Carmelo Patti Gran Assemblage 2013
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Robert -
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Jumping a few vintages, as the last time I tasted the 2008, the 2013 Gran Assemblage is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Franc from the same vineyard in Perdriel where the winemaker, year after year, sources the grapes for all his wines. All wines are hand-crafted, the grapes fermented in cement vats with indigenous yeasts. In this case, all the wine is put to mature in oak barrels, whereas most of the others are only partially oaked, yet there are no oak aromas in any of the wines, as the barrels he uses are well-seasoned. It feels very classical, proportioned, aromatic and polished, with character. This also feels ready now.
Rating: 93+ -
Wine Enthusiast
Light cola and sarsaparilla aromas are rooty and support earthy berry scents. This Bordeaux-style blend is wide and a bit tomatoey on the palate, with savory roasted rubbery plum and tomato flavors. A saucy tasting finish closes out this more traditional wine. Drink through 2021.
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2008-
Parker
Robert
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Parker
Robert -
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Wine
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
With vineyards tretching along the eastern side of the Andes Mountains from Patagonia in the south to Salta in the north, Argentina is one of the world’s largest and most dynamic wine producing countries—and most important in South America.
Since the late 20th century vineyard investments, improved winery technology and a commitment to innovation have all contributed to the country’s burgeoning image as a producer of great wines at all price points. The climate here is diverse but generally continental and agreeable, with hot, dry summers and cold snowy winters—a positive, as snow melt from the Andes Mountains is used heavily to irrigate vineyards. Grapes very rarely have any difficulty achieving full ripeness.
Argentina’s famous Mendoza region, responsible for more than 70% of Argentina’s wine production, is further divided into several sub-regions, with Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley most noteworthy. Red wines dominate here, especially Malbec, the country’s star variety, while Chardonnay is the most successful white.
The province of San Juan is best known for blends of Bonarda and Syrah. Torrontés is a specialty of the La Rioja and Salta regions, the latter of which is also responsible for excellent Malbecs grown at very high elevation.