Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2010 Gran Enemigo Agrelo Single Vineyard is from clay soils in a cool vintage. The palate is electric, with citric (pomegranate and blood orange) flavors, completely vertical. I like this much better than the 2009 vintage, but I still prefer the wines from Gualtallary. It is interesting to note that in years with higher acidity he (Alejandro Vigil) uses less SO2. This is truly vertical. Only 3,500 bottles were produced. Very good value.
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Wine Enthusiast
For Cab Franc, this is super ripe, with floral, perfumed, earthy aromas of cassis and wild berries blended with pastry and vanilla. In the mouth, it's big but balanced, with loamy, slightly salty flavors of baked black fruits. A lasting ripe-fruit character carries onto the finish.
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Wine Spectator
A succulent red, dripping with luscious dark plum, kirsch and cherry tart flavors that are supported by fresh acidity and ample tannins. Shows suave sandalwood notes midpalate, with a finish that lingers with rich dark chocolate accents. Drink now through 2020. 200 cases imported.
Cabernet Franc, a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, is the subtler and more delicate of the Cabernets. Today Cabernet Franc produces outstanding single varietal wines across the wine-producing world. Somm Secret—One of California's best-kept secrets is the Happy Canyon appellation of Santa Barbara. Here Cabernet Franc shines as a single varietal wine or in blends, expressing sumptuous fruit, savory aromas and polished tannins.
By far the largest and best-known winemaking province in Argentina, Mendoza is responsible for over 70% of the country’s enological output. Set in the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains, the climate is dry and continental, presenting relatively few challenges for viticulturists during the growing season. Mendoza, divided into several distinctive sub-regions, including Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, is the source of some of the country’s finest wines.
For many wine lovers, Mendoza is practically synonymous with Malbec. Originally a Bordelaise variety brought to Argentina by the French in the mid-1800s, here it found success and renown that it never knew in its homeland where a finicky climate gives mixed results. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Pinot Noir are all widely planted here as well (and sometimes even blended with each other or Malbec). Mendoza's main white varieties include Chardonnay, Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.