripe, chocolatey fruit and a firm structure of tannins and freshness. Has natural richness. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-14. (15.25 points)
Bodega Septima, Septimo Dia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza 2008
Cassis, blackberry, earth, animal, earth, spice and liquorice aroma. Firm tannic palate with earthy, spicy fruit. Structured and well made with a jammy fruit finish. Alc: 14.5%. DRink 2011-14. (15.13 points)
Domingo Hermanos, Domingo Molina, Cabernet Sauvignon, Salta-Yacochuya 2006
Red fruit, green pepper, vegetal, oak, blackcurrant and smoky raisin aroma. Very good concentration, rich plum fruit and good depth. Tannic but has potential. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-13. (15.13 points)
Tripiche, Coleccion Roble, Cabernet Sauvginon, Mendoza 2009
Good crunchy red forest fruit. vanilla, cigar box, smoke and spicy oak nose. Juicy, blackcurranty Cabernet with good concentration and elegance. Approachable. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-13. (15.13 points)
Pascual Toso, Pascual Toso Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipu 2008
Earth, balsamic, jammy red berry fruit, herbs and oak aroma. Good sophisticated structure and sweet fruit framed by dry tannins and balanced acidity. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-13. (15 points)
La Chamiza, Professional Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza 2009
Fresh, red fruit and cassis nose. More concentrated on the palate than expected, with a firm structure, good fruit and balance. Harmonious, fresh and simple. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-12. (15 points)
n/a UK www.lachamiza.com
Casa Montes, Don Baltazar, Cabernet Franc, Tulum Valley-San Juan 2008
Simple nose of cherry, cassis and raspberry. Good lifted fruit, offering charm and vigour. Sleek. approachably juicy red with a balanced structure. Straightforward. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-13. (15 points)
