Amalaya 2010

16.5 / 20

Producer: Bodegas Amalaya

Region:Salta

Country:Argentina

A blend of Malbec - what else? - Syrah , Cabernet Sauvignon and Tannat, this argentinian red has an inviting, intense bouquet - very fruit-forward with notes of vanilla and a subtle spice background. Although it starts off very Malbec like, I think the Syrah eventually finds its way to the foreground, with some very nice notes of blackberries.

Very open, round and inviting in the palate, silky, smooth tannins leveraging the intensity of the fruit and vanilla notes. Controlled acidity, good structure and decent finish, this is a very well made wine that is ready to be enjoyed.

Specially enjoyed those blackberries both in the nose and in the palate - the Syrah / Malbec blend came along very well.

Yacochuya 2000

18.0 / 20

Producer: San Pedro de Yacochuya

Region: Salta

Country: Argentina

A Malbec from Argentina made by Michel Rolland and highly praised by Robert Parker, this could easily be one of those wines that fail to meet expectations.

But fortunately, this is a very rewarding, deep and imposing wine that is a pleasure to all senses. Strong in the nose, with nicely tuned coffee and toast notes, a hint of spices and still showing, after 10 years in the bottle, evident notes of of opulent dark plums.

This is still a dense, layered and complex wine, supported by still lively and hard tannins and a fresh acidity. This is perfectly balanced by the spices present in the body that, along with some leather notes and some plums, make an outstanding, full and fulfilling taste, that somehow comes across as elegant. Very long finish.

Given the acidity and the tannins the wine still shows, I'm quite sure this will last for some years.

Tasted on 2012-01-21