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Wine Review: 2011 Amancaya Gran Reserva - Argentina

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A rewarding collaboration creates an uplifting Malbec dominant wine.

Amancaya is produced in Argentina’s Mendoza region, by Nicolas Catena of Bodega Catena, in partnership with Barons de Rothchild (Lafite). Catena is one of South America’s largest wineries.

The Amancaya is a flower of the Andes, worn by native Indian women of Mendoza.

Tasting Notes 2011 Amancaya Gran Reserva:

Color: Dark garnet.
Nose: Earthy, leather jacket, cherry, candied,
Palate: Medium body, dry, spicy cherry, light mid-palate, medium finish with heat.
30 Minutes: Nose candied cherry, dusty leather jacket, tar, cedar liner from a cigar tube. Fuller, tobacco, spice, dried cherry, sip of espresso, dry medium finish. More my speed.
45 minutes: Delivering at this point. Cherry, currant, hint of sage, integrated and enjoyable across the palate.
One hour: Creamy with apple tannin, dry cherry, dry on the cheeks, swirled across the tongue, tobacco, cherry-coffee finish with nice kiss of acid. Not heavy, uplifting and tasty. Masculine wine.

Day two: Gorgeous deep purple color. Dark fruit, violets, candied cherry and tobacco. Rich, fine tannin, dark fruit, slightly smoky and spicy, tobacco, plum on dry grippy finish. Pretty nose and satisfying finish.

Thoughts: A young wine which is still developing. Decant if you drink now. Best served slightly chilled 50-55F. Recommended.


Blend: 70% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
Country: Mendoza Argentina
Closure: Natural Cork
ABV: 15%
Sample provided by Pasternak Wine Imports

Produced and bottled by Bodegas Caro in partnership with S.A. Les Domaines Barons De Rothschild (Lafite)/Nicolas Catena

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