October, 2012

Review by Neal Martin

ALAMOS
T H E W I N E S O F C A T E N A

Bodega Alamos is owned by the Catena family and their fruit is sourced from in and around the Uco Valley in order to exploit the heterogeneous terroirs. The winemaker is Felipe Stahlschmidt, who after passing his winemaking degree at Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, trained under Alejandro Vigil. Readers should note that I have treated Alamos Wines as a separate producer, even though it comes under the umbrella of the Catena family, because of the independence that is given to the winemakers.

Alamos Seleccin Malbec 2010 - 91 POINTS

The 2010 Alamos Seleccion Malbec is from the San Carlos region in the Uco Valley, undergoing malolactic fermentation in oak barrels and raised for 12 months in French and American oak. It has a very elegant bouquet with maraschino cherries, blueberry, cassis and violets akin to a fragrant Syrah. The palate is full-bodied with grippy tannins, layers of mineral-rich dark berry fruit and a very poised, composed finish that delivers waves of blackberry and balsamic-tinged cherries. This is a very impressive Malbec with chutzpah. Drink 2014-2020.

Alamos Malbec 2011 - 89 POINTS

The 2011 Alamos Malbec, raised the same way as the Cabernet Sauvignon, has a simple bouquet of dark cherries, blueberry and crushed violet. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent, fine tannins. There is a seductive sense of harmony here with a light but insistent grip and a minerally aftertaste. This Malbec is very well-crafted. Drink now-2017.

Alamos Chardonnay 2011 - 87 POINTS

Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 - 90 POINTS

The 2011 Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon is aged in the same manner as the Chardonnay. It has an attractive bouquet of red currant, blackberry and cassis that is well-defined. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins on the entry. This is a more reserved take on Cabernet with an Old World sensibility, but it has superb earthiness and an almost Bordeaux-like classicism on the finish. This is excellent. Drink now-2017.

The 2011 Alamos Chardonnay undergoes 65% malolactic fermentation and is aged in stainless steel, cement and oak for six months. It has an intense nose of dried honey, lemon peel and freshly cut grapefruit that is well-defined. The palate is medium-bodied, with fine tannins and vibrant citrus fruit on the entry. It would benefit from more complexity towards the lime and bruised apple finish, but it remains fresh and vibrant. Drink now-2016.