2009 Lazzaro Torrontes – 10.57 – A very pretty Torrontes, in my book, and a steal at this price. Showing pretty white peach and honeysuckle flavors, with a light hint of tangerine. Balanced, and a little more rich, rounded by a tiny bit of residual sugar. Tropical, floral, smooth, with medium acidity – More structure, not overripe, showing well. Serve cold to temper the bigger style for Texas porch sipping.

2010  Sur de los Andes Torrontes Classic – 13.57 – Cafayate, Salta, N. Argentina . Citrus – Grapefruit, plus the hoped for honeysuckle floral action that I associate with Torrontes, with a little more concentrated tropical fruit in comparison to the Lazzaro (mango) – Creamier style, balanced across the citrus on the palate, like lemon curd, with a bit of grapefruit, lemon/lime zest on the finish. Another good deal. Medium bodied. A touch of mineral.– Peachy / stone fruit – apricot nose. 100% of the wine is fermented in a stainless steel tank during 17 days of fermentation using selective indigenous yeasts. Malolactic fermentation has been partially completed.

2008 Sur de los Andes Bonarda – 13.57 – Tangy palate, pretty big ripe nose. Juicy acids. Very well made. Wine style fresh and vibrant aromas of red fruits including cherry and blackberry with a hint of mineral that adds complexity. Racking a tank with staves American and French oak for 30 days in which malolactic fermentation is carried out at 100%. It is the second most commonly grown varietal in Argentina. A great alternative if you are in a Cabernet Sauvignon rut.

2007 Sur de los Andes Malbec Reserva – 19.97 – Excellent nose of smoke, lavender, incense, and black cherry; succulent fruit, pleasure-bent. Score: 91 (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2010). Notes of cherry, cocoa, leather, cedar, blackberry, earth, and a hint of bacon. Medium-long on the finish, with tantalizing spicy-cedar notes.

2011 Fermi Bottigas Xarel- lo – 11.97 – Pale yellow color with green hues. Fresh aroma and powerful at the beginning: fresh fruit and acid pineapple. Its evolution in the glass emphasizes the complexity with notes of white fruits, apricot on a background of aromatic herbs and sweet species. In the mouth there prevails a perception of softness brought by a good acidity surrounded by the great structure of the xarel•lo from the Òdena area in Catalonia.

 NV Bodegas Fermi Bohigas Rossinyol Rosé de Moragas – 17.57 – 100% Trepat ! An extraordinary, fruity bouquet that has been preserved due to the delicately low temperatures of the wine-making process. In cellar for a minimum of 12 months before disgorging. Fresh strawberry nose. Lingering flavors of currant, cherries and cassis. Its structure is balanced and its body is light, as befits a cava of medium alcoholic strength; well balanced, rather non-astringent, due to the very light pressure used for grape-pressing.

 2010 Bodegas Bleda Castillo Jumilla Monastrell – 14.57 – Deep purplish red, with tinges of ripe fruit, cherries, black currant, and blackberries in its aroma. It is an exceptionally well balanced pure Monastrell with smooth fruit, well integrated tannins, and acidity, and a pleasant structure with soft finish. It is mature and elegant with a lasting bouquet, very easy to drink.

 Alexandro Fino Sherry .375 – 11.97 –  100% Palomino Fino, Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. Its bouquet penetrates easily expressing almond notes and attractive dry leaves. Dry and delicate flavor that flows on the palate leaving an agreeable bitter permanence with vinous tastes. Served chilled, it is the ideal accompaniment to “tapas”, seafood, white fish, mild cheese or ham.

(Notes from the distributor on the wines for this tasting)