2017 Bodega Garzon 'Balasto' Red Uruguay
Weighing in at 95 points from James Suckling, Garzon’s top selection is a blend of tannat and cabernet franc with a touch of merlot and marselan. Fermented in cement and then aged 20 months in untoasted French oak, this dynamic wine maintains a sunny freshness, like a day on the coast spent surfing and sunbathing. Bright red and black fruit mix with savory tannins in each silky, lingering sip. Be prepared to come back for seconds.
Blessed with pristine views of the Atlantic, an unspoiled ecosystem, and dusty, charismatic back streets, the Punta del Este zone of Uruguay is very quickly becoming a new Côte d’Azur for discerning travelers of means. Nearby, wine entrepreneur Alejandro Bulgheroni established Bodega Garzón, a sustainable, earth-friendly wine estate, restaurant, and private club. Wind and solar power provide 40% of the property’s energy needs, and world-renowned chef Francis Mallman is the Ambassador and Culinary Director for the estate. Quite simply, no expense has been spared to make this winery a showpiece of the southern hemisphere. Blessed with fast-draining granite sands called “balasto,” these rolling hills are heaven for wine grapes, especially Tannat. We were also thrilled to discover some delightful reds like Petit Verdot and Marselan, as well as award-winning Albariño that is some of the best made outside of Spain. We invite you to experience just how sumptuous and luxurious Uruguayan wine can be!
James Suckling
Transparent and direct with dark berries, asphalt and lavender. Medium to full body, very silky tannins and a persistent and beautiful finish. Most balanced blend of this. A blend of 50 per cent tannat, 40 per cent cabernet franc, five per cent marselan and five per cent merlot.
DC94Decanter
Ripe nose of dense berry fruit with well-managed oak notes and earthy undertones. Really fresh acidity and lovely purity.
WS93Wine Spectator
Powerful, featuring well-knit flavors of blackberry, dark currant and plum tart, with accents of dark olive and dried savory herbs. The well-spiced and juicy finish offers dark chocolate notes, backed by crisp, firm tannins. Tannat, Cabernet Franc, Marselan and Merlot.
WE91Wine Enthusiast
Briary berry aromas are thick and slightly reduced, with a lifted note of juniper on the nose. This blend is the top of the line for the producer. Savory berry flavors are blackened by toasty oak, while this is tightly coiled in tannins on the finish.