Bodegas Esmeralda Estiba I Chardonnay 2009, Mendoza – medium yellow gold; on the nose, white peach, green apple, wet stone, brioche. Medium bodied, high acidity, touch of oak, well balanced, fruit forward, medium length finish all juicy fruit. Nicely put together Chardonnay.

Familia Perulán Tannat-Malbec, Mendoza – interestingly undated; inky, impenetrable violet color; black fruit – black cherries, black plums, black currant, dried mushroom, vanilla, toast on the nose; full-bodied, fairly high acidity, dry but soft tannins, light oak, noticeable alcohol, particularly on the finish, but overall well integrated. Really pretty delicious!

Viña Bisquertt Casa La Joya Reserva Syrah 2004, Colchagua Valley, Chile – Dark cherry red, a fair amount of particulate matter; black currants and blackberries, light spice; full bodied, jammy, very fruit forward, moderate acidity, soft, sweet tannins, light oak, sweet finish. Quite good.

Fabre Montmayou Trilogie Merlot-Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Luján de Cuyo – medium purple red; mixed berry fruit and milk chocolate; medium bodied, spicy, high acidity and alcohol, very noticeable milk chocolate oakiness that continues on the finish. Good, but very commercial tasting.

Nieto-Senetiner Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz 2007, Luján de Cuyo – deep violet; green leaves, blackberry, red currant; full bodied, green tobacco, pepper, high acidity, moderate alcohol, well-integrated but noticeable oak, hot finish.

LaMadrid Bonarda Reserva 2007, Luján de Cuyo – deep red purple; mixed dark berries, spice and toasted oak; medium to full bodied, moderate acidity, fruit forward, sweet tannins, dark fruits, spice, well balanced. This is a single vineyard wine, aged in new French oak for 9 months. One of the best Bonarda’s I’ve tasted in Argentina.