Wines that probably go terribly with your Easter leftovers

Rumours of our deaths have been greatly exaggerated.

And well, there weren't really any rumours.

Since my last PW post, I've changed jobs twice, moved 5 times, and launched myself into conversations about things like mortgages. Jesus. Days of working through hangovers are through, it seems. But thankfully, I find myself with an employer who does make it very convenient for me to drink wine. And boy, do I.

Just not copious quantities.

And so here we are, trying to carve out some halfway non-stale nook for hyperbole. It may often be brief, or perhaps more like a fart in a car. Only you don't have to smell it.

I've got a list of wines, scribbled and folded onto a few pieces of paper, and it just seems like the appropriate time to start ego-tripping on some South American reds:

Bodegas Caro Amoncaya Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon. 2006: 8.8
-Possibly my favorite of recent memory. A richly violet nose, deep dark berry, and some milky dark chocolate flavors. This is from the Argentina's Mendoza region (the largest wine region in the country), and the surprising great quality to this blend is that it doesn't seem to have this odd vegetal, dirty pepper undertone in any way. Quite often even from middle-of-the-pack Argentine wines, this unique note is kind of inescapable (though not always offensive/putrid - kind of like being Rick Rolled).

The body is not intense, but feels in no way forced - you could say feminine. And the earth on the finish shows very softly. I imagine this could age for a good 5-7 years, no problem.

($18-23)

Luigi Bosca Malbec Reserva, 2005: 8.1
-Malbec is essentially the flaghsip grape of Argentina. You'll see it grown increasingly in Chile, and also still in the old world of France (in Cahors most notably). This one turns out very nicely, with some depth and ease of expression. I got some definite black pepper on the nose, as well as heavy currant. It had weight, but wasn't obnoxious. And there were some deep blackberry and raspberry notes throughout.

($17-23)

Kaiken Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004: 7.9
-I was a bit perplexed by its balance, although it was definitely an enjoyable bottle. The oak and fruit on the nose seemed peculiar, no obvious dark fruit with South American earthiness. But it's mellow style, and soft red fruit made it more than palatable. Kind of got some cinnamon and oak spice in the "meat" of the wine. There's 10 percent Malbec blended into the wine.

($22-27)

Cono Sur Carmenere, 2008: 6.5
-Whoa there! Already a 2008 release? Wow. This obviously did not spend a lot of time in the cask/tank/bottle for shipping off. I mean think about it. When was this picked? I tasted this on March 13, and assuming it hit Michigan *that day*, it's not likely to think this to be picked later than February 15th or so. Think about it, that's the northern hemisphere's equivalent to August 15th. That's still summer.

So, with that being said, what we've got here is a Carmenere that's just fine. Okay fruit, light body, a tiny bit of earth. But this was absolutely nothing memorable. I'm willing to attribute this to some sort of bottle-shock, considering it's obviously recent arrival, but if it's disappointing a second time, I'm done with it.

Then again, the price isn't so bad.

Update: This was in fact a 2006. I think I might have been drinking while taking notes. Apologies.

($8-11)

Santa Ema Merlot Reserva, 2005: 8.6
-This was a bit unusual, compared to the others. The nose was gorgeous; Sweet oak, blackberry and even a little whiff of eucalyptus were in there. A big, well-done Merlot with some roundness and no unfortunate tannins.

Quite a great deal.

($12-16)

Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005: 8.4
-This did not drink like many South American Cabernets I've come to know. That's not really a good thing or a bad thing per se, but either way this kind of feels like a Merlot. Round stylistically, there was some soft but bigger fruit, and even a kind of chocolately side to it, with some smoky oak (this does make me weary). But it had a balanced finish, and there's no real reason to complain if it tastes good.

($16-23)

So anyway, it's good to qualify a few hazy memories. You'll be seeing more of us, more of us drinking and writing. And writing. Drinking. More.

-Justin