As a curious wine lover, I taste as widely as I possibly can. Which is to say, when I get the opportunity, I always want to try things I’ve never had before. Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to taste a few Mexican wines, but perhaps only a dozen in total. Enough to make it clear that Mexican wine had potential, but not enough to form much more of an opinion than that. Valle de Guadalupe, which has become something of a hot wine tasting destination, has been on my list of global wine regions to visit, but I have yet to make it down there for a visit.
Consequently, when I got an invitation a couple of months ago to attend a local wine and spirits tasting exclusively focused on Mexican producers, I jumped at the chance. What I found were some pretty impressive wines at very good prices. Compared to some up-and-coming domestic wine regions such as Colorado, Virginia, or Idaho, Mexican wines are more consistently high in quality and generally less expensive.
I think it’s time to take Mexican wine much more seriously.
Across the Border and Back in Time
Vineyards were planted in Mexico long before they were cultivated in the United States, thanks to the Spanish missionaries who joined the early influx of Conquistadores to the New World.
One of the first things Hernan Cortez set about doing after his brutal conquest of the Aztec Empire in 1521 was the planting of grapevines to satisfy the dual necessity of booze for his men and sacramental wine for his priests. By the end of the 16th Century, Mexico supported commercial wineries across a number of its wine regions, including Puebla, Zacatecas, and Coahuila. The latter continues to be a significant site for wine production, and has bragging rights to the first commercial winery in the Americas, Casa Madero, established in 1597. Remarkably, Casa Madero continues to produce wine to this day.
Ironically, the Mexican wine industry grew so quickly in both volume and quality over the next 100 years that Spanish winemakers resorted to protectionism, lobbying their king to suppress the competition from “New Spain,” which King Charles II did in 1699, banning commercial winemaking there save by the Church for sacramental purposes.
But Mexico is a long way from Spain, and the Jesuits liked to drink wine more often than at the celebration of the Eucharist. They also keenly understood wine’s value as a domestic commercial product and a key source of the income required to support the Church’s continued expansion in the Americas. So let’s just say that the aforementioned royal proclamation was taken with a certain grain of salt.
In 1701, Father Juan Ugarte planted grapevines at Mission Loreto on the southeastern Baja Peninsula. As the missionaries made their way up the Peninsula, they continued to plant vineyards at every outpost, eventually reaching the Valle de Guadalupe south of Ensenada.
But true commercial winemaking in Mexico had to wait for Mexico’s independence from Spain in 1821. It grew fairly slowly through the late 1800s, with the first commercial winery in Baja being established in 1888 by Bodega Santo Tomás in the valley of the same name (about 40 miles to the south of the Valle de Guadalupe).
After a period of modest growth from the late 1800s into the early 20th Century, the Mexican Revolution of 1910-1920 wreaked havoc on all of Mexico’s agriculture, and the country’s vineyards weren’t spared in the destruction. Despite this, a russian emigre planted the first vineyard in the Valle de Guadalupe in 1917.
By the time America instituted Prohibition, the Mexican wine industry wasn’t recovered enough to benefit systematically from any illicit cross-border trade in wine. By that time, Lodi had figured out how to supply much of America’s demand for “home winemaking” and so not much happened from a winegrowing perspective towards the middle of the 20th Century.
Mexican Wine in the Modern Era
Mexico’s modern wine industry didn’t really get started until the 1970s and 1980s, when pioneering producers (including good old Bodega Santo Tomás) began investing in modern equipment, international grape varieties, and the infrastructure to support wine tourism, particularly in Valle de Guadalupe, a moderately elevated alluvial valley about 70 miles south of San Diego and 12 miles north of Ensenada.
This region’s Mediterranean climate and well-drained soils have proven exceptionally suited for growing vitis vinifera grapes, and as a result, the region quickly rose to prominence.
In 1999, there were only 6 wineries in the region. Today, there are more than 100 wineries, 92 hotels, and the region has become a major tourist destination for both Mexicans and Americans.
I’ve seen glossy profiles of the valley (and its 5-star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants) in Vogue, Conde Nast Traveler, the New York Times, and many other luxury publications.
The latest estimates I have seen suggest that Valle de Guadalupe is now responsible for more than 70% of Mexico’s wine output, and growers there continue to refine the grape varieties and viticulture techniques that seem most suited to the region.
