March 2025 2 Reds

Zolo Malbec, 2023

Zolo was created in 2003 by one of Argentina’s leading women in wine, Patricia Ortiz, when she established one of Argentina’s most forward-thinking wineries. Under Patricia’s leadership, Zolo stays true to her vision of creating wines with elegance and identity, reflective of their terroir and respectful to the environment. All Zolo wines are made from estate-grown fruit which have been sustainably farmed and hand-picked. The winemaking team is led by Fabian Valenzuela and famed winemaker from Petrus Jean Claude Berrouet. 

On the label stands a lone man- Patricia spends much of the week working in Mendoza, leaving her husband alone – solo/zolo – in Buenos Aires.

The Malbec showcases lush flavors of strawberries, plums and blackberries. Aging in French and American oak for 6 months adds subtle notes of cocoa and vanilla. Fresh, inviting, and juicy fruit. It pairs well with bold, rich flavors, especially grilled or roasted meats like steak, lamb, and pork, as well as cheeses like cheddar, blue cheese, and manchego.

Ratings:

Tim Atkin, 90 points

James Suckling, 90 points

Escudo Rojo Gran Reserva, 2022

Escudo Rojo is an iconic Chilean brand created by Baron Philippe de Rothschild to produce the best wines in each category and market them worldwide. The wines strike a harmonious balance between freshness, fruit, oak, fullness on the palate and ageing potential. Escudo Rojo is the Spanish translation of the German “Rote Schild” meaning Red Shield. In 1999, the encounter between Chilean soil and Bordeaux expertise gave rise to Escudo Rojo, a branded wine worthy of the Baron Philippe de Rothschild name, synonymous with the high standards of a great winemaking tradition. Vines were first introduced into Chile in the 16th century by the Spanish Conquistadors and their religious orders who needed wine to celebrate mass.

Located at Buin-Maipo, 45 kilometers south of Santiago in the famous Maipo Valley, the Baron Philippe de Rothschild Maipo Chile bodega stands in its own 63-hectare (156-acre) vineyard. The wines are made, matured, bottled and packaged at the estate under the supervision of a French winemaker and under the control of an in-house laboratory. These vineyards are known for the variety of soils which bring complexity and power in order to reveal the quintessence of the Chilean terroir. The north is dry with stony subsoil, while the damper south has clay soil which naturally provides a sufficient water supply.

The Escudo Rojo Gran Reserva is the winery’s flagship wine, made up of a fine blend of traditional grape varieties grown in the vineyard. The blend includes Cabernet Sauvignon (39%), Carmenere (39%), Syrah (6%), Petit Verdot (9%) and Cabernet Franc (7%). Year after year, that subtle combination yields a round, complex and concentrated wine with attractively expressive fruit.

The nose opens on an elegant combination of red and black fruit aromas, followed by elegant spice and roasted coffee-bean notes. The palate has ripe red and black fruit flavors emerge on the attack, followed on the midpalate by powerful black fruit mingled with delicate spice and roasted coffee-bean notes. The fruit flavors found on the attack return, underpinned by beautifully refined tannins which give length and elegance to the finish.

Pairs wonderfully with a wide range of foods, but especially grilled meats with garlic, chimichurri, and crusted seasonings, spicy pasta, chocolate, and hard cheeses. 

Product Ratings:

Decanter, 92 points

James Suckling, 92 points

Vinous, 91 points

Wine Enthusiast, 90 points