When Argentina decided to up its game a few decades ago, their first important female wine maker was at the head of the movement. Hugh checks out the latest offerings from Susan Balbo.

Price key: $=less than $20 $$= $20-40 $$$=$40-60 $$$$=above $60

Quality key: * = decent wine ** = very good wine *** = superb wine ****= elite

VALUE = exceptional quality for the money

Susan Balbo Crios Malbec, Mendoza ’24 ** $ VALUE

(Clean and fresh, textbook malbec, cherry, spice and violets throughout)

Susan Balbo Crios Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza ’22 **1/2 $ VALUE

(Classic Argentine cab sauv, sweet oak and cherry flavors, approachable and drinkable)

WINE OF THE WEEK

Susan Balbo Crios Torrontes, Mendoza ‘24 **1/2 $ VALUE

(Argentina’s best white wine, dry, aromatic with spice and floral notes, balanced)

All of these wines can be purchased at Wells Discount Liquors.