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From this producer Show all wines All tasting notes
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Drinking Windows and Values |
| Drinking window: Drink between 2005 and 2007 (based on 29 user opinions) |
Community Tasting History |
| Community Tasting Notes (average 85 pts. and median of 85 pts. in 2 notes) - hiding notes with no text | | Tasted by thirtyoneknots on 4/4/2008: Quite interesting smokiness, but not like a normal meaty syrah smokiness. Quite integrated and tasty, but probably a bit in decline. No detailed notes, but it's probably time to go ahead and drink this (and enjoy it). (2014 views) | | Tasted by eltejano on 3/21/2006 & rated 85 points: a pretty good, young and chewy grape & fruit juice wine. I'd buy it again, especially at a price ~$9-12, but I'ld like to see how it is again in 6-12 more months (2550 views) |
| By Stephen Tanzer Vinous, July/August 2004, IWC Issue #115 (Susana Balbo Syrah/Bonarda Crios de Susana Balbo Mendoza) Subscribe to see review text. | NOTE: Scores and reviews are the property of Vinous. (manage subscription channels) |
| Crios de Susana Balbo Producer website
U.S. Importer (addt'l info)Red Blend.Argentina Wines of Argentina
Argentina has been making wine since the 1500s, tracing its wine heritage back to Spain, France and, perhaps surprisingly, Italy. Italian immigration is second only to Spanish in Argentine culture, and the flavors of Italy show up strongly in the nation’s wine, food and cultural tradition. Historically, Argentina has kept much of its wine consumption at home, drinking most of the wine it makes. But we are now seeing more very serious Argentine wines north of the border, and Malbec is leading the movement. The wine-making region in Argentina ranges between the 22° and 42° South latitude. It spreads at the foothills of the Andean mountain range along over 2,400 km; from the province of Salta to the province of Río Negro, with a variety of climates and soils that makes each region a unique land. In general terms, the areas dedicated to vine cultivation are dry and arid with a low level of rain and humidity, determining factor as regards grape health. Abundant sunny days and thermal amplitude favor a good maturity and concentration of aroma and color in the grain. Soils are deep, permeable and poor in organic matter, decisive qualities at the time of obtaining good wine. Due to the low rain regime, irrigation is necessary. Water comes from the Andean range thaw, descending in the shape of rivers to become channels or ditches. Undoubtedly, the combination of these factors turns Argentina into a veritable oasis for the highest quality wine-making. Nevertheless, there is still a long way to go. Wine-making in Argentina, at the level that it achieves today, has a young history that goes back to a little more than 10 years ago. Technological progress, investment and some farsighted businessmen enabled a determining transformation. The province of Mendoza is the most traditional area in the viticultural industry, and is diverse enough to be divided into zones, according to their significantly different weather, height and soil characteristics. These include the Northern Zone, which is suitable for fruity whites and young reds, at a height from 600 to 700m; the Eastern Zone, with a height ranging from 600 to 700m, and the most productive zone in the province; the Uco Valley, a zone of colder weather and higher altitudes (between 800 and 1,400m over sea level); San Rafael, with heights ranging from 450 to 800m; and the High Zone of the Mendoza River, with heights ranging from 800 to 1,100m over sea level and various microclimates, this is the zone where almost all noble varieties have easily become adapted. It is a region that is remarkably well-suited to vine culture, protected from the Pacific’s cooling influence by the Andes and enjoying a long summer of cool nights and warm days, with a dry summer climate but plenty of water available from the region’s rivers. Malbec in particular is outstanding from this area, and it has clearly emerged as the star, the darling of both consumers and critics.Mendoza Wines of Mendoza |
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