Reviews & Ratings

2008 Susana Balbo Argentina & Chile (Red Blends) "BenMarco Expresivo"

Winery: Susana Balbo

Vintage: 2008

Wine Name/Vineyard: "BenMarco Expresivo"

Wine Category: Argentina & Chile (Red Blends)

Grape blend: 50% Malbec, 20% Syrah, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Tannat, & 5% Petit Verdot

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Mendoza

State or country: Argentina

Price: $35

Cases produced: 500

KWG Score: 91.2 (based on 4 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (92)

Review date: August 15, 2011

Wine Review: There is something about these kitchen sink red blends that just gets me excited. This offering from BenMarco is terrific. It is opaque and pitch black colored. It opens with a fragrant black raspberry and black licorice bouquet. On the palate, this wine is full bodied, balanced, rich, and very fruit forward. The flavor profile is a delicious boysenberry and vanilla oak blend with notes of blackberry with a hint of blueberry. The finish is dry and its moderate dusty tannins are nicely prolonged. This tasty fruit bomb is a wonderful wine. Grill up a big stack of messy ribs and enjoy it with this gem. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: Wafting aromas of ripe red currants, black cherries and mildly smoky and sweet vanilla oak. Layers of currant fruit, dense black cherry, and notes of brown spice (cocoa, nutmeg), dark chocolate, and hints of sandalwood. Keeps showing its stuff as it breathes in the glass—for folks who want the full experience and may be a bit impatient, decanting is a good idea. Perfect balance, great concentration and length, and loaded with fine, ripe tannins for having with food or for aging. This wine should also age beautifully for 10-25 years. Pairs well with a wide range of foods including grilled steak, roasted pork loin, veal, medium-strong cheeses, and most cream sauces.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell BenMarco 2008 Expresivo.