Where once upon a time, Zinfandel, Cabernet, Merlot, Tempranillo, Barbera, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay made up the majority of the plantings, now varieties such as Chenin Blanc, Grenache, Cinsault, Malbec, Semillon, Falanghina, Nebbiolo, Listan Negro, Aglianico, Montepulciano, and Palomino are beginning to show up.
A Bright (and Warm) Future
While many have welcomed the Mexican wine and wine tourism boom in Valle de Guadalupe, it seems in danger of becoming a victim of its own success. The valley’s primary water source is a single underground aquifer whose water table continues to drop. As in many other winegrowing regions with Mediterranean climates around the world, the heat is becoming more intense, dry-farming is becoming more difficult, and harvests are starting earlier and earlier.
These changes have partially driven the ongoing diversification of grape varieties in the valley. But changing varieties can’t compensate for the lack of water, something that many locals are worried about, as a constant parade of new hotels, resorts, and wineries marches on in the hopes of tapping into the booming wine tourism economy.
Oh-oh, Mexico
I never really been but I’d sure like to go
Oh-oh, Mexico
I guess I’ll have to go now…— James Taylor
Some producers have seen the output of their wells drop precipitously after a neighbor drilled and began tapping their own well. Scientists have seen an increase in aquifer salinity, that the increasingly scarce rainfall is not able to naturally mitigate. These are among the factors that are driving some producers to shift their production to other, less developed areas in the Baja California wine region.
Despite these challenges, and no obvious solution in sight, Mexican wines clearly continue to improve in quality and diversify in style. The naturalistas arrived in the past decade, which means you now find skin-contact whites, pèt-nats, and hazy unfiltered and unsulfured wines on offer alongside the country’s robust reds. Some are harvesting earlier to make traditional-method sparkling wines, and others are making unorthodox blends that can sometimes be quite compelling.
Deliberately funky natural wines aside, the winemaking represented by the roughly 70 wines I got a chance to sample recently comes across as clean and competent, with an absence of obvious flaws, which speaks to the increasing maturity of the industry. The most expensive wines still tend to be the more robust oak-aged red wine blends that have been proven winners for the last 20 years, but increasingly, some of the most exciting wines are lighter reds and whites that capture the warmth of the sun, but also the stony brightness of desert granite and ocean breezes.
Tasting Notes
The tasting notes that follow were recorded at a walk-around tasting in Berkeley, California, in August of 2025. Due to the tasting format, I didn’t bother capturing the alcohol levels of the wines, and my notes are more compact and terse than they normally are.
Rather than group my tasting notes by color or wine type, I’ve simply categorized all the wines I tasted by score, with whites, rosés, and sparkling wines at the top of each score category.
Wines With a Score Between 9 and 9.5
2021 Finca la Carrodilla “Canto De Luna” Red Blend, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of rich black cherry. In the mouth, the wine has a sexy suppleness—super smooth and sensous, with cherry, black cherry, and herbs tinged with grace notes of strawberries. The tannins are fleecy and plush, and overall, the wine has great acidity and balance. A blend of Tempranillo, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. $26. click to buy.
Wines With a Score Around 9
2023 Dominio De Las Abejas “Naranja” White Blend, Baja California, Mexico
Medium amber-gold in the glass, this wine smells of orange peel, citrus pith, and pear. In the mouth, the wine is bright and juicy, with a hint of tannic grip underlying flavors of citrus, pear, and stone fruits. Great acidity. A blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Colombard, Marsanne, and Viognier. Produced organically. $31. click to buy.
2024 Dominio De Las Abejas “Saignee” Rosé, Baja California, Mexico
Pale ruby in color, this wine smells of flowers, citrus peel, and wet pavement. In the mouth, citrus peel flavors are bright and saline, and juicy with excellent acidity. A blend of Nebbiolo and Grenache. Produced organically. $28. click to buy.
2023 Monte Xanic Rosé of Grenache, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Pale pink in color, this wine smells of berries and orange peel. In the mouth, flavors of berry and citrus are lean and bright and very tasty. $20. click to buy.
