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The Alfa Crux from Argentina is now in our top two wines from that region and very worthy of writing about. Composed of 60% Tempranillo, 35% Malbec and 5% Merlot, this vino tinto is a wonderful full-bodied wine full of bold berry fruits, fig and spicy toast. Mocha and chocolate with a very strong finish.

Wine Spectator - 93 points

Where can you get this wine? I’ll update as soon as we find a recommended shop.

From the winemaker:
An interesting piece about thier label from O. Fournier:

“The names of the “Alfa Crux” and “B Crux” wines are based on the stars of the Southern Cross. This constellation is only visible in the Austral Hemisphere. The characterisation of the ostrich on the label symbolises the joining of the earth and the sky. The Argentinean Mocovi Indians captured this through paintings in the caves they inhabited and through different legends that were passed from generation to generation.”

“After selecting the barrels individually, Bodega y Viñedos O. Fournier will offer its best wine under the “Λ Crux” label. This wine will have spent approximately 18 months in new oak barrels and 12 months in bottles. The second wine, “β Crux”, will age in oak barrels, 50 per cent new and 50 per cent second year, for 12 months and in bottles for a minimum of six months.”

(1 votes, average: 9 out of 10)

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The Solaris 2005 Cabernet has some serious plum and blackberry taste but I think it just lacks complexity… probably because it’s so young. We both were in agreement that this wasn’t the best wine we’ve tasted from Solaris, however we were so excited to try it we didn’t bother letting it sit for a year to develop more. Patience can be your best bet for some wines…we’ll try again in a year or so.

(4 votes, average: 6.25 out of 10)

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The Rutherford Ranch Chardonnay is probably one of our favorite Chardonnay’s from Napa Valley. Starts off with a wonderful smell of apricot, apple, cinnamon and cloves. Taste has a great oaky spice to it with flavors of apple and pear fruits mixed with a nice and clean citrus finish. Goes great with seafood, chicken and even by itself, this wine is great anytime. Chill it before drinking and enjoy! Fantastic wine from Napa Valley at a good price! (around $12)

(3 votes, average: 9.33 out of 10)

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We were in the grocery store the other day and they had a big display announcing this new wine from Africa so we decided to grab a bottle and give it a try. The nose on this wine was very interesting. Almost smelled like cheese! Not expected nor have we ever smelled anything like that before. Wouldn’t say we loved it but the taste was good. Berry and even some wood flavor. Unique! May need to keep a few for a year or so to let develop more. Overall, a nice tasting wine from Western Cape, South Africa!

From the label: “Our Cabernet Pinotage with the dark fresh blackberries of smoth and creamy Cabernet are intensified by Pinotage’s intense red berry notes and complex structure.”

Look for the yellow and black Cheetah label.

(3 votes, average: 5.67 out of 10)

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In an Italian restaurant you could easily pay $25-$35 for this bottle of D’ Aquino Chianti wine and you wouldn’t be disappointed. It has a good flavor, a nice smell and really does go great with a hearty Italian dinner. It has a radiant red color, soft & dry mouth feel and a nice taste of cranberry in the finish. We’ve actually found this wine for about $5 from our local Trader Joes grocery store. For the price and the good tasting Chianti you just can’t go wrong. Chill it for 5 mins before you drink it if you wish. Salute!

(3 votes, average: 7.33 out of 10)

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This delightful Merlot is made up from both Napa and Sonoma County wine grapes. In our opinion, a blend of the best wine growing regions in California. Hard to go wrong with this bottle!

Cherry and raspberry throughout this well developed Merlot from Artesa. Hints of cinnamon and clove with a dash of that cigar smell. If into Merlot then you just need to try this one!

(3 votes, average: 8.33 out of 10)

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At first we were intrigued by the beautiful label. (which doesn’t or shouldn’t be the best way to pick out a bottle of wine…but has worked for us from time to time) The black face you see is actually a die cut. Very unusual and elegant. Anyway, after letting it decant for 30 mins we gave it a good swirl and then a sniff. Wonderful nose on it! “Hmmmm, nice” Laura said. After the first sip we both agreed this was a tasty 100% Malbec with a nice hint of oak and full of great flavor. (need another bottle before we can tell you everything we tasted in this wine)

Taste is at least double the cost of the wine. (around $15) Great flavors and wonderful smell. Give it a try!

(1 votes, average: 8 out of 10)

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I went into a wine shop not long ago that specialized in Italian reds. The manager, whom which was very helpful, took me around his shop giving me inside on several Italian wines. One of the things he said was, “always decant for about 30-60 minutes.” “This will unlock the flavor of the wine and just give you a better tasting experience.” I asked, even for the cheaper wines? “Why not” he said.

I took his advice on even this less expensive Italian wine ($10 range) and we did enjoy it. Wouldn’t say it was the best Italian red wine we’ve ever had but it didn’t go towards my wine chips for grilling nor was there anything left in the bottle!

The Latias Primitivo 2003 from Lomazzi & Sarli is a dark red wine with a bold fruity flavor. Really a good buy!

(1 votes, average: 8 out of 10)

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Another wine, probably in our top 10 wines under $20 range…The Artesa Winery created Elements, a wonderful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a little of the Rhone varietals for the spice. According to Mr. Kenton, President of the winery, “elements was conceived to showcase the diversity of the winery’s vineyard resources and its world-class winemaking talent.”

Right he was, Elements really is a great wine. Aged two years in oak, it has that great characteristic we really enjoy and search out. Along with cherry, dark berry fruit, a little spice and at a great low price, Elements is a must try! We’ve found this wine at many of our local grocery stores for around $17-$19 and we’ll usually pick up a few when shopping for wine.

And if you ever get up to the Napa Valley, make sure you visit the Artesa Winery for some of the most beautiful views of the wine country and of course, to taste Artesa’s fantastic wines!

(4 votes, average: 8.75 out of 10)

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