Another Mendoza selection today. It wasn't supposed to sort out this way (remember: we were supposed to be in France right now), but that is sometimes how the die land on the ground. Today we head over to a new vineyard for me, and I have very little to deliver in terms of context or narrative, so let's get down to business.
Nose: I've finished the entire tasting at this point, and let's just say for good universal measure that there is black cherry here every step of the way: the approach, tasting and finish. It's the constant running throughout. On first pass there's also some crushed violet muddled below that slowly comes through and subsequent passes reveal a bit of spice -- cardamom?-- with a little bit of time. Floral, but the fruit comes back eventually.
Palate: Pretty much as on the nose with high acidity, velvet tannins and decent overall texture. The black cherry refuses to yield but there is an emergence of leather with time. A mild oak influence, and minimal complexity. Very straightforward.
Finish: Short, surprisingly so. The black cherry gets the final say and the acid hand around for while, joined by black pepper and a mineral note.
A pleasant bottle, if cherry bombs are what moves you. I quite enjoyed the nose but the remainder of the tasting cycle didn't reach the same heights.
$25