Weinert Cabernet Sauvignon: They've Done it Again

A few months ago I wrote a post about the Weinert Carrascal, an Argentinian blend which I thought really was the cats pyjamas. (Love that saying, cats don't even wear pyjamas!)

Anyway, the other day I picked up a bottle of the 2005 Weinert Cabernet Sauvignon, and it confirmed for me that Weinert are one of, if not the finest producers of reasonably priced, complex, flavourful wines in South America. And it turns out I am not the only one who thinks that, because it is said that legendary wine critic and restaurateur Robert Parker uses the Weinert Range as the house wines in his restaurant! Lets face it, if it is good enough for Mr. Parker, the most influential man in wine, it's probably good enough for you.

Robert Parker.
Photo taken from The Wine Academy of Spain

So anyway, where was I? Oh yes, the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Mendoza is typically famous for its Malbec, but that being said, the climate is also well-suited to producing big, bold, full cabernet.

This particular one is selected from ungrafted original French roots and aged in large oak vats for three years. And despite having been aged in bottle since 2008, it hasn't lost much of that typical full, ripe fruit that has made South America so famous for its wine over the past 20-30 years.

In the glass it is a deep ruby, with a nose of ripe plums, tobacco box, leather, spice and beautifully smooth oak. A really impressive nose yet again from a relatively reasonably priced wine (it's only £10.50 p/b!)

On the palate, it is full bodied, with ripe, slightly grippy tannins. The acidity has mellowed thanks to the oak ageing and the oak flavour has started to develop and integrate with the plummy, bramble fruit flavour from the grape. The oak comes through nicely, mixed with a hint of balsamic vinegar, leaving a long, flavoursome finish.

But come on, it wouldn't be a South American Cabernet without our old friend Mr. Booze. This is an intense wine, and not for the faint hearted. I took far too big a gulp on my first taste, and needed a good 5 minutes to recover - it knocked me for six.

However, although overpowering at 14.5%, there is very little alcohol flavour in the wine - a true testament to how well made this wine is. It is smooth, round, plump, sexy and although we are now moving into spring, (not the ideal time for bold reds) I couldn't think of anything better than being sat out in the garden as the sun goes down sipping on this. Unless you also offered me the Weinert Carrascal........ Then I may have problems.

So where can you buy this wine? Well, you probably guessed it - it's only sold at The Wine Society, so you'll have to be a member (or become one - £40 for a lifetime share) to try it. £10.50 a bottle may sound like quite a bit for an everyday bottle of wine, but it really is one to try. Not only is it a fantastic wine, but it would go brilliantly well with your Sunday evening roast, a steak on a Wednesday or simply to bring out to impress friends.

Some come on, stop buying ropey Claret for £10 and start buying top quality, fun, exciting and complex South American Cabernet!