Wines from Baja Mexico

As requested after the last class here is a listing of top wines from Mexico as rated by Wine Enthusiast magazine. Happy tasting!

Viñas de Garza 2009 Grimau Red (Valle de Guadalupe)
This blend of Grenache, Carignan and Tempranillo topped an extensive tasting of Mexican wines. Lightly stewed plum and raspberry aromas lead to a pure, deep palate loaded with cherry, cassis, chocolate and other ripe flavors. This is calm and collected in its delivery, with not too much lead on the pedal. Drink through 2018.
91 Points Mexico $100 Editors’ Choice

Monte Xanic 2010 Gran Ricardo Red (Valle de Guadalupe)
This Cabernet blend is one of Baja's best reds. Cured meat, dry spice and brandied berry aromas lead to an elegant (by Baja standards) palate with herbal hints, plenty of spice, solid cherry and berry flavors, and modest tannins. This wine has guts and delivers the goods; contains 18% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. Drink through 2020.
90 Points Mexico $56 Editors’ Choice

Cava Maciel 2012 Vino de Luna Chardonnay (Valle de Guadalupe)
This was my top Mexican white wine from a recent tasting. It's light and clean on the nose, with apple and just a touch of brininess. This shows off a good body with weight and acidic balance. Pear, papaya and dry melon are the key flavors, followed by vanilla and toast on the finish.
88 Points Mexico $22 Editors’ Choice

Viñas de Garza 2007 Amado IV Red (Valle de Guadalupe)
A world-class wine regardless of origin, this Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo and Zinfandel blend is as full as they come, with alluring black cherry, cola and graphite aromas. The mouthfeel is smooth and rich, with a wave of cola, molasses and chocolate along with black cherry and blackberry. Sweet, dark, smoky and long on the finish. Drink now–2014.
92 Points Mexico $54 Editors’ Choice

Vinisterra 2007 Pedregal Syrah-Mourvèdre (San Antonio de las Minas Valley)
This red blend of 67% Syrah and 33% Mourvedre immediately announces itself as serious and classy. The bouquet is layered with berry fruit and baking spice aromas that aren't hard or pushy. It feels stout and secure, with its structure supporting flavors of concentrated berry, pepper and baking spice. The long finish keeps its form. Drink now–2015.
91 Points Mexico $45 Editors’ Choice

El Sombrero 2009 Red (Valle de Guadalupe)
Ripe and rich, but not dull or out of whack, this smells sweet, a little soupy and densely fruity, with a cumin accent. It feels concentrated and full bodied, with black fruit flavors of roasted plum and blackberry. It's mellow, dealing brown sugar on the finish. This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranillo; drink now–2013.
91 Points Mexico $108 Editors’ Choice

Tres Valles 2010 Jalá Red (Valle de Guadalupe)
This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache is clean, pure and 100% balanced. Aromas of fresh berry, rubber and baking spice lead to berry, plum and chocolate flavors. Smooth on the finish, with purity and length.
90 Points Mexico $17 Editors’ Choice