This is full-bodied, dark and brooding. Beautifully structured with smooth well-integrated tannins. Full of dried fruit and black cherries but balanced with lighter plums, red cherries and cassis. This wine was firing on all cylinders and is a huge value at $16. A-.

2005 Valentin Bianchi Cabernet Sauvignon Elsa - Argentina, Mendoza, San Rafael (9/20/2008)
WIML87

Tasted September 20, 2008.

14.2% alcohol. Opened and served immediately. Dark garnet color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of dried herbs, basalmic and mixed dark fruits. Flavors of boysenberry and maybe some currant. Light acidity, light to medium tannins, light to medium body. Just a little thin on the palate. Drink over the short term. (87 pts.)

I guess the "Elsa" isn't exactly the pick of the litter. What did that cost?

I want to say it was $8.99 or thereabouts.

quote:

Originally posted by wineismylife:
I want to say it was $8.99 or thereabouts.

Ah. If you get the chance, try the regular(?) bottling; it's a different thing altogether.