La Posta Armando Bonarda - A Bonanza From Mendoza

A really lovely example of Argentina’s second most planted red variety, the La Posta Armando Bonarda.

100% Bonarda from 52 year old vines at 2,300 feet of elevation in Mendoza, Argentina. The wine was aged for 10 months with 70% in second use French oak and 30% in stainless steel.

Sample submitted for review. The La Posta Armando Bonarda has an SRP of $15 and is available for as low as $13. Ready to buy? Check your local retailers. Imported by Vine Connections. Only 500 cases imported.

From the bottle:

Estela Armando invites you to venture into the Andes as summer gives way to fall. The snowcapped mountains grow whiter and the water of Desaguadero River bluer with each day. Estela pours a glass and tells you how her grandfather planted the vineyard she still tends to. Before departing you will raise your glass to seasons that change and to traditions that don’t.
Created by 4th generation vintner, Laura Catena
13.5% Alcohol

Today we’re featuring our third wine in the La Posta series of single-grower, single-vineyard wines from Laura Catena. After featuring two wonderful Malbecs (here and here), this time we turn to a variety many will not be as familiar with, Bonarda.

The 2016 La Posta Armando Bonarda begins with an inviting bouquet of raspberry, cherry, leather, cedar and bit of a smoky, damp earth aroma. The wine tastes smooth and lovely to drink. It’s full of ripe, sweet fruit, more leather and gentle touches of spice and cocoa notes that build on the mid-palate and lead into the dry, long finish. There is perhaps even a hint of a nutty note on this one, what a great wine!

With Bonarda being the second most planted grape in Argentina it makes you wonder why you don’t see more examples on US store shelves. If you like exploring new varieties (and you should) then this is definitely one to try.

Ready to buy the La Posta Estela Armando Bonarda? Check your local retailers.