South American Wine Tasting

South American Wine Tasting – Episode #359

November 28, 2007

The wines of Chile and Argentina continue to gain in popularity and we are starting to see some great values on premium wines from the area, today Gary Vaynerchuk explores a few.

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Comments on this episode(157) Leave a comment ›

“QOTD: De Martino Single Vineyard Malbec Maule Valley. 100% Malbec from…” by richardvinifera
“2006 Ben Marco -ESPRESIVO…” by Mr.Hooper
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2005 Bodega Colome MalbecArgentine Malbec
2005 Emiliana CoyamOther Chilean Red Wine
2004 Vina Chocalan Gran ReservaChile Carmenere

157 Responses

November 28, 2007

garyv
1st
November 28, 2007

Matthew L
Hey there Gary. I’ve been waiting on ya!
November 28, 2007

Harley Stan
top 5
November 28, 2007

Lisa Strawberry
whooot! Malbec!!!
November 28, 2007

Matthew L
I think I should be marked as the first NON-HOST to comment.
November 28, 2007

Withnail
This looks good
November 28, 2007

Ryan M.
Thanks for the upload Gary!
November 28, 2007

Matthew L
At $22, I need to give the Chocalan a look.

QOTD: The best, so far, is a Catena Zapata.
November 28, 2007

David Dadekian
I’ll confess to being a lurker (only for about a month–also new viewer) and I’m going to try to post more often. Thanks for doing South America, Gary. I’ve become a really big fan of Chile and Argentina lately. Some of those 84-88 point $7-$10 South Americans are really great for weekday dinner. Thanks again.
November 28, 2007

Billr
Top 10 I think….
November 28, 2007

crank
Just missed. But I’m still in.
November 28, 2007

CharlieMay
Whatchmacallits… Is that before or after the carmel? I think they were much better before, but then that could just be my childhood trying to come back.
November 28, 2007

lifestooshort
Thanks for tasting wines and being a spaz. No, wait, that didn’t sound right. Thanks for being a cool dude, and scaring my children with the Oak Monster. Dang, that’s not right either. Oh, heck, just thanks for being you, man. If I can help put your future teenagers through college with my overindulgent wine habit, well then, that’s just how it’s going to be!

Peace.

G
November 28, 2007

cgf
yo guy. nice ep.

QOTD; ‘03 quimera by achaval ferrer which i discovered through the thunder show.
November 28, 2007

Lisa Strawberry
Favorite wine from South America?

Durigutti Malbec… YUM!!!!!!!!!!!
November 28, 2007

Shadowbird
QOTD: I haven’t had any wines that I loved from South America…yet.
November 28, 2007

KAHUNA
If I win- I would like to opt for the I-phone. That 30 minute ride to WL sounds exciting and all but…
November 28, 2007

purplejuicebruce
Great show going to hunt down the Chocalan for sure
QOTD usualy South American wines I buy are the less expensive
ones like the Conche y Toro but my favorite so far is Zolo reserve Cab Sauvignon Mendoza Argentina
November 28, 2007

KNode
QOTD: I LOVED the Alamos Malbec! It was a great recommendation.
November 28, 2007

KC
QOTD: I usually drink the cheaper stuff from South America, but I did have a nice one not too long ago – Vina San Pedro Cabo de Hornos Cabernet. Also, I thought the B-Crux was a pretty good deal.
November 28, 2007

Contest suggestion
Gary you need to take the contest 1 notch further.

How about the winner gets to pick any one bottle in the store in addition to everything else? AND you (Gary) should taste the wines BLIND.

So how about it?
November 28, 2007

daverdude
TOP 20
Go DUDE

Now watch the video (lol)
November 28, 2007

Deano
Great episode gary you really got excited about that last wine.

