Cockroach Wine Catch: Bodega Septima Gran Reserva 2006

It is fun discovering different wines from around the world.

The house of Codorniu is well known to most visitors to Spain as the wine maker of some fine "bubblies" outside of Champagne.

Then they founded Septima in Argentina.

“Septima was founded by Codorníu in 1999 with the purchase of 470 acres in the Luján de Cuyo area of Mendoza at a stunning altitude of 3400 feet, concentrating on Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec and the Spanish Tempranillo grape. The winery acquired additional acreage in the Valle de Uco in 2007. Mendoza native Rubén Calvo is winemaker. The ‘high and dry’ climate is the key to the success of the venture. Big swings in day and night temperatures make for excellent color and flavor development; the stony humus soil cooperates to keep the vines in place in what is otherwise a harsh arid climate. Irrigate this soil to the optimum degree, add state-of-the-art modern equipment both in field and winery, and you have a recipe for success.” Elliot Essman, Style Gourmet.

In Panama, because of trade agreements with South America, you can get South American wines for nearly half the price you will need to pay elsewhere in the world.


In New Zealand  you could be paying more than $50 (US$ 38) for a bottle!


Jancis Robinson gave it a gold medal!

Elliot Essman continued:

“The Septima 2006 Gran Reserva is a blend of 58% Malbec, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Tannat; these grapes were sourced from three different vineyard blocks, vinified separately and aged twelve months in French and American oak. In color the wine is a profoundly deep ruby. The nose has violet and rose flowers, nutmeg and black pepper spice, brambly red berry fruit, and chocolate. As in the case of its single varietal cousins, this blend is superbly balanced. The medium-body and smooth mouthfeel was the first quality I noticed; the acid is firm, the tannins round. Flavors, none of them too pushy, swirl around each other in turns: red cherry, blackberry, chocolate, sweet cinnamon. The finish is lengthy, showing restrained but lasting acidity and tannin with ripe red fruit and vanilla-laced chocolate at the end. Despite excellent flavor, however, it is the elegant feel of the wine in the mouth that catapults it into a league far beyond its $25 asking price.”

For under $13 in Panama, it is a steal and if you can get it for under $25 anywhere else, it is still a bargain.

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Wine, Media and The Mind

The Cockroach Catcher and Pompano

Pleasure Principle and Wine

Chinese New Year and the Goose

The book: The Cockroach Catcher