Las Vertientes 2013 Benchmark Reserva Red Blend

The local Costco has Las Vertientes 2013 Benchmark Reserva Red Blend reduced in price from $23.99 to $16.99. From my research, I learned that the original price of $23.99 is actually much less than the online prices that go up to $35. Costco's signage reported that Wine Enthusiast rated the wine at 91 points, so I purchased one bottle.

The wine is from Mendoza Argentina and the name Las Vertientes refers to the slopes in the Andes that carry the snowmelt to the Estate Agrelo Vineyards in the Mendoza desert. This red blend is 70% Malbec aged in 50% new oak.

This is a complex wine that begins with blackberries but expands in the mouth to add licorice, smoke and spice. Dry dusty tannins lead to a lingering finish. The wine has 14.5% alcohol.

This is a quality wine at a great price. I was in the Costco wine department today and only a few bottles were left. Apparently, others recognized the value in this wine.

SC Wine Joe rating = 91 points

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