2002 O. Fournier B Crux -- Uco Valley, Argentina

Liquor World -- $20

For us, this is one of those wines that you love as much for the memories it brings back as for the wine itself (although the wine is great!). My friend from graduate school, Gabriel Fidel, used to be the business manager of this winery. When we visited Argentina, we spent the night at the winery and got the VIP tour. The winery is one of those post-modern temples to wine like you might see in Napa (you can see pictures on their website, www.ofournier.com). It was breath-taking to wake up among the vines and see a fresh late-spring snowfall in the nearby mountains.

This wine is 60% tempranillo, 20% malbec, and 20% merlot. That's a blend that you won't see very often, and a very tasty one in our opinion. It's made to world class standards -- maceration for 25 days, malolactic fermentation in oak, and a year in French oak barrels. 2002 was the best vintage in Argentina for a generation, and this one does not disappoint. Delicious vanilla and blackberry, balanced by the mellow tannins and the alcohol (14%). Nice finish.

Wine Spectator: 88

Our rating: A-

Mark and Sasha