2023 Pouya Rosé of Grenache, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Pale peach in color, this wine smells of citrus peel and wet leaves. In the mouth, flavors of citrus peel, crushed herbs wet stone have a nice brightness and lightly saline character. $25.
2019 Corona Del Valle Tempranillo, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Medium garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cherries and incense. In the mouth, rich flavors of cherry are wrapped in plush, supple tannins that turn a bit muscular as nutty notes emerge on the palate. $40. click to buy.
2023 Dominio De Las Abejas “Nectar De Campo” Red Blend, Baja California, Mexico
Light garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cherry and berries. In the mouth, bright and juicy cherry flavors mix with orange peel, and herbs. There’s fantastic acidity here. A blend of Grenache and Nero d’Avola. Certified organic. $31. click to buy.
2022 Monte Xanic “Gran Ricardo” Red Blend, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Medium to dark garnet in color, this wine smells of earth, cherries, and herbs. In the mouth, flavors of cherry, dusty herbs, tobacco, and dried herbs are bright with great acidity and linger for a long time on the palate. Excellent. A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and the balance a mix of Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petite Verdot. $84. click to buy.
Wines With a Score Between 8.5 and 9
2024 La Lomita Sauvignon Blanc, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
Bright pale gold in the glass, this wine smells of lemony yellow apple. In the mouth, very electric bright lemon flavors mix with grapefruit pith, as a chalky texture lingers in the finish. Excellent acidity. $25. click to buy.
2023 Monte Xanic Chenin Blanc, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Pale yellow gold in color, this wine smells of flowers and pears. In the mouth, the wine is bright and saline with flavors of pear and citrus. Very tasty. $24. click to buy.
2023 Bodegas F Rubio “Herencia Blanco” White Blend, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Bright pale gold in color, this wine smells of apple and citrus. In the mouth, bright, apple, and citrus flavors sail for a long time across the palate. A (very successful) blend of Palomino and Chenin Blanc. $39. click to buy.
2023 Pouya “Remix Pet Nat” Red Blend, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Light gold in the glass with fine bubbles, this wine smells of peaches and citrus. In the mouth, the wine is faintly sweet, with a nice mousse that delivers flavors of stone fruit and orange peel across the palate. An unconventional blend of Merlot, Chardonnay, and Grenache. $45. click to buy.
2021 Pouya “Brut Nature Espumoso Rosé” Rosé of Grenache, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Palest peachy pink in the glass, this wine smells of strawberries and citrus peel. In the mouth, tart sour cherry flavors mix with citrus peel and bright acidity. Tasty. $37.
2023 Duoma “Pet Nat Rosado” Rosé Blend, Valle de Ojos Negros, Baja California, Mexico
Palest baby pink in the glass, this wine smells of berries and watermelon. In the mouth, the wine is bright and juicy, with faintly sweet notes of berries carried on a soft mousse. A blend of Grenache Blanc and Grenache Noir. $33. click to buy.
2024 Solar Fortun “La Vina en Rosa” Rosé of Mourvèdre, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Palest baby pink in color, this wine smells of berries and flowers. In the mouth, juicy and bright berry and herb flavors have a nice acidity. A solid wine. $28. click to buy.
2024 Valle Seco Rosé of Mourvèdre, Valle de San Antonio de las Minas, Baja California, Mexico
Palest, barely pink in color, this wine smells of floral berries and watermelon. In the mouth, silky watermelon and bubblegum flavors are bright and juicy. $22.
2022 Duoma “Dos Manos” Red Blend, Valle de San Vicente, Baja California, Mexico
Medium garnet in color, this wine smells of cherries and blackberries. In the mouth, flavors of blackberry, cherries, herbs, and earth are shot through with a hint of brown sugar. Thick but supple tannins and good acidity. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Nebbiolo. $35. click to buy.
2017 Corona Del Valle “Reserve” Cabernet Sauvignon, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Medium garnet in the glass, this wine smells of green herbs and bell pepper layered over red fruits. In the mouth, cherry flavors mix with green herbs and peppers, all bright with good acidity, giving this wine a leaner quality. Spends 36 months in new oak. $87. click to buy.
2021 Corona Del Valle “Mezcla de Tintos” Red Blend, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Medium garnet with ruby highlights, this wine smells of berries and cherries. In the mouth, tight, grippy tannins wrap around a core of cherry and plum, with great acidity. A blend of 50% Tempranillo and 50% Nebbiolo. $35. click to buy.