QOTD:
-haven’t really had any wines from south america.
November 28, 2007

CindyW
We’re definitely going to have to seek out the Chocolan. I’m quite fond of chilean wines, and so far my favorite has been the 2004 Montes Alpha M. Second favorite is the Montes Alpha syrah (much better QPR).
November 28, 2007

Lb in KS
The only Argentine wine I can think of that I’ve had was Ben Marco Malbec. delish
November 28, 2007

Dr T from N. Carolina
QOTD I haven’t cared much for most SA wines, so never tried a real mid-level wine like those on today’s show. Those that I thought pretty good were a Cosechado Cabernet (1995) from Uruguay, 1999 Montes Cabernet from Chile, and most surprising, a 1997 TriVento Malbec from Argentina ($3.99 back in 2001)

“T”
November 28, 2007

Jahlove
QOTD: Would have to be a Malbec. Achaval Ferrer or Catena Alta.
November 28, 2007

italianwinelover
great ep…wonderful things coming out of Chile & Argentina!
QOTD: Ventisquero Reserva Carmenere–everyone that I know that has tasted it loved it!!!
November 28, 2007

KW
I haven’t really spent much time on quality SA wines. I am going to try that Chocalan.
November 28, 2007

Neil
QOTD: Lindaflor Malbec. Yummy. I Also like El Felino Malbec. Haven’t gotten to the intersting blends but definitely think the QPR from South America is easy on the pocketbook.
November 28, 2007

Orion Slayer
Keep it up Gary! You never cease to bring something new and interesting. I want to try all three just to see what they are like.

QOTD: South America? I know I’ve had a few, but nothing sticks out in my mind.
November 28, 2007

amgryger
QOTD: I haven’t explored much at the higher end of South America, so I will go with the best one I have had, though not necessarily a true favorite, which is the Veramonte Primus. I enjoyed it, but it didn’t quite make favorite status.
November 28, 2007

Nick
QOTD: 1. 2003 Almaviva Puenta Alto, Chile
2. Catena Zapata 2003
3. Catena Alta Malbec 2003
November 28, 2007

chenrys
Great show. Sure would like to find the Chocalan sometime.

QOTD: We don’t buy high end wines hardly ever so the South American wines we’ve tried aren’t expensive ones. We really like Chumeia Silver Nectar (on the serious sweet side) and Santa Ema Merlot (very chocolaty).
November 28, 2007

Toymachine
Definetely going to try the Chocalan.

QOTD: I liked the Catena Malbec. I have tried the Alamos Malbec but didn’t like it as much.
November 28, 2007

Robert Howells
Vina Chocalan – Carmenere Selection. For the contest, how about popping the cork on a 100 pointer like Quilceda Creek.
November 28, 2007

Cliff
Good show.
November 28, 2007

Taylor
Good episode great see you back firing on all cylinders
QOTD I have not drank many wines from South America yet, but after episode 296 I had the Alamos Malbec and i thought it was an 88 maybe 88+.
November 28, 2007

Neuroman
Gary,

To answer your question, it’s Vina Cobos malbec, a Paul hobbs product. It rocks.

Now, why get people all worked up about wines that are not available, like the Chocolan?

I’m just saying.

WKOP
November 28, 2007

stewart l
QOTD-2004 Achaval Ferrer Quimera. Still have 4 bottles in the cellar, a massive wine
November 28, 2007

stewart l
7:40 pm The Chocolan is already sold out-what gives? Did every one in the store take one home?
November 28, 2007

Harley Stan
Great episode today as always
QOTD- I haven’t had too many wines from S America so here goes Vino D Eyzguirre 2004 Merlot from Chile, not the best wine Ihave ever had but the best notes I have from a S American wine
November 28, 2007

Fiorentina!
I’m really happy that you did this episode because it was the 2001 Montes Alpha M that got me into taking wine seriously…since then I have found some nice wines from South America…Mendoza Malbecs are some of my fav. wines to drink period, but the 2001 Montes Alpha M will always be a special bottle of wine for me.
November 28, 2007

Brandon Warnke
Hi everyone – I know some of you are trying to buy the Vina Chocalan and we are sold out but we are working on bringing more in tomorrow! Stay tuned!! I will post a note in the forum when more stock is available!!

Brandon Warnke
VP Wine Library
brandon@winelibrary.com
November 28, 2007

Fred Schechter
QOTD: I in no way remember the name, but my best buddy, best man at my wedding brought back a bottle from Peru that was fantastic (no idea what it was, years ago).

