South American Splendor: Susana Bilbo 2011 Signature Cab

The Susana Balbo Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 is a fine reminder that some remarkable Cabs, as well as Malbecs, are being bottled in Argentina these days.  This full-bodied, deep ruby colored South American offering gives your palate the full Cabernet Sauvignon experience, with lots of dark fruit, spice and even a hint of red pepper, followed by a lingering, earthy finish.  Folks, there is a lot going on in this glass!  Notoriously hard grader Steven Tanzer bestowed an impressive 92 rating on this vintage of the Susana Balbo Cab, opining that it “…nicely combines an Old World silkiness of texture with the ripeness of Mendoza cabernet. The long, rising finish features very smooth tannins. Classy juice, and long on personality.”  Best of all, this South American gem is widely available for $25 retail, and likely a bit less with clever shopping.