2024 Dominio De Las Abejas Nebbiolo, Baja California, Mexico
Pale ruby in the glass, this wine smells of strawberry and flowers. In the mouth, grippy tannins surround flavors of strawberries, herbs, and flowers. Great acidity. $31. click to buy.
2021 Dominio De Las Abejas “Charles Martinez Tinto” Red Blend, Baja California, Mexico
Medium garnet in the glass, this wine has a tight nose of cherry, herbs, and earth aromas. In the mouth, tight tannins wrap around a core of cherry, herbs, plum, and forest berries. Great acidity. A blend of Malbec, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. $21.
2023 La Lomita Cabernet Sauvignon, Valle de San Vicente, Baja California, Mexico
Medium to dark garnet in the glass. This wine smells of bright cherry and plum. In the mouth, faint tannins caress, juicy, delicate, and easy to drink cherry and plum flavors. Aged in 20% new oak. $25. click to buy.
2022 Monte Xanic “Limited” Cabernet Franc, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of plum and road dust. In the mouth, flavors of plum and blueberries are bright with good acidity and wrapped in tight, dusty tannins. $67. click to buy.
2022 Bodegas F Rubio Tempranillo, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Medium garnet in color, this wine smells of bright cherry aromas. In the mouth, flavors of cherries and berries are wrapped in fleecy tannins and are bright with great acidity. $45. click to buy.
2021 Bodegas F Rubio “Mezcla Italiana” Red Blend, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Medium garnet in color, this wine smells of bright berries. In the mouth, light grippy tannins wrap around a core of cherry and sawdust flavors bright with great acidity. A blend of Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, and Montepulciano. $57. click to buy.
2021 Santos Brujos Tempranillo, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Dark garnet in color, this wine smells of cherries and dust. In the mouth, massive tannins wrap around a core of cherry fruit shot through with fresh, green herbs, and underlain with dust and river mud. Massive, and needs 5 years to settle. Biodynamically produced. $40. click to buy.
Wines With a Score Around 8.5
2022 Duoma “Pet Nat Blanco” Moscato, Valle de Ojos Negros, Baja California, Mexico
Pale hazy straw in color with fine bubbles, this wine smells of green melon and guava. A soft mousse delivers flavors of green apple, melon, and flowers. Aromatically sweet. $37. click to buy.
2023 Carrodilla Chenin Blanc, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Light gold in the glass, this wine smells of baked pear and membrillo. In the mouth, flavors of pear and membrillo mix with grapefruit, citrus peel, and pear skin. Decent acidity. $40. click to buy.
2024 Carrodilla “Ir Y Venir” Sauvignon Blanc, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Pale gold in color, this wine smells of lemons and wet chalkboard. In the mouth, flavors of lemon and a hint of green herbs and apple have a nice wet pavement quality. Decent acidity. $29. click to buy.
2023 Corona Del Valle Sauvignon Blanc, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Palest gold in color, this wine smells of lemons and other citrus. In the mouth, the wine is citrusty, bright, lean, and fresh. $28. click to buy.
2024 Monte Xanic “Vina Kristel” Sauvignon Blanc, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Pale straw in color, this wine smells of citrus and apples. In the mouth, flavors of apple and citrus, are bright and stony, with a hint of bitterness. $20. click to buy.
2023 Monte Xanic “Calixa” Chardonnay, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Light gold in color, this wine smells of citrus and apple. In the mouth, flavors of lemon and apple are pithy and lean, and have a kiss of toasted oak. Good acidity. $23. click to buy.
2023 Corona Del Valle Chardonnay, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Light gold in the glass, this wine smells of lemon and vanilla. In the mouth, flavors of white flowers and lemon curd are lean and bright. Spends 6 months in barrel. $37. click to buy.
2023 Santos Brujos Chardonnay, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Palest gold in color, this wine smells of baked apples. In the mouth, flavors of lemon pith, apple, and nut skin are lean and bright. Biodynamically produced. $31. click to buy.
2024 Solar Fortun “Aureo” White Blend, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Light gold in the glass, this wine smells of pear, yellow herbs, and citrus pith. In the mouth, flavors of pear have a grippy, chalky texture as notes of herbs linger in the finish. A blend of Viognier and Marsanne. $35.
