Wine Tasting, Argentine Wines, Las Palmas

The 2011 Tasting of Argentine wines in Playa Las Palmas (Asia) was well organized, but as is often the case with these massive tastings, very soon it was full of semi-drunk people looking for abundant free wine. Unfortunately, the great majority of wine was made up of cheap, over-concentrated Malbecs that do not reflect the real quality that Argentine wines can offer. It was necessary to search or ask for the good bottles to be opened, among which we found the Escorihuela Gascon Don Miguel 2006 (90 points), Andeluna Merlot 2009 (88), Andeluna Reserva Cabernet 2005 (89), and a white wine: Colome Torrontes 2010.

If the purpose of these tastings is to promote Argentine wine then, precisely, they should open the best bottles so that people walk away with a better sense of what Argentina has to offer.

Salvador

Fusion February 17 2010

It is still one of the best gastronomic experiences in Lima. The decoration is modern and minimalist but well maintained. The greeting upon arrival is impeccable, as well as the attitude of the Maitre d'. The waiters are well trained, but because "the goat always returns to the hills" service had its ups and downs, such as when two of them started a conversation near our table, without realizing that we could hear them.

The menu is very long and varied, and thus you can find everything, from very light dishes all the way through the mighty Osso buco. My mero, Funghi Porcini style, was perfect, as well as Illuminata's Pastel de palta caliente relleno de langostinos y queso paria crocante.

The wine list is very good but short. The Yecla Hecula (Castano) is a wine that deserves a prize. Definitely, Yecla is a terroir that given the stress it imposes upon the grape because of its dryness and proximity to the sea, allows for high concentrations but limited productions.

Wine List in Al Asador (Chacarilla)

What a great disappointment yesterday (28 December 2009) at Al Asador. Initially, I thought it was a joke for December Fool's Day. The wine list was very decent in its printed version, but totally non-existent in reality. Some of the wines that were nowhere to be found (information that was provided only after looking for them) were Prado Rey Crianza, Cabo de Hornos, and Protos Crianza. Service was dedicated but amateur. And as usual, the restaurant was full of flies. Great disappointment. Not to go back, unless the "Ches" will give us a free lunch as a way to earn a second chance.

Salvador