Still thinking back to the Sake episode, so many new ones to try!!
November 28, 2007

Pastafari Pirate
QOTD: although I drink a lot of ‘low-end’ Chilean / Argentine wines (for their excellent QPR), I don’t think I’ve ever tried one above ~$18. The best white I’ve tried is the fantastic Gimenez Riili Torrontes; the best red I’ve tried is the Cousino Macul Antiguas Reserva Cab; but my all-time favorite South American wine — because of it’s QPR value — is the obnoxiously underpriced Vina Antigua Bonarda/Sangiovese from Argentina, an outrageous QPR for $4-$5. Love me them Chilean/Argie wines!
November 28, 2007

joaquin
QOTD: I like new world wines… and I think that Argentina has a couple of impressive wines… One of my favorite is the ARCHAVAL FERRER Winery..
They have tremendous wines… the FINCA BELLA VISTA MALBEC is awesome!!!
November 28, 2007

Dominus
Sold out already! Geez, make sure to have at least a case on hand when you rave about a wine.

QOTD: Miguel “Something” Carmenere
November 28, 2007

Christopher J
This is why I love this show. Here are three wines I would have never thought of, and probably overlook in a store. WLTV has really influenced me to try new things, and not just wine. Makes life more enjoyable. Thanks Gary!!!!
November 28, 2007

pawncop
Will try the Chocolan.

QOTD – 2003 Terra Noble Carmenere.
November 28, 2007

Dave Canada
Nice Ep.
QOTD – Hmmmm….you are so good…I totally was goig to write Don Melchor……failing that, It has got to be Weinert Cabernet 2000 from Argentina….it was my winter 2007 go to wine…think I went through about 3 cases in 3 months.
November 28, 2007

Dave Grega
I just had a Carmenere from Chile recently that blew me away…I think the price point was around $15 bones and I had it at 91pts IMHO….thanks for the show Gary!
November 28, 2007

Wanger
QOTD: Cousina Macul Cab – tried it back in the 90s. yum, but a little bit of green pepper – maybe you’d like it. Since then, the best thing I’ve had is the Monte Alpha.

Oh – by the way – just saw your shows linked on the right. Is Conan like 7 feet tall? Or is Ellen really short? Just curious.
November 28, 2007

Herm
I enjoyed the show….I have not had a great deal of S. American wines….but what I have had have been pleasant and a good value…..Herm
November 28, 2007

Joel M
Great show Gary. Best S. American wine has to be a Malbec by Tikal, check them out last few years have been great. Joel M
November 28, 2007

Robert
QOTD: I don’t remember the name of it, but the best wine I ever had was the red wine, I want to say cabernet sauvignon. I had when I was in Rio de Janiero. Me and my friend got a massive plate of seafood past and the wine went perfect with it. I can’t remember the name but I still got the cork in my apartment. Some of the best wines I had in my life were in South America, and it was probably the cheapest its ever been too. Not to mention one time we ate lunch at this outdoor market, and I got a 1 lb chicken fried steak and wine for $4, i’m not joking. Best meal ever.
November 28, 2007

DianneWalnuts
Our favorite S. American wine is the 2004 Primus, after we let it decant for an hour. Delicious!
November 28, 2007

thepiratedoc
New ‘Best of’ Series: “GV’s TableThumpers” … “TablePounders”? … “ThunderPounders”? … “ThunderThumpers”? Nope, going down the wrong road here, I think.

QOTD:Favorite South American I’ve had so far was the Concha Y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Merlot — did a ’round the world 4-pak’ with some new friends with this, some Napa Cab, a good Chianti, and an Haute Medoc. This one just really made me happy. I like the Casillero del Diablo for routine drinking too. Nobody will ever call ME Myles!! HA! As we say in local vernacular “boite me!” Haven’t found The Killer Malbec yet … tried a bunch, and they’re all so smooth and drinkable I guess I’m looking for a standout flavor combo or something. Could be looking for something not there, I suppose.
November 28, 2007

Joe Lambert
Simply a hoot. The show sends me out looking for certain wines that I can then describe to my unsuspecting freinds in a VAN–ER–CHUCK kind of way. But I need that wrist band. What do I do?
November 28, 2007

JC
Vino Chocalan I will stop by for. See you tomorrow GV
November 28, 2007

antony
Canale Merlot 2005 from Patagonia. Says on the bottle that it’s like a young Bordeaux – and wadda you know, it is!
November 28, 2007

Bernardo M
Great episode Gary. Really like to see you doing south american wines.
QOTD: I really was going to say Don Melchor, but since i can’t, i’ll say the Noemia 04 from patagonia in Argentina. Second would be Catena Alta Malbec 2003.
Thanks for doing wines I can get here in Brazil.
November 28, 2007

Kristen
Hmm…vanilla covered asparagus- I’ll have to look for that at Trader Joes! And the hayrides at the cranberry bogs while snorting mint leaves- GV how did you guess my teenage past times?
Hope you have a good trip out to CA! I wish I could be there for the party December 1st!

