2017 Susana Balbo Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontés
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Tasting notes
The 2017 Críos Torrontés is grapey, spicy and floral, which is a combination of Cafayate with Mendoza. It has notions of talcum powder and some citrus and mineral notes with less tropical notes. The style is fresh with good acidity. Sixty percent of the grapes are now from Altamira, a profile that has been growing and might grow even more in the future. Nice balance in the palate. 324,000 bottles produced.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
(unoaked): Very pale color. Musky scents of lemon, fresh apricot, flowers and lichee. Salty, sappy and very dry, with a sexy musky quality that calls to mind both Condrieu and Chablis. More classic than the 2016 version, this wine should make a terrific aperitif but could also pair well with grilled fish or sushi. Susana Balbo told me that Torrontés from Cafayate is frequently too turpenic, so she has planted more Torrontés in Altamira, next to her Signature Malbec. She noted that the 2015 and 2016 versions of this bottling were more Sauvignon Blanc-like and that she picked especially early in 2017. A superb value at $15.