Recent visit to Argentina

After a short flight from Santiago de Chile we arrived in Mendoza, Argentina I am always impressed by the wines the grow along the airport exit road in Mendoza. sunday afternoon we met up with my friend Marcello Pelleriti (Winemaker at Bodega Monteviejo) and his family (Gabriella, and his son Luca). Marcello showed us what an typical Argentinian Sunday afternoon is....a short drive up along the Rio de Mendoza into the foothills of the Andes. along the road I saw many families preparing their Asado's (campfires), grilling meats , drinking wine and having a great time.
Marcello showed me his new Argentinian Bi-Centennial blend of Monteviejo, a powerful blend of Malbec, Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah. This would be a wonderful addtition to our portfolio if we keep Monteviejo in our portfolio. The Bodega Monteviejo looks as majestic as on my first visit last year, except the colors had changed because now it was fall and the harvest was finished.
I took a different route down into Uco Valley this time than last year....we took the back road and past the wineries of Salenstein, Azul, Andeluna and many others - a beautiful drive along the foothills of the Andes in the high dessert.







After arriving at Clos des Siete we met with Mr. Adrian Mahon at cuvelier Los Andes winery. A beautiful winery - simply built for efficiency - 3 types of hangars (galpones) connected to a triangle (like a 3 point star) with a beautiful tranquil inner area, and the Andes behind it. There is a tank unit, a barrel unit, and a bottle unit with additional administrative offices, lab and living quarters where Adrian served us a wonderful Lunch. We had the opportunity to taste all of their 2007, 2008 and some of the 2009 vintages. Oh Indiana, wait until we receive their Grand Vin 2007! this is a blend to die for....Malbec, Cabernet and Merlot...no need to put in Syrah for this Vintage.

The tank room was very busy, wine being pumped over all the time.New barrels of French oak had just arrived from Europe and were still wrapped in plastic film Even so -- is was a quiet and magical place....amazing to see. Only 9 persons are working there. Of course they are hiring more local folks during harvest time (which they had just finished before our arrival)I am sure it will get very busy when Michel Rolland and Baptiste Cuvelier show up there to discuss the blend for the vintages.

The product of Cuvelier los Andes always amazes me considering that the wines were planted in 1999.
They still have 10 hectar's (about 30 acres) to be planted so it is clear that they aim to increase production and quality in the very near future.
Parker already gave them 91 for their 2007 Coleccion, 92+ for the Grand Vin and 95 for their 100% Grand Malbec - I wouldn't be surprised if the number go up if they re-taste those wines.