QOTD: Alma Negra Malbec and sparkling Malbec. Absolutely delicious. And that regular Malbec is ridiculously inky!

PS- I just bought a split sized bottle of 2003 Domaine Christian Moreau Chablis Vaillon 1er Cru. It was a “deal” for a student like me who can’t quite afford a regular sized one. The wine was good, but I found it was overly focused on honey. However, it went down quite easily! )
November 28, 2007

Jeremy Q
QOTD: Had a bottle of 2003 Sur De Los Andes “Infinito” (Malbec) which I really enjoyed. Have been scouring round the web trying to find more but to no avail I picked it up for just under $20 so wasnt cheap for a Malbec but really enjoyed it and so did many of my guest
November 28, 2007

andy
Gary

My favorite wine from South America is a 2004 Chilean Shiraz from Montgrass called Antu Niquen. Have you ever tried it and if so, what did you think of it?
November 28, 2007

Darlene O.
Great episode, as always!! QOD: I have to agree with DianneWalnuts and say the 2004 Primus absolutely rocks!
November 28, 2007

AngioRanger
great to see the thunder show finally showcasing the thunder from the other down under. SA wines stll bring great value to the table not at the ridiculous prices that the rest of the wine world seems to be going to. QOTD: Almaviva 2003 although not yet at it’s peak.
Ditto on neuroman comments re: Chocolan stock: up the hype and then the product sold out? Bummed:(
November 28, 2007

Tommy Vernieri
Yay, I was afraid you had forgotten about the iPhone. It wouldn’t be as cool as a trip up to WL but it sure would make me excited.

QOTD: The 2005 Anakena Ona Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot CarmenÃ¨re blend, which also happens to have a nice hefty bottle.
November 28, 2007

pforty
BOOOOO!!!! We want chocalan!!!

QOTD: Los Vascos Reserve Cab Sav. 04 QPR!!
November 28, 2007

The Crush
Argentina rocks.
QOTD: Try the Vina Cobos, Bramare, Marchiori Vineyard, 2004 if you can get your hands on it. One of the best Cabs I’ve ever tasted!!!
November 28, 2007

lenny
QOTD: Bodega Septima 2005 Malbec.
November 28, 2007

Mark Antonio
QOTD:
Catena Zapata Alta Malbec ‘99
Almaviva ‘01
Montes Alpha Syrah also takes some beating
November 28, 2007

jsuarez
Nice show. I always like to see wines from regions other than U.S. or Europe. I have not tried a great deal of South American wines. Ones that I really like are from Cono Sur from Chile. They make a very nice Pinot Nior and Sauvignon Blanc. Their Merlot is too “smokey” for me. Wines from Cono Sur are between $8 and $12.
November 28, 2007

BW
QOTD:
2004 Maquis Lien : Shiraz 50%, Carmenere 23%, Cab Franc 12%, Petite Verdot 8%, Malbec 7%; $16 at our local store & we would give it a 91+
November 28, 2007

t_moderne
Three South American wines I have not seen before. Thanks for tasting and introducing them. Usually I see just the standard Chilean wines and mass produced Argentinian Malbecs. Don’t much care for Malbecs nor Chilean cabernets that I have had.
November 28, 2007

GalvezGuy
QOTD – I have always like the Montes Alpha series. They have been classic values. Most recent screaming value has been the Ricardo Santos Malbec. Hard to find now because the importer in my part of the world went defunct.
November 28, 2007

JonE
Chocalan and chocolate??? Who doesn’t like a good unity wine, cheers to Chile the next great frontier.

