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"The most recognized and well-known female enologist in Argentina, Susana Balbo has been instrumental in the transformation of quality table wines in Argentinean viticulture. She is most known for her innovation and progressive spirit in developing wines with unique character and quality, and she is the first Argentinean enologist ever hired as a consultant by European wineries.
Susana graduated "cum laude" in Enology in 1981, and in 1998 she was hired by Nicolas Catena to design and direct the construction of Bodega Catena Zapata, one of the most important and modern winemaking facilities in Argentina.
For her Crios label, which means "offspring" (as in children), Susana selected a word to express the notion that these are wines that have not quite "grown up" to the same level of quality and maturity as her more expensive signature-label wines, but they receive the same loving care and attention throughout the winemaking process. The three hands on the label, inspired by a Mayan artifact, represent Susana and her two children. By definition, Crios is to be enjoyed while still young and vibrant. The Crios label includes Cabernet-Sauvignon, Syrah-Bonarda, Torrontes and Rose of Malbec.
Crios de Susana Balbo wines are produced under Dominio del Plata's code of sustainable agriculture."
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Crios De Susana Balbo Torrontes 2007
The 2007 Torrontes is about as good as this varietal gets. Super fragrant, smelling of a spring flower garden, honey, and exotic spices, from the nose one expects the wine to be sweet. On the palate, however, it is dry with a creamy texture, intense flavors, excellent acidity, and a lengthy finish. It is an ideal alternative for rich courses normally calling for Chardonnay. Drink it over the next 12-18 months.
Wine Advocate: 90
Regular Price: $18.99Sale Price: $10.98
Bottle Size: 750 ml
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Crios De Susana Balbo Rose Of Malbec 2007
The 2007 Rose of Malbec is medium pink with an expressive bouquet of strawberry and cherry. The wine is medium-bodied with lots of glycerin giving the wine a smooth palate feel. Dry in style, the wine has rich flavors, excellent acidity, and a lengthy finish. Drink this remarkably food-friendly wine over the next 1-2 years.
Wine Advocate: 89
Regular Price: $13.99Sale Price: $8.91
Bottle Size: 750 ml
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Crios De Susana Balbo Cabernet 2006
The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is deep crimson colored, it has an excellent bouquet of cedar, spice box, cassis, and black currants. This leads to a medium-bodied wine with a smooth texture, intense dark fruit flavors, and excellent depth. There is enough silky tannin to support 2-3 years of bottle age although it can be enjoyed now. Although Susana Balbos’s Crios offerings are the declassified lots from her more expensive “signature” wines, they need make no apologies. They rank among the best values from my Argentina wine tastings. All of the Crios wines are outstanding values.
Wine Advocate: 90
Regular Price: $14.99Sale Price: $11.99
Bottle Size: 750 ml
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Crios De Susana Balbo Syrah Bonarda 2005
The 2005 Syrah-Bonarda (50% of each) is purple-colored with an expressive nose of pepper, spice box, and blueberry. On the palate the wine is supple-textured and easy-drinking with plenty of vibrant, spicy, ripe dark fruits, soft tannins, and a fruit-filled finish. Drink this tasty wine over the next 3-4 years.
Wine Advocate: 89
Regular Price: $18.99Sale Price: $10.98
Bottle Size: 750 ml
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IN STOCK NOW
MORE TERRIFIC FINDS FROM ARGENTINA
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Bodega Norton Lujan De Cuyo Malbec Reserve
"Very creamy, with lush layers of fig, currant and blackberry followed by cocoa, mocha and licorice notes on the showy finish. Fine focus and structure. Drink now through 2008. 16,000 cases made" WS
Regular Price: $19.99Sale Price: $12.99
Bottle Size: 750 ml
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Felipe Rutini Merlot 2004
Regular Price: $16.99Sale Price: $13.59
Bottle Size: 750 ml
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Bodegas Catena Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
"Dark and juicy, with lots of fig, blackberry and currant fruit layered with dark licorice, spice cake and cocoa notes. The long, solid finish has nice drive. Drink now through 2009"
Wine Spectator: 90
Regular Price: $20.99Sale Price: $15.99
Bottle Size: 750 ml
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Catena Chardonnay Mendoza
Regular Price: $16.99Sale Price: $13.59
Bottle Size: 750 ml
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Pascual Toso Malbec 2006
"A year or two ago when Paul Hobbs began consulting for Toso things changed for the better. This is the rare Best Buy that can swim with the big fish and give them a run for the money. Pop the cork and enjoy lusty dark aromas of Turkish tobacco and berry compote. In the mouth, there’s a riot of fruit flavors to ponder followed by a smooth, lusty finish."
Wine Enthusiast: 91
Regular Price: $11.99Sale Price: $8.99
Bottle Size: 750 ml
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Pascual Toso Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Regular Price: $11.99Sale Price: $8.99
Bottle Size: 750 ml
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