The Waxed Bat Reserve
"Big and gold, lots of chocolaty plum fruit, cassis, tobacco, liquorice. An extremely polished effort" (Decanter World Wine Awards). The legendary Opi Sadler has triumphed again! His Waxed Bat Reserve edition had taken Gold and Platinum medals, then Best in Show Trophy at the highly prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards. That was beating 17,000 other wines from around the world. Perhaps it should be of no surprise when we know it has so much intense ripe black fruit and creamy oak. It clearly shows that Malbec and Cabernet from Argentina's high altitude Mendoza region is a match made in heaven. Even better when the wines are aged in barrel, too. It's a sumptuous mouthfilling red, smooth enough to drink solo but at its very best with garlic studded roast lamb, a juicy steak or a warming casserole. Decant early if you can.
Alambrado Malbec ()
Moreishly fruity, Alambrado is from Familia Zuccardi, one of the finest cellars in all Argentina. Zuccardi are three times winner of Argentina’s ‘Top Value Brand’, presented by IWC, and family head José Alberto Zuccardi was given a lifetime achievement award by IWC in 2016. The family enjoy state of the art facilities in Maipo and Uco, yet remain committed to employing the local families who have served the company since José’s father’s time. This smooth, fruity Malbec is simple and tasty, with lots of easy-going fruit. A perfect midweek wine, with or without food, and here in a handy quarter size.
Alambrado Malbec Blanco
Finca Beltrán Shiraz Malbec
Clos de Los Siete
Clos de los Siete is a vineyard oasis s set at the foot of the majestic Andes mountains where the high-altitude vineyards help to capture varietal purity and ensure optimal ripeness for the grapes under the guidance of world-renowned Michel Rolland. This blend of Malbec, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon captures the essence of this generous land and its noble varieties including the magnificent Malbec grape. It's a defining expression of high-altitude winemaking, with black and blue fruit, herbs, and violet floral tones. A charming, finessed, impressive addition to your special evening. Pair with hearty beef stews or barbecued meats.
Terrazas Des Los Andes Reserva Chardonnay
Built in 1898, Terrazas's winery was built by Sotero Arizu, one of the pioneers in the creation of the wine production market in Argentina. The oldest vineyard Las Compuertas was planted in 1929, designed to produce the ultimate expression of Malbec. Today, Argentina dominates the world in Malbec production and has helped popularize the grape around the world. Surrounded by the high peaks of the Andes, Terrazas's vineyard is located in the heart of Mendoza's Lujan de Cuyo and Uco Valley. With the extremely high altitude, low rainfall and rocky soil, wines made in the region are pushed hard for hydration and nutrients. The results of successful wine in this region develop intensely vivid flavours. The climate also assists in lowering acidity, which assists in the winemakers in producing the purest expression of each wine.
Bodega Catena Zapata Catena Malbec
The Catena wines are a special assemblage of High Mountain Estate Vineyards made by fourth generation vintner, Laura Catena and chief winemaker, Alejandro Vigil. Although we have found that most of the Catena wines are consumed shortly after release, we are pleased to see that they age beautifully for ten to twenty years. Through decades of study and exploration within Mendoza's high altitude mountain terroirs, the Catena family has identified special locations for its Estate vineyards. From the marriage of these historic vineyards emerges a wine of unique character that has natural balance, concentration and a distinct varietal identity. In 1898, Nicola Catena left his homeland of Italy, and sailed for the land of plenty and opportunity: Argentina. It wasn't long before Nicola planted his first Malbec vineyard in Mendoza in 1902. Although traditionally used as a blending grape in Bordeaux, Nicola believed in the potential of Malbec as a single varietal wine, and suspected that it might uncover its hidden splendour in the cooler climes of the Andes. Flash forward a few decades, to where Nicola's grandson, Nicolas Catena Zapata, has taken over the management of the business. He sold off the bulk producing parts of the company, focusing instead on producing premium Mlabec and Cabernet. To that end, he began searching for the best sites in Mendoza to plant. In 1992, he settled on Gualtallary Alto - the highest and moste Western part of Tupungato. Today, the wines of Bodega Catena Zapata are sourced from six historic estate vineyards: Angélica, La Pirámide, Nicasia, Domingo, Adrianna and Angélica Sur.
Bodega Catena Zapata Alamos Malbec
Andeluna Altitud Chardonnay
Intense yellow colour with subtle tones olive shiny appearance. Exquisite aroma dominated by tropical fruits, citrus, coconut and nuts. A delicate and correct acidity giving a feeling of freshness. This Andeluna Altitud Chardonnay has a smooth, lingering finish. Serve at 9C. Aged in new French oak barrels for 12 months, followed by at least 8 months in bottle before release. Battonage (stirring of the lees) was carried out during the ageing process.
El Enemigo Chenin Blanc
We've been huge fans of El Enemigo for years, especially their chardonnay. James Suckling has always felt the same way, often awarding it 97+ points. We're also lovers of chenin blanc, so we felt that the idea of El Enemigo making a chenin blanc was a potential match made in heaven. Once we had our first taste, we knew this to be true. The fruit is sourced from 50 year old vines (who knew there were chenin vines that old in Mendoza!!!), pressed in whole clusters and then bottled unfined and unfiltered. We're talking texture for days, minerality, almond meal, cured lemon and a mouthwatering underscore of subtle salinity. It often takes a producer years to nail a new variety, but El Enemigo has done it in their first go round. Lucky us!