Finest wines of Argentina

[Aosta]

I am writing to gather up some recomendations about the finest wines of Argentina.......(my first experience with serious wines was in Buenos Aires about 4 years ago.....).

Some of you may smile at the association of "Argentina" and "fine wines", but, at the time, I thought this was "as good as it gets" for the prices I could afford (i.e. 20 to 30 US$).

Since then, when I have returned for my yearly business visits, I would always try finding a few hours in my schedule to stock up before flying home. (the "Terroir" wine-shop became my favourite Port of Call in terms of service and flight-friendly packaging).

In the last couple of years however, my taste has evolved and so maybe my interpretation of Argentina began to moderate...... I was no longer "amazed".....

As I rev up to my next trip I would like to ask the Board to name some their favourite Argentinean wines that I should look out for down there...... I have calculated I can take back between 12 and 18 bottles without going over-weight (I can dedicate 30 kg to wine).

My particular areas of interest is with Cabernet-Merlot-Malbec, maybe blended, certainly on the tannic, concentrated, long finish side of the spectrum. "Super Tuscan Style".

Budget of 30 to 50 US$/bottle - local price 90-150 Pesos (please also mention the Vintage).

Thanks for your support, and I will post with feedback.

Aosta

[Chicago Mike]

Personally I've been most impressed with the Malbecs of Argentina. Something about the terroir is just perfect for this grape... sort of like zinfandel in california, IMO.

[wildfire]

Argentina is definately known for its Malbecs! And there is a very good reason.

[tiger2]

I recommend trying the 2002 Henry LaGarde Henry Gran Guarda (Syrah, Merlot, Cab Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot) and the 2005 Achaval Ferrer Quimera (malbec, cab, merlot blend). Both are within the $30-50 range. Each winery produces these blends annually in small amounts with lots of care and attention- I think that any vintage would be interesting to try.

[ellaystingray]

I am a big fan of the wines from Bodegas y Vinedos Lavaque. They have a number of ranges in all different price-points so check out the website but I am pretty sure the wine you want is the "Felix Lavaque" blend from the Felix Lavaque line--also known as Vinas de Altura. I think the '05 is current vintage, i.e. the one most likely to be out on store shelves, but if you can find the '03 get it.

http://www.lavaque.com/e_home.html

[jjrzut]

If you haven't had any of Carmelo Patti's offerings get your hands on them! Also get out to Mendoza, it's great! I recommend lunch at Ruca Malen.

Cheers!

Jason
www.jasonswineblog.com

[maria lorraine]

Here's a thread with lots of recs of wines/wineries from Argentina:
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/416942

This thread on wine travel has some links to Argentina travel articles in
The New York Times:
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/424257

Good luck.

[2top]

Don Nicanor, Cab/Malbec/Merlot, Niento Senetiner
Trumpeter, Malbec/Syrah, Bodega La Rural
Meritage,Cab/Malbec, Antonio Nerviani Reserve
Crios, Syrah/Bonarda, Dominio del Plata
Patriota, Bonarda/Malbec, Tikal
Privada, Malbec/Cab/Merlot, Bodega Norton

[cleopatra999]

I am a fan of Argentinian wines. My favorite higher end is Ben Marco Expressivo 2004, it retails for about $45 CAD so it is probably around 30-35$ in the states. it is mendoza blend of Malbec, Cab sav, syrah, bonarda & merlot.

I am envious of your trip, this is on our list of travels! enjoy!