A Mendoza, Argentina Cabernet Sauvignon

A Mendoza, Argentina Cabernet Sauvignon

Can you get a decent Argentina Cabernet Sauvignon at this price?...

Since I have been running this column for several years, it should be no surprise that I’ve done several Argentinian Cabernet Sauvignons. And this is not our first wine from the popular Mendoza region. The web site for Finca Flichman (does that sound Argentinian is in Spanish only. Their vineyards occupy 350 hectares (about 900 acres) in the Maipu and Tupungolo subregions of Mendoza. Tupungolo has a high elevation and consequently its fruit is harvested 16 to 20 days later than in Maipu. Where do today’s grapes come from? Silly boy, at this price they come from wherever production peaked. The winery was purchased in 1997 by Sogrape, a huge Portuguese conglomerate. The companion wine is an Israeli red blend (Cabernet Sauvignon +) costing about 50% more.

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.

Wine Reviewed
Misterio Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 13.5% alcohol about $9.

Let’s start with the marketing materials. “Tasting Note : Deep ruby red colour with an intense note of cassis, dried herbs and black pepper; dry, medium to full bodied; ripe fruit flavour with silky tannins in a long finish. Serving Suggestion : Excellent with grilled or roasted meats or poultry.” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine was round but too sweet. It displayed good acidity and light tannins. When paired with slow-cooked round steak its sweetness was dominant but this wine was oaky. Chickpeas darkened the Cab, which became a tad less sugary. The accompanying potatoes gave the libation round acidity. When I doused a generous amount of Chinese hot sauce on the meat the drink became acceptably dry – or almost and it was nicely long. Fresh pineapple took away the acidity in my glass, replaced by a burnt taste.

This review of a Mendoza, Argentina Cabernet Sauvignon continues on my web site at http://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_reviews/Weekly_cheap_wine_reviews/Y2013/wine_lovers_bargain_review_macs.php