One of the worst things that can happen to an oenophile like my is to taste a wine you like, and then there’s no way to get more on the market. That happened to me when I became a fan about the Torres Mas La Plana 2003 (Cabernet Sauvignon, $ 45.00) from Penedes, Spain, some months ago.

The wine is delicious: fruit-packed, full bodied and complex spice with minty notes.  Every single time I have tried it, it has the same high quality and enchantment. Mas La Plana is very hard to get in regular stores. Although Torres wines are fairly inexpensive and well distributed, this one is indeed elusive.

With no other resource, I was able to get it online and bought a case. Veronica, my wife, was surprised to see my joyous face when the package arrived. Having seen my excitement, she said, “Let’s open one bottle. If you are that happy, this must be a great wine.” It was. We enjoyed our first bottle of that case with some grilled paninis she made at the last minute for a Saturday supper.

And a couple of days ago, I opened a package with some samples from Shafer Vineyards (Elias Fernandez, one of the very few Latino Winemakers out there) and tasted the 2008 Shafer Merlot ($48.00). I had a true, pleasant experience because the wine is pure finesse, with lively cherry and red plumb notes and some deep fruit character on the palate. It was definitely silky and beautifully crafted with hints of toasted nuts and mint with a very long finish.

FOLLOW JORGE ON TWITTER

Tikal Patriota

Region: Mendoza, Argentina
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon.
Price: $ 24.50
Nose: Red currant, black fruit compote and black pepper
Taste: More red currant, cherries and forest truffles
Impression: Fruity and straight!
Structure: Full body, complex and balanced
Drink with: Argentinean Parrillada with lots of Chimichurri sauce
Why I loved this wine: Great quality, affordable price

Chateau Bonnet 2009 Entre-Duex-Mares

Region: Bordeaux, Entre-Deux-Mares
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadet
Price: $ 18.00
Nose: Tropical fruit, honeysuckle, grapefruit peel.
Taste: Flowery, Peach and grapefruit
Impression: Crisp, Herbal with honey notes
Structure: Medium Bodied, perfect acidity
Drink with: Shrimp cocktail, fried calamari or fish ceviche.
Why I loved this wine: Crisp, refreshing with a sweet hint