The 2009 Don David Tannat received the same elevage as its cousins. Purple/black in color with an impressive nose of smoke, tar, espresso, licorice, and assorted black fruits, in the glass it opens to reveal a surprisingly well-balanced wine. Given 2-3 years of additional cellaring, this savory effort may well make my rating appear stingy. Not many readers of this journal are going to cellar a $16 wine, but for those who feel adventurous, it might be a trip to cellar a couple of these. Michel Torino is a reliable producer of value-priced wines from Cafayate.Importer: Frederick Wildman & Sons, New York, NY; tel. (212) 355-0700

Hailing from Salta, this is a concentrated, fully oaked Tannat with deep red berry aromas topped with lemony oak, pencil lead and coconut. Feels tight as a box of nails, with zingy acidity framing tangy raspberry, currant, woodspice and peppery flavors. Aggressive stuff that requires airing and food.——M.S.(3/1/2012)—— 87

There’s more good to this rough and rugged varietal than there is bad. It’s hugely fruity, perfectly ripe, colorful and full of cola, coffee, black fruit, rubber and length. It’ll definitely last in a cellar, and that can only help soften the punishing tannins and mouthfeel that dominate the current state. ——M.S.(12/31/2010)—— 87