This Week’s Wine Tasting
Wines of Mendoza, Argentina
Imported by Vina del Sol
“Zolo is produced at one of the most technologically advanced wineries in Argentina. Zolo selects grapes from estate vineyards throughout different key regions of Mendoza. Located at various altitudes, each of these terroirs provides a different expression of fruit and varietal concentration. The winemakers are Fabian Valenzuela and Jean Claude Berrouet (former Petrus winemaker), the vineyard manager is Carlos Correas, and the President and owner is Patricia Ortiz.
The purpose of the winery’s Zolo classic line is to create a family of fruit-forward, great value wines, which can be enjoyed with a wide range of food or by themselves. The Zolo Reserves, with their ultra-high concentration, long ageing in new French oak, and aromatic complexity are made for those special occasions when one needs a wine to “blow your hat off.”
Zolo has been a leading Argentine brand since 2004, and is estate-grown & sustainably-farmed.” 
Zolo Signature White nv– Mendoza, Argentina. A blend of 70% Torrontés, 15% Sauvignon Blanc, and 15% Chardonnay. Aged in stainless steel. 100% sustainably farmed. “Vineyards: “El Jarillal” estate vineyard in Alto Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza. Average vineyard altitude: 3,200 feet. This blend of Mendoza’s signature white grapes features friendly flavors of tropical fruits with hints of grapefruit and jasmine. Its naturally sweet and slightly effervescent palate makes it a refreshing choice for any occasion. 1,660 cases produced.” $10.99
Zolo Signature Red 2014– Mendoza, Argentina. A blend of 30% Bonarda, 30% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Malbec. Aged for 6 months in French (75%) and American (25%) oak. 100% sustainably farmed. “Vineyards: Estate vineyards in Agrelo and Alto Agrelo (Ugarteche), Mendoza. Average vineyard altitude: 3,200 feet. This blend of Mendoza’s signature red grapes features intense and fresh red fruit aromas and a lush, long mouthfeel. “Bold aromas of coffee candy, chocolate cherry pie, and peppercorn with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tangy craisin and spice finish. A really tasty everyday wine that will work with pretty much anything.” 10,000 cases produced.” $10.99
Black Cabra by Zolo– “Our wines, like the Black Cabra (goat), come from the Argentine Andes. These wines are produced from our estate vineyards and crafted in our state-of-the-art winery, Fincas Patagonicas, by winemaker Fabian Valenzuela. Our wines are 100% Sustainably Farmed.”
Black Cabra Chardonnay 2013– Mendoza, Argentina. “This unoaked Chardonnay, like the Black Cabra (goat), comes from the Argentine Andes. Our estate Chardonnay is fruit-focused, with lush flavors of tropical fruit and peaches. An amazing value. 100% sustainably farmed.” $10.99
Black Cabra Cabernet Sauvignon 2014– Mendoza, Argentina. “From the Argentine Andes. Our estate Cabernet Sauvignon has lush flavors of red fruits and strawberry jam. Oak aging adds complexity and notes of spice and vanilla. 100% sustainably farmed.” $10.99
Altocedro– “The winery and vineyards of Altocedro are located in the premier region of La Consulta, Valle de Uco, Mendoza. Winemaker and owner Karim Mussi Saffie uses sustainable growing practices to produce limited amounts of terroir-driven wines. The vines range up to 100 years of age. All harvesting, sorting, and crushing are done in individual batches by hand. Fermentation occurs either in small cement tanks or in barrels, and the extract is done with a gravity flow system developed at the winery over 100 years ago. Altocedro has become synonymous with outstanding La Consulta wine.
Altocedro means “tall cedar,” and represents both winemaker and owner Karim Mussi Saffie’s Lebanese-Argentine heritage, and a cedar tree which towers over the winery.”
Altocedro Malbec Ano Cero 2013– Mendoza, Argentina. 100% Malbec. 30% of the wine spent 12 months in French oak barrels. 100% sustainably farmed. “Vineyards: La Consulta, Valle de Uco, Mendoza. Average vineyard altitude: 3,300 feet. We strive for a La Consulta- terroir driven Malbec that is fresh, fruit-forward, and easy-to-drink. 4,000 cases produced.” 88 Wine Spectator- “Dark currant and roasted plum flavors feature an appealing graininess, along with Asian spice notes. Accents of espresso and dark chocolate appear on the ripe finish.” $17.99
“Tapiz is one of the most renowned and awarded Argentine wineries. Winemaker Fabian Valenzuela was joined by Jean Claude Berrouet in 2012. Jean Claude is the recently-retired winemaker of Petrus, having presided over 44 vintages at this revered Bordeaux winery. Tapiz is proud that Jean Claude chose to work with them exclusively in Argentina. To celebrate the addition of Jean Claude, Tapiz created a new “Alta Collection” line of wines. The “Alta Collection” fruit comes solely from Tapiz’s sustainably-farmed estate San Pablo vineyard in the Uco Valley. San Pablo is one of the highest altitude vineyards in Mendoza (4,600 feet above sea level). This extreme altitude provides for warm days which impart concentration to the grapes, and cold nights which give natural acidity.
Fabian and Jean Claude work together to create a beautiful tapiz (tapestry) between the wine’s unfiltered fruit and its oak aging. These full-bodied yet elegant wines have the acidity and complexity to drink on their own or complement food. As Restaurant Wine exclaimed: “Tapiz is a very consistent producer of excellent wines.””
Tapiz Malbec Alta Collection 2012– Mendoza, Argentina. 100% Malbec. Aged for 9 months in French (85%) and American (15%) oak barrels (first and second use). 100% sustainably farmed. Vineyard: Estate San Pablo Vineyard, Uco Valley, Mendoza. Vineyard altitude: 4,430 feet. “To celebrate the addition of Jean Claude Berrouet (ex-Petrus) as Consultant Winemaker, Tapiz released a new “Alta Collection” line of wines in 2013. The alta (high-altitude) fruit comes from Tapiz’s sustainably-farmed estate vineyards in Uco Valley, Mendoza. Chief Winemaker Fabian Valenzuela and Jean Claude work together to create a beautiful tapiz (tapestry) between the wine’s intense fruit and its oak aging. 2,400 cases produced.” 89 Wine Spectator- “A fruity style, dripping with dark cherry and luscious spice flavors, with notes of graphite, sandalwood and cream. The well-structured finish is long, rich and full of dark chocolate accents.” $17.99