QOTD: Achaval Ferrer Quimera without a doubt.
November 28, 2007

Cookiedds
Year after year I have been enjoying the Montes Alpha Syrah, at $15 it is a cellar standard in our house.
November 28, 2007

TROC
Go ahead and rip the down-under fruit bombs. Favorite SA vino- Marques de Casa Concha Cab by Concha Y Toro for 16 bucks its hard to beat.
November 28, 2007

mrzitro
QOTD: Being a wine newbie, I haven’t had many Malbecs yet (you got me trying so many other kinds of wine). The best one I’ve had so far is the Susana Balbo Malbec 2004. It wasn’t over oaked and was the 1st Malbec where I could taste flavors on the midpalate. In the sub $10 range, I really like the DoÃ±a Paula Los Cardos Malbec – very fresh plum aspect, a quaffing wine.

On the second place prize…is it just the iPhone or the iPhone with like a year of service prepaid?
I’m just saying….paying for the service is the “azzzzkikr”
November 28, 2007

laposte
QOTD; My favorite South American wine? I would have to say the next one I have…after watching Episode #359…
November 28, 2007

AndrewB
2004 Montes Alpha Syrah…….

and 2003 Don Melchor, come on Gary…it was awesome and I shared it with my best friend after a few rounds of beer pong.
November 29, 2007

E
Believe it or not, the Montes cab from Chile with a little carmenere in it–incredible stuff for $10-12 or thereabouts.
November 29, 2007

nougat
QOTD: I’ll pick one out of many that I enjoyed a whole lot – 2002 Familia Rutini Malbec La Consulta, I think I paid $13 for it. The 2002 Bodegas Catena Malbec Mendoza was stupid good too for about $17.
November 29, 2007

Rice
QOTD: can’t remember… I guess my memory is shot because I DROPPED ONE OF MY WINELIBRARY wines that just came in today via FedEx!!! AARGGHH!! I’ve never dropped a bottle of anything in 40+ years… and it had to be something I really wanted.
November 29, 2007

Ferrigno
GREAT EPISODE!!! BRING THE NEW CHAMPAGNE/SPARKLING WINE SOON PLEASE!
November 29, 2007

PaVo
QOTD: MAN That’s tough. My father is from Chile so we’ve had a lot! I do love the Montes Alpha Cabernet as a standard. But my current favorite, and one that I really wanted to recommend to you is the Maquis Lien. I know you guys don’t carry it but in Chicago it is about $13 or so 50% Syrah, 23 Carmenere, 12 Cabernet Franc, 8 Petit Verdot, 7 Malbec.

Now I love me some Chilean Cabernet Sav. and do i love them! But this is fantastic, and to see Syrah pull such a huge load from Chile is a big suprise, the PV is in there, the blend is real strong. I’m a big fan. If you don’t seek it out I’m probably going to have to send you a bottle!
November 29, 2007

PaVo
And of course I don’t want to forget the Tikal Patriota, big malbec a little bonarda. Great blend from Susana Balbo (the Ben Marco Malbec is also awesome…) though I’m still sticking with Maquis Lien
November 29, 2007

Flavio
Great show. I’ve had some incredible Argentine wines, but most of them made by smaller producers that don’t have much visibility outside Argentina (I’ve spent a bit of time in Buenos Aires). Haven’t had the same luck with Chile, but imagine that the stuff we get here is also not their best.

Some of my recent favorites are

2003 Lagarde “Henry” Cabernet Franc
2003 Ernesto Catena “Tahuan” Syrah

Both very old world, balanced and elegant – incredibly well made.

Tahuantinsuya (Tahuan) is a great small label owned by Enesto Catena (son of the famed Nicolas Catena). Everything he makes is great (Malbec, Cab, Syrah and Merlot single varietals) but, again, not easy to find outside Argentina.
November 29, 2007

Panoca
Great episode! Alway waiting for episodes of Argentinian wines, since i’m from there.
QOTD: Don Melchor!! Just kidding (but i honestly think that’s the best wine from South America)….Catena Alta is probably my favorite Argentinian wine these days (although is pricey). Under the $25 my favorites are the Colome (they alo have a reserve, which is outstanding), the Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve and the Montes Alpha Syrah.
November 29, 2007

Serggi
Great episode Gary!
I’m always looking for value & quality, I like well made wines & I’ve had found many values in Argentina, Chile, Spain & even France from the less known appellations. One of the best wines I’ve had so far from South America is Don Melchor cabernet sauvignon single vineyard (with 5% cab franc) it runs for about $35.00 a bottle but it is great it’s got nice dusty black berry components, cassis, chocolate and well integrated tannins its lusciousness it’s exquisite. I’ve also had syrah from Montes Alpha, Cabernet from Lapostolle and several Melbecs including a single vineyard from Altamira with very low yields less than a pound per vine this wine runs for about $65.00 but it is incredible. I just got a part-time at a wineshop just to be near wine and get wines at cost lol.

as always salud!

