Got a visit today from Ayra Campbell, daughter of Patrick Campbell – owner and winemaker of Laurel Glen. She was in Cleveland for the day and I was happy to have the opportunity to sample their wines.
Known in the USA for their fantasticly balanced Cabernet Sauvignon, (think black fruit, velvety tannins, refreshing acidity, moderately high alcohol with a hint of Turkish spices and you’ll get the picture) I was excited to taste their line up from Mendoza which included:
Terra Rosa Malbec ($12): Garnet color with perfumed aromas of stewed plums, tobacco, spice, tar and black pepper supported by mouth warming alcohol and enough acidity to keep the finish clean. Sealed with a screw top,this wine is a great bottle for the beach.
Tierra Divina Old Vine Malbec ($18): Magenta hue and lush aromas of blueberry, black berry and licorice lets you know that this wine was grown in a warmer region such as the Valle de Uco. High alcohol, medium acidity and lots of concentrated fruits provide a long finish. Great value for the price and a good expression of Malbec.
Vale La Pena, Mendoza ($33): Made using 100% Malbec, this Magenta-colored wine is lush. Intense aromas of violet, blueberry, blackberry and orange peel are balanced by a good dose of alcohol, crisp acidity and ripe tannins.
Arya told me that La Pena means “worth the effort” or worthwhile and I can tell you from today’s tasting that she ain’t kiddin’. Cheers.
