Great Wines from Argentina

Robert Parker Reports Huge Strides in Argentine Wine

Argentina may the most overlooked important New World wine region. It's primary varietal, Malbec, is not well known to most American and Canadian wine lovers, who often assign it to a quality level far below Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon. While Malbec never produced a truly great wine in it homeland, France, it has found ideal growing conditions in the Mendoza region of Argentina, just across the Andes from the fine winegrowing regions of Chile.

Our tasting panel will present its own reviews of Argentine wines later this Spring. Meanwhile, here are some highlights from Mr. Parker's rating:

At the top of the list, rated 98-100 points on the 100 point scale are the 2005 and 2006 Vina Cobos Malbec Marchiori Vineyard ($150). A little less expensive is the 2005 Achaval Ferrer Malbec Finca Altamira at $79-100; rating is also 98 points. Vina Cobos second label Bramare Malbec, 2005 Vina Cobos Bramare Marchiori Vineyard garnered 96 points and is priced at $75.

We were happy to see the 2003 Bodegas Trapiche Malbec Tributo Vina Felipe Villafane win 95 points. It's priced around $45 and a huge bargain.

All Argentine wines rated 95 points or above were Malbecs. Some Cabernet Sauvignons climbed up to 94 points. A standout in that category is the 2005 Vina Cobos Bramare Marchiori Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon at $55. Try finding a 94 point Napa Valley Cabernet at that price!

The economy standout was 2005 Bodegas Poesia Clos des Andes, a 93 pt. Malbec priced at $12.