The Event: Icon Argentina; a tutored tasting of 13 collectible wines from Argentina, May 4, 2009

The Time and Date:  Monday, May 4, 2009  7PM – 9:30 PM

The Event: Icon Argentina; a tutored tasting of 13 collectible wines from Argentina.

The Venue: Park Hyatt Hotel, Avenue Road

The Target Audience: wine press and consumers

The Availability/Catalogue: the wide-selection of wines came from a variety of agents.

The Quote/Background: This was a basic overview of Argentine wine history and industry. Beginning in the 1990s, the industry got foreign investments to upgrade and modernize, and then seek new markets. In dollar value, the industry increased 477% between 2002 and 2008.

The Wines: There were 13 wines, although 16 were originally announced.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Bod. Francois Lurton Gran Lurton Corte Friulano 2008

-Trapiche Malbec Single Vineyard 2006

-Septima Codorniu Gran Reserva 2006 (best wine of the night)

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Dominio del Plata Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontes 2008

-Santos Carfelli Malbec 2006

-Norton Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

-Finca Flichman Paisaje de Tupungato 2006

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Bod. Ruca Malen Kinien Malbec 2007

-Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec 2006

-Finca Las Moras Gran Shiraz 3 Valleys 2005

-Bod. Nieto Senetiner Limited Edition Bonarda 2007

-Andeluna Cellars Grand Reserve Cabernet Franc 2005

-Monteviejo 2005

 

The Food: bread and water

The Downside: there was a light attendance, with only a few wine media, sommeliers, and agents present.

The Upside: a great opportunity to taste some expensive wines.

The Contact Person: monica.ralphs@winespeak.ca; steve@stevethurlow.com

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): good wines, but the seminar was priced at $90, and few trade people appeared, even with comps. 83.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com