Crios: Overdelivering Value for Money, Again

89
Dominio del Plata 2018 Torrontés Crios Cafayate & Valle de Uco 14.5% $15
Vibrantly gooseberry on the nose with youthful and fleshy fruits including sour yellow cherries and greengauge plums. This zesty white has a lovely sappiness racing through its generously textured, medium-plus body. Its holds very well into a second day, just with the screwcap returned to its original place. I adore dry, fragrant whites, and this one from the Queen of Torrontés, Susana Balbo, took no time to charm me!
Drink: 2019-20

86
Dominio del Plata 2018 Rosé of Malbec Crios Valle de Uco 14.5% $15
Initially closed from reduction on the nose, this remained a bit hard even into the second day. Bracingly dry with plentiful extract, this is a rosé for heartier food. It's also a rosé that can be enjoyed year round, not just in the sweltering months of summer. Though full-bodied, its flavors of strawberry hull and guava are highly refreshing. 
Drink: 2019-2020 

90
Dominio del Plata 2018 Malbec Crios Valle de Uco 14.5% $15
Boldly brambly, this bracingly fresh Malbec screams varietal character, especially those typicaly coming from cooler climate Malbec. Behind the pristine pure fruit lies a gentle, seamless stream of tannin that gives the palate shape. However, it's the exuberantly fresh acidity that defines the tension here. I believe that it's one of the best Crios Malbecs of the many, many, many vintages that I have tasted. The layers cassis, black plums and sloe are accented by cracked pepper on the medium finish. This Malbec overdelivers on its price tag! 
Drink: 2019-22 

88
Dominio del Plata 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Crios Valle de Uco 14.5% $15
This is not just very Cabernet Sauvignon in its aromas and structure, it is very drinkable Cabernet Sauvignon. There is a joyful freshness to the high-altitude (3,700 feet) fruit that combines with spritely acidity to make this wine a solid sipper. After its heady aromas of black currant compote and evergreen fronds, a symphony of loganberry, black cherry and açai unleashes onto the palate. It's an incredibly vibrant display of intense, youthful fruit flavors. Though the back label notes the use of French oak, I can't taste it. This is brilliantly crafted - and kindly priced - Argentine Cabernet that, while intense, can still be elegant. The moderate finish shows lightly chalky and nicely framing tannins that give this satisfyingly dark red just the right amount of gravitas.
Drink: 2019-20