2024 Bodega Garzon - Tannat Reserva (750ml)

Bodega Garzón's origin story is one of happy accident. In 2006, Argentine oil and gas billionaire Alejandro Bulgheroni purchased land in Uruguay just 11 miles from the Atlantic coast, originally planning a wind farm. His advisors suggested vineyards instead, and Tuscan consulting winemaker Alberto Antonini saw potential for something special. Today Garzón is one of Uruguay's most acclaimed producers, its estate spanning more than 1,000 small vineyard blocks across hillside slopes shaped by varying microclimates, humidity levels, and careful canopy management. The vineyards sit amid lush forests, rocky soils, granite boulders, and native palm trees.

The vines grow on ancient, decomposed granite soils with low fertility and excellent drainage, while the maritime climate and cooling ocean breezes bring significant diurnal temperature swings that preserve acidity and aromatic lift. Native Uruguayan winemaker Germán Bruzzone lets the terroir speak with a light touch in the cellar, fermenting in concrete to preserve freshness and aromatics before aging six to twelve months in French oak.

Expect aromas of black plum, blackberry, and blueberry laced with cocoa, vanilla, baking spice, and tobacco. The full-bodied palate layers blackberry, black cherry, and cassis with dark chocolate and espresso, backed by balanced acidity, and finishes long with black fruit, mocha, and Tannat's characteristic mineral dryness.

This Tannat pairs beautifully with roasted game meats, most traditionally a slow-cooked leg of lamb with sage, mint, and garlic, and works equally well with blue cheese and toasted walnuts.