In February, the wine tasting group met at Linda Hasler’s condo to sample an array of vintages from South America. Linda selected these particular wines because of their high ratings by noted wine critics. It’s interesting that of the two red and two white wines rated highly by these critics, our Probus wine tasters did not agree with the experts on all of them. Two of the four wines that our group would recommend are:
Fabre Montmayou – Malbec – Argentina 2020
This Malbec was a favourite with every one of our tasters. It was ruby red with a robust taste to match. It was rated 92 by James Suckling. It certainly was not one of the most inexpensive Argentinian wines on the shelf, but certainly worth every penny.
Product Details
Made In Mendoza, Argentina by Fabre Montmayou; Varietal Malbec. Ripe dark berries, dark chocolate, licorice and toasted oak. Medium- to full-bodied, firm and structured with ripe berries on the palate and a rich finish with some nutty notes. Try after 2023.
- Price: $19.95
- Alcohol/Volume: 15%
- Sugar Content: 3 g/L
Reviews and Ratings
James Suckling May 3, 2022 – Score 92
The Malbec grapes for Fabre Montmayou Reserva 2020 Malbec are sourced from 40-year-old vines in the Lujan de Cuyo and Las Compuertas wine regions. Floral on the nose with roses and violets, the wine is dry, medium-plus-bodied with dark berry, chocolate, vanilla, anise and toasty oak spice. Tannins are firm. Good now, better in a year so as it continues to evolve in bottle. – Community Wine Reviews
Montes Limited Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Our second selection was a Sauvignon Blanc 2021 from Chile. This wine was reasonably priced at $16.00 per bottle and held a rating of 91 by Natalie Maclean and Patricia Taplia. Again, we all enjoyed this wine and would recommend it.
Product Details
Montes Limited Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2021 is produced in Leyda Valley D.O., Chile at the Montes winery. It is meant to be consumed in 2022 or 2023.
- Price: $15.95
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- Sweetness: Extra Dry
Reviews and Ratings
Natalie Maclean’s Score: 91/100
Patricia Taplia Score: 91/100
Montes 2021 Sauvignon Blanc is great value at $16.00. Grapes for this vintage were sourced from the Leyda Valley, from a cool-climate vineyard about 15 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean. The cold Humboldt Current allows grapes to keep their fresh acidity, producing vibrant and fresh wines. Dry, medium-bodied and fresh, look for fine herb, tropical fruits, cut grass and citrus zest flavours crisp on the palate.
Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: grilled whitefish, tuna salad, goat cheese and spinach salad.
Probus Club of Kingsway-Islington 