“This is super bonarda with licorice, tar and berry character. Medium to full body, juicy and fruity. Like the tea undertone to this. Fascinating. Drink now.”

BEST BONARDAS OF THE YEAR: “Full of fruit and lush texture, the weight and juiciness of this bonarda asks for very crunchy grilled meats.”

“Bright dark red. Dark raspberry, black plum, dark chocolate, menthol and herbs on the nose. Sweet, plush and pliant but not heavy, with a vein of acidity framing and lifting the dark fruit and dark chocolate flavors. A note of menthol contributes to the impression of dryness (this bottling is a bit greener than Alejandro Vigil's single-vineyard Bonardas). But this is ultimately a ripe, complex, inviting wine with layers of fruits and spices. Finishes with mouthdusting tannins and very good length. Can't quite match the Malbec for distinction but this is an excellent Bonarda.”

“The 2014 El Enemigo Bonarda is sourced from eight hectares of old parral vines (over 80 years old) on clay-rich soils in El Mirador in Rivadavia, in the east of Mendoza, that belong to the Catena family. It also contains some 15% Cabernet Franc from the same zone. The whole clusters are fermented in barriques and matured in large 4,000-liter oak vats, which is the tradition for Bonarda, where it undergoes malolactic. It has good ripeness without excess, with the earthy, slightly rustic profile of the variety, with character and some dusty tannins coated by juicy, ripe fruit.”

“Brilliant jammy red fruits, with sweet spice and generous oak characters. Persistent with a rustic finish.” (BRONZE)

“Grapy and floral smelling up front, this Bonarda smells reduced. A tight, rubbery palate is drawing but freshened by a mild shot of acidity. Savory oaky plum and berry flavors finish baked, minty and oaky.”