Winemaker Notes
El Enemigo Malbec displays rich and concentrated aromas of black fruit such as cherries and berries. It's full-bodied with spice, blackberry, black cherry, pepper, and floral notes leading into an elegant and lengthy finish. Certified Sustainable by Bodegas de Argentina.
Pair El Enemigo Malbec with Lyonnaise sauces, grilled steaks, and barbecued ribs.
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2020 Malbec also includes 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, sourced from Gualtallary in the Uco Valley. It was aged for 15 months in foudres, resulting in a purple color. The nose presents plums, violets, sage and bitter orange. Dry and juicy on the palate, it moves with a nimble flow lifted by balanced acidity. The apparent absence of tannins contributes to its voluminous and weightless mouthfeel.
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James Suckling
Ripe black cherries, spice, lavender and stones to the nose. Dusty, firm tannins on the flavorful, medium- to full-bodied palate, showing excellent mid-palate tension. Drink or hold.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2020 Malbec shows a little more generous, reflecting a warmer and dry year, with black fruit, spices and herbs, a medium to full-bodied palate and some chalky tannins. It has grip and should do well with food.
Celebrated for its bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec has enjoyed runaway success in Argentina since the late 20th century. The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. A French agronomist, who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Somm Secret—If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet with its combination of dense fruit and soft 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.