Serggi
November 29, 2007

Jedi Jesus
Great Episode Gary, Love your show, been watching for a few months but this is my first time posting.

QOTD: 2004 Veramonte Primus, 90+ point Chilean Blend for about $15. Also very fond of the 2006 Alamos Malbec, a great great value.
November 29, 2007

Jaybird
I am a big fan of Chillian Cabernet and love Don Melchor. Gary nailed it by calling out Napa, I have had many cabs from Chilli that where the same quality of Napa at half the cost.
November 29, 2007

Gobi
QOTD Don Melchor is good, but if you want a much more expressive cab that accentuates the terrior try domus aurea. The rothschild and concha y toro joint venture, Almaviva 2001 vintage was exquisite. The best south american wine Ive had would definately either be Escorihuela Gascon Don Miguel from Argentina(not the one sold here in the US) and Carmin de Peumo, concha y toro’s new Carmenere premium wine.
November 29, 2007

Yoni Rabkin
This reminds me that I need to revisit south American wines.
November 29, 2007

medo
Very good show Gary! I will watch out for the 2004 Vina Chocalan Gran Reserva here in Germany!

QOTD: I think it was the 1998 Sena or the 1999 Almaviva.
November 29, 2007

Oregon Jim
QOTD: 1999 Campo Viejo Gran Reserva -$13 Just drank it this year and it was so silky and fruit bomby yet, structured and balanced. It is gone now and the 2000 is a shadow of the ‘99. Now I am sad thinking about it. But I will be happy to try the ‘04 Vina Chocolan GR.

Went winery hopping over thanksgiving, Chehalem whites and Pinot Noir is all I can say. WOW.
November 29, 2007

Josh in Burgundy
QOTD: I haven’t had much access to south american wines here in France. But this past summer when I was still in the states I went to a tasting and really enjoyed the Catena Zapata malbec that they were pouring. I went out later that day and bought a bottle for a nice $11. Great show by the way
November 29, 2007

KC Dan
Qotd : Luca Syrah !!! Try Some It’s good stuff . I’ll try to find that last wine you had sounds great !!!
November 29, 2007

ev
How does one spell, “M-O-N-T-E-S F-O-L-L-Y”?
November 29, 2007

YoungDave
QOTD: I’ll go with my most recent favorite- a wine that I sold the other night at work, table after table: Equilibrio Pinot Noir, San Antonio, Chile.
November 29, 2007

sky
i can’t relax every day until i have watched the thunder show…keep bringin it gary thanx. south american wine- luca syrah blew my socks off also liked tikal patriota but i hear tikal makes another big brother to that one that i need to try……………..try not to taste a hundred wines today …. unless u want 2….
November 29, 2007

NathanN
Great show! Love South America

QOTD: Montes Alpha Cabernet 2003. Good stuff but it’s all gone
November 29, 2007

JerseyGirl turned CNY vayniac
Great show again today Gary… keep that awesome energy up!

QOTD: not sure off the top of my head, i’ll have to look through my notes.
November 29, 2007

hasbeen
2004 Misiones de Rengo Reserve Carmenere

I just wish I could get that here in Minnesota.
November 29, 2007

John D Thomas
I am a first time commenter (luker days are over). My favorite SA Wine is the 2001 Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta. Very new world but exitcing. I am looking forward to you sometime tasting the 2004 John Anthony Cab.
November 29, 2007

Eben
QOTD: My favorite South American wine would be the Ben Marco 2005 Malbec.
November 29, 2007

rafi schutzer
Another great episode. Again, I can only drink kosher wine so I’m limited in what I can drink from South America. Hey, DB me on CORK’D!

http://corkd.com/people/kosherwineguy
November 29, 2007

The Fanjestic
QOTD: Catena Alta Malbec 2004. But you have to open up the wallet more than I like to. But it is worth it.
November 29, 2007

