Mendoza, ArgentinaKaiken is named for a bird that migrates back and forth between Chile and Argentina. The legendary Montes family runs the winery, and early on, winemaker Aurelio Montes Sr. was known to fly his plane back and forth between Santiago and Mendoza. This wine, made by Aurelio Montes Jr., hails from vineyards in Vistalba and Agrelo sub-regions, and is aged six months in new and used French oak. Seleccion Especial is a focused, savoury, resinous malbec with juicy blueberries mixed with dark cherries. It is authentic Argentine malbec that is hard to find for $16. It finishes on the sweet fruit side but with enough spice and acidity to keep it all balanced. Ready to drink.Tasted: 09 October 2020Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$15.99
750ml
BCLS
SK
$19.99
750ml
SaskLiquor
ON
$15.95
750ml
LCBO - Vintages
Producer: Montes WinesDistributors: Icon Fine Wine and Spirits Grape: MalbecCSPC: 578690UPC: 00715126555012
Mendoza, ArgentinaNamed for the bird that migrates back and forth between Chile and Argentina, Kaiken is made by well known Chilean winemaker Aurelio Montes, along with his son Aurelio Montes Jr from vineyards in Vistalba and Agrelo and is aged for 6 months in new and used French oak. Rich and dense on the palate, with potent blackberry, dark cherry, and dried violets. The wood is present but absorbed well into the plush fruit, leaving soft, plumped tannins to guide this to the espresso finish. Quite polished and suitable for premium grilled meats.Tasted: 21 December 2020Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$15.99
750ml
BCLS
SK
$19.99
750ml
SaskLiquor
ON
$15.95
750ml
LCBO - Vintages
Producer: Montes WinesDistributors: Icon Fine Wine and Spirits Grape: MalbecCSPC: 578690UPC: 00715126555012
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis opens with juicy blueberry alongside a healthy amount of chocolatey oak after briefly ageing in a combination of new and used French oak for six months. It’s certainly ripe, but there's still freshness and nice definition to the fruit, which is rare at this price point. The palate is suave and smooth thanks to a small residual sugar dose (6 g/L), but without crossing into sweet red territory. There’s no shortage of malbecs on the shelf at this price, but this is a cut above the norm. Recommended.Tasted: 19 October 2020Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$15.99
750ml
BCLS
SK
$19.99
750ml
SaskLiquor
ON
$15.95
750ml
LCBO - Vintages
Producer: Montes WinesDistributors: Icon Fine Wine and Spirits Grape: MalbecCSPC: 578690UPC: 00715126555012