Mini-reviews 57: Bonterra, Carlos Pulenta, Da Luca, Tormaresca

Mini-reviews 57: Bonterra, Carlos Pulenta, Da Luca, TormarescaReviews of wines that don ?t need their own post, but are worth noting for one reason or another. Look for it on the final Friday of each month.

? Bonterra Zinfandel 2011 ($16, sample, 14.5%): More old-style zinfandel than new, with brambly black fruit and alcohol in balance instead of a fruit-infused cocktail that makes you reach for a glass of water after a sip and a half. Another winner in my recent zinfandel streak, and a treat to drink.

? Carlos Pulenta Malbec Tomero 2011 ($15, sample, 14%): Fairly-priced Argentine red that doesn’t have too much black fruit — which means it’s drinkable and not syrupy — and somehow manages to be mostly balanced. A very pleasant surprise.

? Da Luca Pinot Grigio 2012 ($13, sample, 12%): Disjointed pinot grigio with requisite tonic water at back but also weird fruit in the middle, almost tropical. Not much better than grocery store pinot grigio but at almost twice the price.

? Tormaresca Chardonnay 2012 ($9, purchased, 12%): How the mighty have fallen. This white, like the Tormaresca Neprica, used to be value-priced quality wine. Now, it has just one note — lots of what tastes like cheap fake oak, with very little fruit or interest. Very disappointing.

4 thoughts on “Mini-reviews 57: Bonterra, Carlos Pulenta, Da Luca, Tormaresca

  • By Damon -

    That is sad about the Tormaresca. Have you tried recent vintages of the Tormaresca Bocca di Lupo? That was always a screaming wine in the $30 range, that overdelivered even at that price.

    • By Wine Curmudgeon -

      Not seen the Bocca di Lupo lately, Damon, but will look for it. And it is sad. Few things pain me more than to see a great cheap wine fade slowly away.

  • By Dwayne -

    I like your comment about not having too much black fruit on the Malbec. I find that on a lot of Malbecs and it sounds like we are in agreement. But I have a lot of friends that seem to like that style. That’s what makes horse races!

    • By Wine Curmudgeon -

      Exactly right about the malbecs, Dwayne. That’s why I don’t do points on the blog and just try to describe the wines so people can make up their own minds.

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