Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Aromas of currants, blackberries, violets, tobacco, wild herbs and fresh coriander. Spice box and dark chocolate, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, powdery tannins. Creamy, polished layers of ripe fruit, spice and herbs blend seamlessly together. Consistently outstanding. Beautiful now, but better from 2023.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Despite being riper and more concentrated than other varietal examples in Mendoza, the 2019 Signature Cabernet Franc showed a noticeable improvement over the 2017 I had tasted the last time. It comes from plants that were regrafted to Cabernet Franc in Vista Flores and has contained ripeness (it could go further) with a round and lush palate, juicy tannins and good acidity.
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.