Andean Perch
Château Beychevelle
Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 1986
1986 vintage. Tasted through 5 bottles at a 1986 BDX dinner at Mister A's-San Diego. Double decanted and tasted over 5 hours. Tremendous bottle variation in the nose. That expected, light Beychevelle body (similar to L'Evangile in Pomerol) aping Burgundy. Bouquet was all over the place but the five bottles consistently sung. Yes, there was brett here and there. Did it DQ any particular bottle(s)? Not from my perch. Better than anticipated. Can see this going steady in this phase for another 4-5 years before dropping down a notch. 3.14.24. — 2 years ago
Andean Vineyards
Organic Mendoza Malbec 2019
This is a truly magnificent Malbec. The right color, aroma and subtle fruity flavor. They have done it right and for a fair price too. I am out for more — 5 years ago
Viña Quebrada de Macul
Alba de Domus Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Alba de Domus – Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Upper Maipo Valley, Chile 🇨🇱
Overview
A bold and powerful Cabernet Sauvignon (95–100%, often with a tiny fraction of Cabernet Franc depending on the vintage) from the famed Domus Aurea estate in the Upper Maipo Valley. Known for its mountain terroir, this wine shows the classic strength and rustic elegance of Chile’s best Cabernets.
Aromas & Flavors
Deep, complex aromatics of blackberries, black cherries, cassis, and dried figs, laced with espresso, dark chocolate, cedar, and tobacco leaf. A subtle earthy and mineral undertone speaks to its Andean foothill origins.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and texturized, with high intensity and firm structure. Tannins are bold yet polished, while the 15.4% ABV provides warmth and weight without overwhelming balance. The finish is long, layered, and espresso-driven, lingering with dark fruits and spice.
Winemaking Notes
Unfiltered and aged in French oak, this Cabernet is designed for longevity. The 2019 vintage already shows power and depth, but its construction suggests it will evolve beautifully over the next 8–12 years.
Food Pairing
Ideal with robust dishes: grilled ribeye, lamb shank, venison, or earthy stews. Also pairs wonderfully with aged Manchego or Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Verdict
Hot, intense, and layered — a true statement Cabernet from the Maipo Valley. Already climbing its prime, yet with enough structure to age gracefully. For lovers of powerhouse reds with espresso and dark chocolate complexity. — 2 months ago
Antis Wines / Andean Wineries
Mendoza Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Lovely. Well developed and full flavors. 2014 vintage — 4 years ago
Andean Vineyards
Mendoza Malbec 2019
Dark color. Nose: blackberry, coffee, earth, slight menthol, pine. Promising. Taste: horse, barnyard, less body than expected, blackberry. I like it! But, totally different taste than expected. 89-90.
EDIT: this is $10 at my local liquor store, I’d better try another bottle and see how consistent it is - might be the vest value I’ve found! — 4 years ago
Freddy R. Troya
Domaine Marc Portaz – Apremont 2021
Vin de Savoie AOC – Savoie, France 🇫🇷
Overview
Made from 100% Jacquère, this white comes from the alpine slopes near Chambéry. Apremont is one of the most famous crus of Savoie, known for producing crisp, mineral-driven wines that reflect their high-altitude terroir and limestone soils.
Aromas & Flavors
Delicate white flowers, green apple, lemon zest, and a touch of mountain herbs. Light, citrus-driven palate with a flinty minerality that lingers.
Mouthfeel
Lean, bright, and bone-dry, with zippy acidity and a refreshing, alpine finish. A classic mountain white—clean and precise.
Food Pairing
Perfect with fondue Savoyarde, raclette, lake fish (like perch or trout), or alpine charcuterie.
Verdict
A textbook Jacquère that delivers purity and freshness. Proof that alpine terroir wines can punch far above their weight in elegance and drinkability.
Personal Highlight
Enjoyed this bottle in Lausanne, Switzerland, where French alpine wines often sit side-by-side with Swiss Chasselas. A reminder of how borders blur when it comes to great alpine whites. Cheers! — 2 months ago