As with Chile I focused on whites, though reds are the mainstay it’s good to be different!
Andean Vineyards Casa Colletta Chenin Blanc 2006 – quince and apple with a touch of honey – very well done sub £4 style.
Bodega Lurton Pinot Gris 2006 – restrained, elegant style with a nice concentration of pear fruit.
Trapiche Sauvignon Blanc 2006 – flinty with prickly pear and a touch of sweaty armpit – good varietal pungent style.
Valle de La Puerta Torrontés 2005 – lifted floral nose with white pepper; good depth of flavour and that classic edge of tannin.
Alta Vista Premium Torrontés 2006 – lively with a fresh core of grapey, spicy fruit; good length.
Bodega Lurton Flor de Torrontés 2006 – well balanced, dry, subtle Torrontés; a suave palate of white flowers and grapes.
Colomé Torrontés 2005 – restrained, complex nose and palate of flowers and grapes, hint of white pepper and minerality; off-dry.
Dominio del Plata Crios Torrontés 2006 – very fresh and aromatic with well-balanced, flavoursome pear, grape and white pepper.
Finca La Cecilia La Cecilia Reserva Chardonnay/Viognier 2005 – richly concentrated peach and apricot with a lick of vanilla; well-balanced weighty style.
Terrazas de Los Andes Reserva Chardonnay 2005 – ripe, fresh fig with well-balanced acidity giving length and freshness.
Catena Zapata Alamos Chardonnay 2005 – well done forward style with rich ripe peach, vanilla and figs.
Catena Zapata Chardonnay 2005 – fine, fresh, lemony nose and palate with hints of biscuit and roast hazlenut and a mineral core – excellent.
Don Cristobal 1492 Verdelho 2006 – lots of tropical fruit with floral hints; finishes dry, good length.
Luigi Bosca Gala 3 2005 – Viognier, Chardonnay and Riesling meld well: nice balance of mango, peach and lime flavours.
Sarah Ahmed
The Wine Detective
September 2006
