Luigi Bosca Gala 1 - 2004

For those who don't know, Luigi Bosca is something of a household name in Argentina, gaining quick and deserved notoriety in the US. In fact, Bodega Luigi Bosca has been around in some shape or form since the beginning of the 20th century, with 1984 marking its entrance to the international market. For over a hundred years the Arizu family has been at the core of Luigi Bosca. The family is committed to progressive wine making without compromising the integrity of the wines and the terroir. In this respect, they maintain a bio-dynamic approach to growing grapes, even going so far as to plant malbec vines according to moon cycle. From the website:

We are observing the lunar cycles for some varieties, such as Malbec. In these cases, the maturation point is caused to coincide with those cycles: The variety is planted on a waning moon, in order for the roots to be stronger, and it is harvested on a full moon, so as to improve the fruit.
Courtesy of Bodega Luigi Bosca

Tasting Summary:

Name: Luigi Bosca Gala 1
From: Mendoza, Argentina
Year: 2004
Grape Varieties: 85% Malbec, 10% Petit Verdot, 5% Tannat (aged 14 months in French oak)

A dark inky purple at the core, with brilliant violet hues at the rim, Gala 1 beholds an intoxicating bouquet of ripe red berries, vanilla, and light floral notes, gently spiced with mocha and hazelnut. The first sip is a dusty oasis of plum, fig, and vanilla oak, reminiscent of the desert-like landscape from which this wine hails. As the wine opens up, so does the fruit, revealing a beautifully structured drink with mild acidity, a nice weight on the palate, and dusty tannins. The finish is long: a slow motion ride through a foggy desert trail while chewing chocolate-covered cherries.
Pair With: Game, such as lamb or wild boar, and grilled meats and vegetables.
The Last word: Bordeaux-like richness combined with classic malbec fruit makes this wine a joyful excursion from the usual fruit bombs of the New World. In addition, the packaging is awesomely smart. With an elongated neck, slim contour, stylized label (in Spanish), and metal rivet above the cork, this bottle belongs among the elite. 96/100

At last, a wine review: Alejandro Fernández El Vínculo Crianza, 2002, La Mancha, Spain

So although I've sampled quite a few wines in the preceding weeks, I've finally been spurred to write a review. I suppose with all of my consumption of wine literature lately, it is not a surprise that I feel the urge to wax poetic about something. Why not the wine I drank tonight?

Name: Alejandro Fernández El Vínculo Crianza
From: La Mancha, Spain
Year: 2002
Grapes:100% Tempranillo (13% alcohol)

A dark portly color, when brought to the nose, a heady bouquet of cherry and strawberry leads an aroma of licorice, followed by a dusty trail of gamey spice. On the palate, an austere weight mellows without being too formidable, and a supple acidity balances ripe berry fruit with the chocolate spice and dusty tannins. Overall, a well structured wine, priced moderately at $29.99 a bottle. Enjoy with grilled meats, stews, or even pasta bolognese as I did. For a light bite, try it with Manchego cheese. Definitely a delicious standout from one of the largest wine producing regions in Spain and the world. 95/100.