Description
Impressive, Bordeaux-rivalling Cabernet Franc from the high-altitude vineyards of the Uco Valley, Argentina, and specifically the Gualtallary (gwal-taj-ah-ree) vineyard, which is located at 1470 metres, right next to the Andes mountains. This is a flavoursome, complex but elegant red with firm structure and near-endless flavour of black fruits, mixed herbs and spice from 15 months ageing in oak vats. There’s a mineral, fresh, almost graphite note that gives lift to the wine; this is often a pointer to great Cabernet Franc. Plus, 15% Malbec is added just to ensure plenty of juicy flavour, blackberry notes and ripe, seductive fruit. It’s a tantalising mix that is delicious now but will easily age till 2030 even in half bottle. 14% abv.
El Enemigo is a project by Adrianna Catena, of famed Argentinian producer Catena Zapata, and winemaker Alejandro Vigil, who also heads up the winemaking at Catena. They use Bordeaux grapes grown in the high-altitude vineyards (between a lofty 930 and 1470 metres altitude) of Gualtallary and the Uco Valley of Argentina, to make wines that rival the best of Bordeaux. Quantities are small and the wines are impressive, with long barrel-ageing adding to the considerable intensity of flavour and structure; thus, alongside drinking them, cellaring these wines will bring ample reward.
