Originally Posted by
Gaucho100K
While Argentina makes some great Merlots, much of it goes into the high-end blends made by various producers. Here is a 100% Merlot that is IMO very special and also offers attractive QPR.
Banfi Cinco Tierras Premium Merlot 2003
Mendoza, Argentina
Made from old-vines from the sub regions of La Consulta & Agrelo, this 100% Merlot is aged in French Oak (50% first year) for 12 months. Shiny deep red color, complex nose of fruits, coffe & spices. Big attack full of very ripe red fruits, good balance and finish. Only 8,000 bottles produced.
from Wine searcher.
Cinco Tierras Familia 750ML 2002
90 POINTS - A proprietary blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Malbec. It is remarkably robust, tannic on the end, and very rich, and very deep in this price class. It is intense, too, not a fruit bomb, and there are touches of acid on the finish. This is opulent and powerful, rather tightly wound, too. Very nice. This winery is known as "Banfi" in Argentina but cannot market that way here. Their other label here is "Sorbus." $30.
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Looks like this is the wine. these people give 20% off for full cases, and ship, although I cannot find shipping prices. they are in NJ.
Cinco Tierras Res. Merlot 750ML 2003
87 POINTS - Well focused and sunny, this is a very pleasing Merlot. There are cherry nuances and the fruit is relatively expansive and open. There is no reason this can't be drunk now, and should be treated as a short term wine. It is a wine that is extremely pleasing and attractive at this point, gentle, flavorful and balanced. $13.
I presume this "Banfi" is not the same BANFI as in the great Lambrusco of Long Island and now holder of square miles of Montalcino,