Vina Alicia Cuarzo Petit Verdot, Lunlunta, Argentina

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The 2008 Cuarzo (which means “quartz”) is from Lunlunta in Lujan de Cuyo, and this Petit Verdot is blended with a touch of Grenache and Carignan, the original cutting brought from the USA thirty years ago. It is cultivated at 900 meters altitude and the wine is aged in new French oak for 14 months. It has a very ripe bouquet of macerated dark cherries and blueberry that is decadent and intense. The palate is full-bodied with layers of sweet dark cherry fruit laced with blueberry, licorice and a touch of star anise. It has a lot of weight and concentration, but I wish there was some relief on the finish, which needs more finesse and restraint. Drink now-2018. Vina Alicia is a small estate located in Lujan de Cuyo where the two vineyards are situated: San Alberto, a high density planting at 11,300 vines per hectare and Vina Alicia itself. It was founded in 1998 by Alicia Mateu Arizu, the wife of Alberto Arizu at Luigi Bosca, and it is now managed by her son, Rodrigo Arizu. He is one of many young winemakers experimenting with different clones in Mendoza. Vina Alicia embraces more “esoteric” varieties for the region, and with some considerable success.Importer: Southern Starz, Huntington Beach, CA; tel. (866) 57-STARZ

Super floral, like lady’s bath powder mixed with raspberry blossom. But that’s where the pleasantries end; the palate is rubbery and hard as pavement, with gamy, cooked flavors that narrow down to a tough, tannic finish. Only 250 cases made, so it’s more of an experimental wine than something commercial. ——M.S.(12/31/2010)—— 83