Tim York wrote:Are Weinert abandoning their traditional style? If so, a pity because I really enjoyed some of their wines from the 90s as well as a fabulous Malbec 1977.
From the folks in my Brazilian message board, who have followed Weinert's fortunes more closely, around 2002/3 they succumbed to market pressure and began to try to make wines in the modern style without, however, having the capital to invest in the necessary equipment and facilities. My hope is that they will continue, in parallel, to make wines in the traditional style, and this 2005 Carrascal bears that out to some extent.
Bob, Astor's website shows the 05 Carrascal red and the 07 Carrascal white (which I haven't tried). I suggest you give the 05 carrascal red a try as representing something closer to the traditional style and let us know what you thought.
Tim, the 77 malbec is legendary and I would love to try it someday!
During my trip to Argentina in September, I was astonished at the price differential between old style and new style. Weinerts and Montchenots from the 90s and 80s were available for under $50 while recent top Catenas and other posterboys for the new style were in the triple digits. Enough to make any traditional winery's fold resolve.
"I went on a rigorous diet that eliminated alcohol, fat and sugar. In two weeks, I lost 14 days." Tim Maia, Brazilian singer-songwriter.