Big Nick
Have not had much experience with South American wines, but one that comes to mind is Miguel Torres Santa Digna Chard. Very good product, and very unique in it’s flavors. Just can’t seem to find it around this area anymore.
November 29, 2007

John S
All the hype on the 04 Chocalan and your sold out — what’s up w/ that? I think free shipping for all now
November 29, 2007

Drew
One of the best South American Wines I have had is from Mendoza Argentina is a 50:50 Merlot:Malbec produced by Michel Rolland and Danuel Pi. The Vintage was 2002 and the name of the wine is Trapiche ISCAY. HAVE YOU HAD THIS WINE?
November 29, 2007

mattyO
i have only had one So. Am. wine, but i loved it. so i can’t really have an opinion on this one because i haven’t tried enough. anywho, great show! would LOVE to try that last wine! big ups to everybody connected to WLTV!
November 29, 2007

Andy
QOTD– Probably a Casa Lapostolle Chardonnay — little pricy though… Can’t beat the Argent Malbecs
November 29, 2007

MtnCharlie
QOTD: I had an exceptional Chilean Cabernet about 20 years that was about $7, but I can’t remember who the producer was. Have had several excellent wines from S. America, but, alas I don’t tend to keep record of producer, just enjoy them
November 29, 2007

Valentin
Don Melchior….no doubt…
November 29, 2007

Jayhitek
QOTD: Los Vascos!
November 29, 2007

Aaron
Don Francisco Port from Rio Grande Do Sul in Brazil.
November 29, 2007

PengWine
Chocolan has come a long way over the past few years. They have a great Rose and did I mention they are just down the road from the Vineyards of PengWine!
November 29, 2007

DARREL LAS VEGAS
QOTD: Martino ‘old vines’ Malbec 2003 @ 20 bones!
November 29, 2007

Mike Z
QOTD: Back in grad school, I had a Concha y Toro Cabernet that cost around 12 bucks. It smelled like tomatoes and black fruit. Very tasty. I drank it with my good friend sitting on the porch near State St and the Capitol Square (Madison, WI)… Aaah, good memories.
November 29, 2007

Brad & Svetlana Kitson
QOTD: Finca Koch and Piatelli Argentinian Malbec.
November 29, 2007

Martin
Hey, great to see something different, I’m glad there was a good one too. I was drinking a lot of Argentine Malbec last year, but I can’t recall any that would be my favorite.
November 30, 2007

J Cray
The Montes Alpha M was pretty damn good. Had that with some pork roast a week ago.
November 30, 2007

mike volker
Pisano tannat ‘03 Uraquay

Best,

Mike
November 30, 2007

Shad
I’d have to say the 2005 Norton Malbec Reserva. It was a solid, nice wine and I really enjoy Malbec (but still second to Merlot).
November 30, 2007

David James
Another great episode Gary; good to see you back to full energy!
November 30, 2007

wayno da wino
Just had some mediocre $7..$8 Chile and Argentina
wines…..but gonna seek out somma da good stuff
eventually…..
November 30, 2007

Nico
Love the South American shows… cheers Gary!
November 30, 2007

SoCal
QOTD: Almaviva or Nicolas Cantena Zapata
November 30, 2007

Kevin
QOTD: Fav is 2004 Chocalan Synergy, believe it or not. The synergy rolls in at about half the price, and although lacks some of the richness of the Gran Reserva, has a similarly awesome flavor profile. I’m going to go buy some this week. Heck. At those prices, I’ll buy both.
December 1, 2007

Lyn S
Hey! That reminds me! I didn’t get my wrist band with my Thanksgiving Pack!!!
December 1, 2007

Level Boss
Clos de Los Siete from Argentina. Tasty.
December 1, 2007

Ricardo Ganc
GRREEEAAAATTTT show…….Easy SEÃ‘A 2001, FOLLOWED BY CASA MARIN 2003 PINOT NOIR.
December 1, 2007

Silvina
Achaval Ferrer, Finca Quimera!!!! the very best from my country Argentina.!!! and
Almaviva from Chile!!
December 1, 2007

alberto
Easy one. Almaviva 2003
December 2, 2007

Lawrence Leichtman
Generally, I’m not a fan of South American Wines. I have had th Chocolan in the past but wasn’t as impressed as you were. I will probably give the Chocolan another try.
December 3, 2007

