Carlos Basso Vendimia Tardia 2005, Mendoza – Argentina

I don’t think we’ve ever had such a divergence of opinion about a wine. This should serve as a perfect example that the writers and tasters in Wine Spectator, or John and Dorothy from the Wall St. Journal, or Lettie Teague from Food & Wine, are all human, with human opinions and personal tastes. Francesca thought this sweet dessert wine was full of apricot and honey; Ken thought it tasted like mouthwash or cough syrup. The nose is of grapes and honey and peaches. Equal parts Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, and Viognier, it’s decidedly sweet, with only the barest hint of acidity on the finish. Ken compares most dessert wines to Hungarian Tokaji (“the wine of Kings and the King of wines”), and this comes up incredibly lacking. We suggest you make your own opinions on this one. For Francesca a Yes; for Ken a No. $16 (500ml bottle).