2023 Vinas Del Tigre “La Cachora” Rosé, Valle de San Antonio de las Minas, Baja California, Mexico
Hazy pale ruby in color, this wine smells of sour cherry and unripe blackberries. In the mouth, flavors of sour cherry, raspberries, and redcurrant have a light chalky texture. An intruiging blend of Mission and Malbec. $35. click to buy.
2023 Lomita Rosé of Grenache, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
Pale pink in color, this wine smells of berries, watermelon, and wet rocks. In the mouth, crisp flavors of watermelon, berries, and wet pavement offer nice refreshment. $25. click to buy.
2024 Dominio De Las Abejas “Carbonico” Syrah, Baja California, Mexico
Light to medium garnet in color, this wine smells of cherry and tomato leaf. In the mouth, flavors of cherry, unripe blackberry, and green herbs are crunchy with acidity. 100% carbonic maceration. $32. click to buy.
2020 La Lomita “Pagano” Grenache, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Medium garnet in the glass, this wine smells of strawberries and herbs. In the mouth, strawberry and herb flavors are wrapped in fine, athletic tannins. Good acidity. $52. click to buy.
2016 La Lomita “Singular” Red Blend, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Dark garnet in color, this wine smells of black cherry, tobacco, and earth. In the mouth, tight, aggressive tannins give a brawny impression as flavors of cherry, earth, and green herbs seem wound up tight. Needs time, but has great acidity and will likely age well. A blend of Tempranillo, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc $79. click to buy.
2023 Monte Xanic “Cabernet Merlot” Red Blend, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Medium to dark garnet in color, this wine smells of red and black fruits. In the mouth, flavors of plum and cherry mix with herbs, spices, and tobacco under a light tannic grip. Decent acidity.A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. $33. click to buy.
2023 Monte Xanic Cabernet Sauvignon, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Medium garnet in color, this wine smells of nutty red berries and cherries. In the mouth, flavors of toasted oak, cherry, plum, nut skin, and roasted nuts are wrapped in a blanket of fine tannins. Good acidity. $35. click to buy.
2022 Bodegas F Rubio “Herencia Tinto” Red Blend, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Medium garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cherry, plum, and tobacco. In the mouth, muscular tannins wrap around a core of cherry and plum, with great acidity. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec. $90. click to buy.
2023 Solar Fortun “Baya Baya” Red Blend, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Medium garnet in color, this wine smells of cherries and blueberries. In the mouth, berry flavors are shot through with orange peel and wrapped in light tannins. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Verdot. $27. click to buy.
2022 Solar Fortun Mourvedre, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Light garnet in the glass, this wine smells of nutty berries. In the mouth, nutty flavors of plums and prunes have good acidity. Seems a bit ripe. $36. click to buy.
2022 Solar Fortun “O Positivo” Red Blend, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of nutty cherries, berries, and earth. In the mouth, oak and coconut flavors dominate as thick tannins wrap around a core of berries. There’s great acidity here, but feels a bit heavy-handed on the oak. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. $43. click to buy.
2022 Solar Fortun Syrah, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of woody, dark berries. In the mouth, muscular tannins wrap around a core of blackberry and leather. $37. click to buy.
Wines With a Score Between 8 and 8.5
2023 Lomita Chardonnay, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Palest gold in the glass, this wine smells of yeasty lemon and apple. In the mouth, flavors of yeasty apple and lemon dominate. Aged in 30% wood, 70% stainless. $24.
2023 Pouya “Ambar” Thompson Seedless Orange Wine, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Pale amber in the glass, this wine smells of orange peel and apricot. In the mouth, sourish flavors of apricot and orange peel dominate. A little angular. $29.
2024 Vinas Del Tigre “Burro Choyero” White Blend, Valle de San Antonio de las Minas, Baja California, Mexico
Palest peachy gold in the glass, this wine smells of orange peel, herbs, and apricot. In the mouth, flavors of orange peel, apricot, and citrus are bright but a bit blocky. A blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. $28.
2023 Duoma Syrah, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Dark garnet in color, this wine smells of Blackberry. In the mouth, the wine is rich with blueberry and blackberry flavors and structured with thick, putty-like tannins and notes of earth. $28.
