“Grapes are the most noble and challenging of
fruits.” ……. Malcolm Dunn, Head Gardener to the 7th Viscount
Powercourt, c 1867.

Rutini
wines predate all this however. The winery was started by Italian emigrant
Filipe Rutini in 1885 (then called La Rural Winery) in the Uco Valley, Mendoza.
1994 saw change continuing as the winery
(Rutini) underwent technological renovation under Nicolas Catena and Jose
Benegas-Lynch (two major forces in the Argentine wine industry and from one of
Mendoza’s oldest and most celebrated wine families) and Mariano DiPaola was
appointed winemaker.

In
the glass, Encuentro shows as inky purple. The nose is complex with
vanilla-caramel and cocoa powder with clove and violet. I enjoyed hints of cooked fruit, especially
plum that carried into the wine’s flavor along with violet, cassis and
blackberry. Despite all this going on, I most appreciated the wine’s balance.
While plum, blackberry and violet were distinct, they were not overpowering.
The fruit was balanced against the wine’s tannic structure and the result was
harmony in the glass. Encuentro is creamy on the palette (thanks to its 100%
malolactic fermentation) and enjoys a moderate finish that is clean thanks to
its fruit/acid balance.

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“Encuentro”
means “encounter.” With a suggested
retail price under $20, this is a wine that’s worth encountering, especially if
you’re a fan of Argentinian Malbecs – or would like to encounter what it is about them that make them so popular.
Salud!
…………. Jim
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TECH SPECS:
Varietal: Malbec, 100%
Vineyard: Tupungato,
Mendoza, Aregntina
Malolactic Fermentation: 100%
Aging: 50% new
& 2nd use French oak
50% new American oak
12 Months
·
Bottle provided
as sample by publicist.
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