Bodega del Desierto is owned by the brother-and-sister team of Armando and Maria Loson. A groundbreaking line of wines produced from Argentina's high desert is both a tribute to South American independence and the pioneering spirit of the region's first vineyard and winery. Bodega del Desierto named the wines 25/5 La Pampa to honor the town whose terroir and beauty are powerfully expressed in their wines. The town of 25 de Mayo (25th of May) is itself named in recognition of the date that began Argentina's surge toward independence from Spain. Bodega del Desierto is located in the province of La Pampa appellation of Alto Valle Rio Colorado (High Valley of the Red River). While established Argentina wine regions such as Mendoza and San Juan have gained notoriety for Malbec and other wines in recent years, those from the windy, arid conditions of La Pampa reflect the region's high desert spirit - wild and new. The results are bold, deep red wines and fine, delicate whites. The winemaker is Sebastian Cavagnaro and the vineyard manager is Adrian Barrios. Winemaker Paul Hobbs acts as a consultant.

Tasting notes

Good deep red-ruby. Red currant, graphite, cocoa powder and enticing oak on the nose. Lush and sweet, with flavors of berries and cocoa power. Finishes with sweet tannins and lovely persistence.

Technical notes

(47% Cabernet Sauvignon/37% Malbec/16% Cabernet Franc). Aged 20 months in French (70%) and American oak (30%).