2022 El Enemigo "Gran Enemigo - Gualtallary" Cabernet Franc Mendoza

The firm, structured nature of the 2022 vintage, combined with the move to concrete fermentations, has produced a spectacular wine in the 2022 Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard, which, to an even greater degree than many of its companions on the lineup, will demand time in bottle to fully realize its potential. A vivid, minimalist nose of radiant red fruits and pure stony essence introduces an incredibly dense, concentrated mouthfeel with zero excess weight and the beguiling, nimble quality that characterizes the region's best expressions. It culminates in a striking finish that echoes the nose's minimal nature, lingering with a crystalline sense of chalky minerality and ultrarefined tannins, with a complete absence of fruit that in no way feels lacking. There is a stark sophistication here that is quite compelling, and I imagine it will merit an even higher score after at least another five years in the bottle. As with the rest of the range, it was vinified with 40% whole clusters, underwent an extended maceration of around 40 days and matured for 15 months. (ML) 98+

A savage example of Gualtallary, nearly 1,500 meters up in the northern Uco Valley. This is rich in herbal tones, as is dictated by the dominant variety (cabernet franc), especially if you consider that at this altitude, with the cool Andean conditions, that side is exacerbated. This is a perfumed and juicy red with savage tannins, as is usual in this zone, and the acidity corresponds to a mountain wine. This is 85% cabernet franc, and the rest is malbec, all aged in foudres for 15 months.