Ben Marco Expresivo 2011

SUSANA BALBO WINES is a top family run vineyard in the Los Andes foothills in the town of Agrelo, Luján de Cuyoheart in Mendoza province.

They produce the popular Ben Marco range of red wines along with a range of red wines, including the Nosotros line that showcases the best barrels in what in my opinion are some of the best blends I have tried. If you are able to find these in your country do not miss her Susana Balbo’s signature series that showcases her personal preferences as a winemaker.

This Ben Marco Expresivo 2011 is a blend of 50% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, 10% Tannat, 5% Bonarda and 5% Petit Verdot. These old vine grapes are harvested by hand in small batches to reduce the damage to the grapes and produce a superior wine.

Tasting Notes

This wine, is a deep garnet hue with a  rust rim.

The aromas on the nose are cassis, dark berry, cigar and an end note of chocolate.

The palate is moderately acidic with rich tannins and continues to open and improve the longer it is in your glass. I recommend  opening and decanting 20 minutes prior to consuming. in the glass the taste has a hint of spice, black berry, cherry, cigar and a long finish of chocolate.

Medium acidity, rich tannins that soften as the wine opens.

Overall a very enjoyable complex wine that pairs with dark chocolate as easily as it pairs with freshly made four cheese ravioli in a  rose sauce. The pleasing chocolate finish lingers in your mouth for quite some time.

Enjoy ?

Alanna Hulko