This is a striking, serious Merlot that shows both red and black berry fruit and lots of firm structure. The tannins...
Giminez Mendez, Canelones (Uruguay) Syrah 2011
Syrah can pose problems in Uruguay as it is relatively sensitive to botrytis, but the terrific growing season in 2011...
Familia Deicas, Canelones (Uruguay) Tannat 2011
This is a delicious wine that will only get better and more interesting over the next few years, as its only drawback is a...
Irurtia, Rio de la Plata (Uruguay) Tannat 2008
This strong performer spent 15 months in oak and shows it, but there’s plenty of black fruit to counterbalance the...
Gimenez Mendez, Canelones (Uruguay) Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
By virtual consensus 2011 is the best vintage in the history in the history of winemaking in Uruguay, and consumers would...
Marichal, Uruguay (Uruguay) Tannat 2009
This is Marichal’s middle tier Tannat, and though I don’t mean to imply that you should dismiss the...
Altos de la Ballena, Uruguay (Uruguay) Merlot 2008
This is an entirely convincing rendition of Merlot and a wonderful object lesson in Uruguay’s ability to produce...
Uruguay?
I’ve been writing about wine for 19 years and have managed to weasel my way into virtually every wine producing country of...
Altos de la Ballena, Uruguay (Uruguay) Tannat – Viognier 2009
This estate grows Syrah and the proprietors are vocal admirers of Côte Rôtie, so it is more than a little...
Altos de la Ballena, Uruguay (Uruguay) Cabernet Franc 2008
Made entirely from Cabernet Franc and aged exclusively in French oak, this is packed with sweet fruit that punches right...
Bodegas Castillo Viejo / Cata Mayor, Uruguay (Uruguay) Tannat 2008
This isn’t quite as complex as Castillo Viejo’s blend of Tannat and Cab Franc, but it shows even more depth...
Bodegas Castillo Viejo / Cata Mayor, Uruguay (Uruguay) Tannat – Cabernet Franc 2009
This house is famous for Cabernet Franc sourced from old vines, so it is no great surprise that a blend of Tannat and Cab...