Coolest 6 Pack of Red Wine in Texas

Reviews:

2003 BenMarco Expresivo: Review by Wine Spectator Online, 90 Points
Dark and beefy style with loam and bittersweet cocoa framing the blackcurrant and blackberry fruit. Muscular and structured through the finish, with plenty of fruit that's worth waiting for. Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, Syrah and Tannat.

2003 BenMarco Expresivo: Review by Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Nov/Dec 2005, 91 Points Bright ruby-red. Pure, primary aromas of black raspberry, black cherry, violet and smoke, with a suggestion of of slightly roasted ripeness. Sweet, silky, and lush with black cherry, bitter chocolate and menthol flavors building in exorably on the palate and lingering impressively on the finish, which features aromatic suggestions of leather and sweet oak. The tannins are broad and suave.

Decanter Magazine Review by Time Atkin, MW: "Six of the Best from Mendoza and San Juan" , " One of my favorite Argentine blends, combining 50% Malbec with Cabernet, Bonarda, Syrah and Tannat. This is packed with ripe blackcurrant fruit, underpinned by smoky, spicy oak and fine tannins."

Varietal Composition: 50% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Bonarda, 10% Syrah, 5% Tannat

Vineyard Locations: Lujan de Cuyo-Agrelo, Tupungato-Villa Bastias

(Department-District) San Carlos-La Consulta, Lujan de Cuyo-Chacras de Coria

Avg. Vineyard Elev.: 3,300 feet Avg. Age of Vines: 36 years

Rootstock: Ungrafted Harvest Method: Hand-harvested

Oak Regimen: 14 months in 50% new French and 50% second-use American barriques

Fining: None Filtration: None

Alcohol: 13.5% pH: 3.6 T.A. 5.4

Total Case Production: 1000 cases (9L) cases available in 6-pack oak cases or 12-pack cartons

Tasting Notes/Food Pairing Suggestions
Wafting aromas of red currants, red and 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 loaded with fine, ripe tannins for having with food or for aging. Pairs well with a wide range of foods including grilled steak, roasted pork loin, veal, medium-strong cheeses, and most cream sauces. This wine should also age beautifully for 10 - 25 years.

About the Name/Label
BenMarco means "son of Marcos" in Hebrew. Pedro produces his wines as an homage to his father, Marcos who taught him how to plant, tend, and love the vineyards. Pedro's lifelong grower relationships give him the pick of the best old-vine grapes (including those from his own vineyard). The grapevine illustrated on the label is modeled after the wide-trellised vines that Pedro has planted on the borders of his vineyards (instead of unattractive fences).

Ask for this at your favorite wine shop! Cheers - Ali