Meeting Notes 3/9/07 (part 1)

Vine Connections with Chad Beverlin

Crios Malbec 2005

• Produced by Susana Balbo
• Deep vibrant color
• Peppery, deep raspberry/blackberry nose - quite pervasive
• Touch of inky fruit
• Very ripe, soft and juicy qualities on the palate
• Touch of tannin on the medium-long finish
• Quite pleasant
• (1+)

Medel Malbec 2004

• Produced by Roberto de la Mota from 76 year old vines
• Extremely dark and vibrant purple color
• Smoky meaty nose with sweet vanilla scents
• Mouthfilling, soft and velvety feel on the palate
• A bit of grip and wood tannins blended with big flavors
• Very good - 2600 cases

Mendel Unus 2004

• Varietal Composition: 70% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon - vineyard planted in 1928
• Quite dark purpley black
• Smoky, spicy pine and over-ripe berries with a touch of alcohol (14%)
• Juicy and deep penetration on the palate - grips your mouth
• Good structure with some big tannins
• Bold fruit, tangy and juicy feel - Big wine with a medium-long finish
• Still tight and young
• (2)+

Mapema Sauvignon Blanc Mendoza 2006

• 30 % BF
• Mellow nose with Guava notes and other tropical qualities
• (Very Cold) but soft on the palate, much softer than NZ SB's
• Juicy mouth quality with a touch of older wood
• Elegant style with a fresh, appealing overall style
• Very Good
• Produced by Pepe Galante (Catena) and Mario di Paola (Chandon)
• (2)

Ben Marco Expresivo 2004

• Varietal Composition: 50% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Bonarda, 10% Syrah, 5% Tannat
• Very dark, purple
• Flagship wine for Ben Marco - made by Susana Balbo
• Spicy over-ripe raspberry nose with wood scents and pepper spice
• Mouthfilling, somewhat velvety and rich, but not sweet on the palate
• Cab flavors come through on the finish - some chocolate and and cheries/berries
• A bit of acidity and tannins, but very ripe qualities
• Quite good - (2)+

Tikal Patriota Bonarda/Malbec 2005

• 60% Bonarda/ 40% Malbec
• Very dark, opaque purple/black
• Sweet very-ripe berry, grape, black fruits on the nose
• Generous feel on the palate with loads of flavors that wrap themselves around your tongue
• Touch of tanins, but loads of flavor in the long sweet spicy finish - touch of mint
• Finish goes on and on with sweet plums
• (2+)

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