Saurus Barrel Fermented Malbec 2008

15.5 / 20

Producer: Bodega Familia Schroeder

Region: Patagonia

Country: Argentina

I had some good expectations about this, since the other wines I've tasted from this producer from Patagonia had been very enjoyable - I really liked their Select Malbec, for instance.

This particular brand of wines is fermented in the oak barrels (as opposed to aging there after fermentation). I think the goal is to produce a more elegant, constrained Malbec, but overall I felt a little disappointed with it.

The nose felt subdued, hidden, hints of sweet red fruit noticeable in the background, uderneath some unfocused toast notes.

Average structure in the mouth, a good deal of acidity but the flavors also feel hidden, without much expression. The tannins here are still very much to the foreground, maybe overshadowing the rest of the taste. Time gives it more grace in the palate, giving it some more presence, backed by juicy, red fruits.

Could probably benefit from some cellaring or a longer decantation.

Saurus Pinot Noir 2007

15.0 / 20

Producer: Bodega Familia Schroeder

Region: Patagonia

Country: Argentina

A Pinot Noir varietal from the base brand for this producer from Patagonia, this is a pleasurable, honest wine.

Brilliant red in the glass, the nose, not very complex, has lots of red wild fruits combined with a floral scent.

Good acidity in the palate, with balanced tannins that give it some structure, although this is a light bodied wine. The focus is again on red wild fruits, pervading the taste all the way to the medium length finish.

For its price range, this is, in my view, a good, honest Pinot Noir.

Tasted on 2011-10-13

Saurus Sauvignon Blanc 2008

14.5 / 20

Producer: Bodega Familia Schroeder

Region: Patagonia

Country: Argentina

This is another argentinian wine from Patagonia, again from Bodega Familia Schroeder. This particular wine belongs to the base brand of the Bodega, focusing on simpler, day to day wines.

Light yellow, nose brings to mind cut grass along with some citrus notes - limes, mainly. Some yellow fruit appears later on but in a faint, discreet way.

Tasting it, one finds a soft-bodied wine, with controlled acidity and some discreet fruit notes. Ends with a brief persistence, showing some faint citrus notes.

Overall, I felt that this bottle was a bit tired. I would try to focus on more recent vintages, where the acidity and the fruit would be a bit more upfront.

Tasted on 2011-07-21

Saurus Patagonia Select Malbec 2006

17.0 / 20

Producer: Bodega Familia Schroeder

Region: Patagonia

Country: Argentina

This is an impressive Malbec from the Bodegas Familia Schroeder in Patagonia. I tasted their Select Chardonnay a while ago and was very well impressed, but this Malbec easily tops that.

Really dark colored, the bouquet is intense and strong, showing lots of red wild berries, nice oaky notes, spices and a hint of flowers. Very impressive yet balanced.

In the mouth, quite an impressive structure, layered and still showing a lot of youth. Good, fresh acidity combined with dry tannins and some intense wild berries notes make up a really top taste. Oak is seamlessly joined with the whole set, adding yet some more layers to this. Finishes long with a dry and spiced aftertaste that lingers for a long time.

Very impressive and a great price/quality ratio.

Tasted on 2011-07-13

Saurus Patagonia Select Chardonnay 2008

16.0 / 20

Producer: Bodega Familia Schroeder

Region: Patagonia

Country: Argentina

I wasn't aware there was commercial wine production in Patagonia, since all argentinian wine seems to come from Mendoza. But here it is, a bodega from Patagonia with an impressive number of brands and varietals (including some sparkling wines).

This is one of their chardonnays, a departure from the heavier, creamier style usually associated with the new world whites. The aromas are fresh, showing sweet pineapples and some citrus impressions towards the back.

The mouth feels structured enough, but it is a fruit driven wine (pineapple again). Although there are some hints of the oak that was used to age 40% of this wine, it is really fresh and shows some great acidity - because the vines are so much to the south, maybe?

Good enough to make me hunt some others. The Pinot Noir might be interesting.

Tasted on 2011-01-25