Decero 2008 Remolinos Vineyard Malbec
$23 | Mendoza | 89 points
Made from a single vineyard, this malbec is an evolved version of the country’s beloved red. It has refined aromas of ripe blackberry and vanilla, with a hint of cedary spice. It’s also stylish and smooth, but needs a bit more depth to achieve 90 points. Vintages. LCBO 247304
Humberto Canale Estate 2010 Pinot Noir
$15 | Patagonia | 88 points
Pinot noir is increasingly popular in Patagonia, but compared with Ontario’s or Burgundy’s pinots, Argentina’s are a little soft. This red has cherry and strawberry jam flavours, herbs and spices set in a smooth texture and a warm finish. It’s worth the extra effort of ordering online.
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Trapiche 2010 Syrah Reserva
$12 | Mendoza | 87 points
Argentina’s climate is great for syrah (also known as shiraz), but winemakers are almost blasé about it, in part because Australia has cornered the syrah market. This one has great structure and depth for $12. It’s a bit chunky and tannic, with ripe black cherry, licorice and meaty complexity. LCBO 222281
Don Cristobal 2010 Bonarda
$13 | Mendoza | 88 points
Originally from the Alps, the bonarda grape is responsible for much of Argentina’s bulk wine, but it’s being upgraded through lower yields. This is a classic with deep purple colour and lifted floral, peppery and blueberry scents. It’s rounded, lively and juicy, with less tannin than malbec. Vintages. LCBO 261941
Michel Torino 2010 Cuma Organic Torrontés
$13 | Salta | 90 points
Torrontés is an unabashedly aromatic, muscat-like variety grown throughout Argentina. The zesty, lean and mineral versions from Cafayate are the best in the country. This one has aromas of tangerine, lime and licorice, and fresh evergreen notes. Chill well. Vintages. LCBO 262014
Viña Cobos Felino 2010 Merlot
$20 | Mendoza | 89 points
I was surprised by the quality of Argentina’s merlot this year, especially from Patagonia and the higher elevations in Mendoza. This red exudes flavours of raspberry, figs and tobacco, with an undercurrent of steak tartare meatiness. It’s satiny and lush. A touch too much alcohol holds it back from a 90-point rating. Vintages. LCBO 248492
Graffigna 2011 Centenario Pinot Grigio
$13 | San Juan | 88 points
Pinot grigio’s wave of global popularity has washed up at the foot of the Andes. The warm climate produces riper, more tropical versions than Italy or France. This one exudes banana, orange and fennel flavours. It’s a touch soft but still refreshing. LCBO 164756
O.Fournier Urban Uco 2010 Malbec-Tempranillo
$14 | Mendoza | 87 points
The high elevation of Mendoza’s Uco Valley is the heart of avant-garde winemaking in Argentina. O.Fournier makes several good malbec blends, like this one. It’s fleshy and juicy, making it a lovely red for everyday sipping. Very ripe fig and plum flavours with earthy notes. Vintages. LCBO 166397
Trumpeter 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon
$13 | Mendoza | 88 points
Argentina’s hot, dry climate is prime for cabernet, but malbec has always had more mass appeal. Wines like this will change minds. It has a rich, complex cabernet nose of cedar, leather and blackcurrants. It’s medium-full bodied, with some heat and woody tannin. Best 2013 to 2016. LCBO 218842
Scores: David Lawrason assigns scores on a 100-point scale. They reflect a wine’s overall quality.
A rating of 95 to 100 is outstanding; 90 to 94 excellent; 85 to 89 very good; 80 to 84 good.
