We’re always taught that first impressions are lasting impressions. But sometimes we need to go back and make sure that those first impressions are still valid.
When the 2006 vintage of Bodegas Caro Amancaya (a Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Argentina) was released last year, I picked up a couple of bottles. I the first one I opened had a rather distinctive rustic character. There was something off-putting about it. Not having taken notes on the initial bottle, I can’t be certain what it was. It wasn’t a wine fault; I just didn’t like it. It was an impression that stuck with me and the bottle stayed on the wine rack. Until today.
Despite my negative impressions of the 2006, I bought the 2007 Amancaya. It presented a perfect opportunity to open both and compare vintages. I had low expectations of the 2006 and was pleasantly surprised when I opened it this time around.
At first, the two vintages were strikingly similar in hue, deep purple-violet. The violet is very typical of Malbecs. While the 2007 was very dark and saturated, the 2006 was starting to show some signs of age, its rim a little thinner and with a hint of rusty hues.
The 2006 leapt out of the glass with a warm ripeness. Lots of currant, black cherry, licorice, and even some vinyl. The 2007, on the other hand, was tighter. The nose was similar to 2006, but the oak-imparted vanilla and cedar notes were more prominent.
The 2006 had more structure than 2007, and moderate tannins and acidity. The finish lasted, whereas the 2007, despite pleasant, grippy tannins, faded more quickly.
I did end up changing my mind about the 2006 Amancaya. It’s tough for me to say if I preferred one over the other. Both are very good, but different.
Bodegas Caro is a French-Argentine partnership between two prominent winemakers: Domaines Barons de Rothschild and Catena. I have a great deal of respect for both wineries, as well as great expectations. So I am very glad to have had a second chance to taste the 2006 Amancaya and to change my mind about it.
Have you had a similar experience? Have you had the same wine at different times and come up with different impressions? Share your experience!
Find Bodegas Caro Amancaya 2007 at Gordon’s Fine Wine and Spirits in Waltham, Mass. www.gordonswine.com