Susan
Gary- Great Ep!!! Love those South American wines and the prices!!!
December 3, 2007

Susan
Gary- QOTD: MY Fav. South American wine is the 2005 Kaiken Malbec from Argentina!!!!! Great, full-bodied red AND only cost $13.99!!!!!!
December 3, 2007

Fred Liu
At this moment, my answer will be Carmenere Reservem, Calama, 2005, A very solid pine and oak mixture on the nose, and earthy dirty taste on the palate. Although the acidity and sugar were high, it was a very old-world style one. I will try the 2004 edition this weekend, and let us see what is going on there then.
December 3, 2007

Karl Laczko
Started to watch the show last week on my travels but was on a limited download limit and you just ate it up man! Had to stop and write some e-mails instead!.

Finishing it off tonight at home, nice to see the South American’s thundering in.

QOTD – Terrunyo Sauvignon Blanc from Concho y Toro, a lovely Valdivieso Single vineyard Cabernet Franc and Concho (again) for their Explorer range Pinot Noir reserve. I haven’t tried a top-flight offering from Chile or Argentina yet, but their mid-range wines are stunningly good value.
December 3, 2007

Russ J
QOTD: Can’t seem to pick a single wine. A couple of Susana Balbo’s efforts have been very good and I almost always enjoy the Las Hormigas Reserva Malbec along with the Catena Malbec.
December 3, 2007

CaliforniaWino
My favorite South-American wine so far has been the 2004 Vistalba Corte B, made by Carlos Pulenta (Mendoza, Argentina). 42% malbec, 32% cabernet sauvignon, 16% bonarda and 10% merlot. A lovely but well-structured New World wine that should also please Old Word fans.
December 3, 2007

yowens
QOTD: Havent had many (
December 4, 2007

Benji
QOTD: 2000 Yacochuya (Michel Rolland) Yacochuya

http://www.bacchusimportersltd.com/assets/pdfiles/Yaco_2000.pdf
December 6, 2007

JayZee
Nice show for my birthday (okay, not today, but when it was posted). QOTD: I enjoyed the Vina Almaviva quite a bit. The Clos de Siete was also pretty good the first time I tried it, although a recent tasting was not nearly as good.
December 18, 2007

Benji
2003 Almaviva…just had it at the Chicago BYOB offline.
December 21, 2007

mhova
2002 Montes Folley, had it in NYC last christmas. OUTSTANDING!
December 23, 2007

Dan-o
Watching this show weeks later as I finally get some time at the hizzie!
I have three wines from South America that I really enjoyed – Catena Malbec Alta, Susanna Balboa Malbec, Clos Apalta.
February 6, 2008

Jesus
It was an Undurraga (Chile) but since I was starting in the world of wine tasting, I did not write its name down. I’m still searching for it. It was delicious. By the way, it’s pronounced Melchor (like ch- in chocolate) otherwise it sounds Mel-core.

Great show, great job!!!
From Caracas,Venezuela.
February 7, 2008

sev
I had the Colome Torrontes 2007 the other day…I was blown away with how aromatic it was. Almost too much coming out of that glass. Flowers, soap all day, and a little citrus. I definitely want to find that Chocalan, sounds awesome.

QOTD: Favorite wine from South America has to be the Dolium Reserva Malbec, I forget which year though.
March 29, 2008

conscious
I realize that GV tastes A LOT more wines than I do, but I disagree with his 84 on the Coyam. I don’t think you get this kind of fruit and tannin balance from 84 point aussie and spanish wines. This wine has big fruit with acidity and back end tannins to match – great with a prime rib steak. Definitely new world and not overly complex but this is a well made wine and a pretty good QPR. I’m getting some more. Gotta trust my own “pal” after all.
April 30, 2008

Bruce
QOTD – 2004 Bodegas Escorihuela GascÃ³n Sangiovese. Had it in a little restaurant in the town of Trevelin in Patagonia, Argentina while on a fishing trip. We’d been drinking a LOT of wine and this one really stood out.
April 23, 2009

Mr.Hooper
2006 Ben Marco -ESPRESIVO
September 12, 2009

richardvinifera
QOTD: De Martino Single Vineyard Malbec Maule Valley. 100% Malbec from bush vines but it doesn’t taste of fake violets that some overripe South American malbecs can do!