2022 Duoma Nebbiolo, Valle de San Vicente, Baja California, Mexico
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of boysenberry and blackberry. In the mouth, thick, putty-like tannins wrap around dark fruit flavors laced with notes of quinine. Crunchy acidity. Bitter finish. Labeled as Nebbiolo, but actually Lambrusco, which is not yet recognized as a variety in Mexico. $28.
2019 Corona Del Valle Merlot, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Medium garnet in color, this wine smells of red fruits. In the mouth, flavors of spicy plum mix with oak and roasted nuts. Spends 14 months in French oak, 30% new. $27.
2022 Corona Del Valle “Mezcla De Tintos” Red Blend, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Medium garnet in color, this wine smells of berries and herbs. In the mouth, flavors of black cherry and plum skin are dusted with powdery tannins and shot through with a hint of earth. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Tempranillo. $20.
2021 Lomita “Tinto De La Hacienda” Red Blend, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Medium garnet in the glass, this wine smells of leather and cherries. In the mouth, leathery cherry flavors are wrapped tightly in aggressive tannins. A blend of Tempranillo and Merlot. $27.
2023 Monte Xanic “Calixa Cabernet Syrah” Red Blend, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Medium garnet in color, this wine smells of red and black fruits. In the mouth, flavors of cherry and plum have a hint of oak. The wine is not complex but very easy to drink. $21.
2022 Pouya “Tinto” Grenache, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Pale ruby in color, this wine smells of herbs, berries, and dried flowers. In the mouth, strawberry and herb flavors mix with darker notes of turned earth. $32.
2021 RGMX Malbec, Valle de Parras, Coahuila, Mexico
Dark garnet in color, this wine smells of blackberry and earth. In the mouth, tight tannins seem to thicken and coalesce around a core of blackberry, dirt, and citrus peel. $38.
2023 RGMX “Scielo Tinto” Red Blend, Valle de Parras, Coahuila, Mexico
Medium to dark garnet in color, this wine smells of cherry, herbs, and berries. In the mouth, herbs and berries are wrapped in tight tannins. A blend of Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. $18.
2021 RGMX “Tinto” Red Blend, Valle de Parras, Coahuila, Mexico
Dark garnet in color, this wine smells of red berries, earth, and black cherries. In the mouth, flavors of cherry, earth, blackberries, and bitter herbs are wrapped in tight tannins. A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. $42.
2023 Valle Seco “Mi Prima Vera” Cabernet Sauvignon, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Medium garnet in the glass, this wine smells of red fruits. In the mouth, crunchy, cherry flavors are shot through with herbs and wrapped in tight tannins. $22.
2021 Valle Seco “Seco Tinto” Red Blend, Valle de San Antonio de las Minas, Baja California, Mexico
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black fruits. In the mouth, thick leathery tannins wrap around a core of cherry and licorice, bright with good acidity. A bit heavy-handed. A blend of Petit Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Mourvèdre. $22.
Wines With a Score Around 8
2022 RGMX “Vino De Tierra Naranja” White Blend, Valle de Parras, Coahuila, Mexico
Light amber in color, this wine smells of orange peel and dried apples. In the mouth, tart, sourish flavors of yellow plum, orange peel, and wet leaves have only decent acidity. A blend of Chenin Blanc and Moscato that spends 7 months in clay. $35.
2023 RGMX “Scielo R.3” Syrah, Valle de Parras, Coahuila, Mexico
Very dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of sweet oak and blackberry. In the mouth, blackberry flavors are drying as oak tannins parch the mouth. $25.
2021 RGMX Cabernet Franc, Valle de Parras, Coahuila, Mexico
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of plum, cherries, and earth. In the mouth, thick tannins wrap around flavors of plum and cherry, and then proceed to dry out the mouth. $56.
Wines With a Score Between 7.5 and 8
2024 RGMX “Scielo Blanco” White Blend, Valle de Parras, Coahuila, Mexico
Light gold in the glass, this wine smells of baked apples and pears. In the mouth, flavors of apple and pear aren’t particularly distinctive or exciting. A blend of Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. $18.
Various stock images of Mexican vineyards provided rights-free by Depositphotos.
