The wife, kids and I spend a week every December in Mexico. The hotel where we stay has a list that is, as one might expect, long on Mexican wines, particularly the wines of Baja California. My experiences, which have basically been (a) shots in the dark based on price/grape varietal or (b) recs from a waiter (somm?) have generally been pretty good (although things tend to taste better when you are sitting by the ocean on holiday). I’m hoping to be a little more prepared this and to make some educated choices, but there seems to be a real dearth of information. I’ve done the ole’ board and google searches and have a list of names based on some newspaper articles, but I’m wondering if any Berserkers have had experiences with, good or bad, or resources for, the wines of Mexico.
I’ve had exactly one Mexican wine. My friend David, who is a Mexican national, brought it for me when he visited. I had a hard time making out the label and getting information on the wine. I found out later that, what I thought of as a simple bottle of wine, was pretty impressive and carried a hefty price tag to boot. David later informed me that the winery has a reputation for making some of the best wines in Mexico (is that like saying the best BBQ in North Dakota?), so perhaps worth seeking out.
2010 Vinedos Malagon Cabernet Sauvignon- Mexico, Baja California, Valle de Guadalupe (3/2/2012)
I tried researching the wine but could only find scant information online. This is a red blend that prominently says “Tinto Mexicano” on the label. It looks like the blend might be Cabernet Sauvignon 70%, Petite Syrah 15%, Grenache 15% based on past vintages. Poured a dark garnet. Clocking in at 13.5% abv, the nose gave off a bit of heat, and dark, smoky fruit. Flavors of dark fruits, with just a touch of green herbs that added interest. Medium - full bodied in the mouth. Nice velvet tannins. A surprisingly fun and tasty bottle. This was a gift from my friend David, who informed me it was approximately $80 in Mexico.
But the sun still shines in the summer time
I’ll be yours if you’ll be mine
I tried to change, but I changed my mind
Think I’ll have another glass of Mexican wine (92 pts.)
Thanks Corey. Just added this to the list. The others that I’ve received information on so far are Vino de Piedra (tempranillo/cabernet blend), Vena Cava (cab sauvignon and sauv blanc), Finca la Carrodilla (biodynamic), and Monte Xanic (cab blend).
I’ll send my friend an e-mail asking him if there are any wineries that he recommends. Come to think of it, I have another friend in Guadalajara that I can ask as well. I’ll get back to you when I hear back.