94 Points - Descorchados. The El Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2019 is a wonderfully exuberant wine that demonstrates how fine Argentinean Cabernet Franc can be. The brainchild of Adrianna Catena and soils engineer Alejandro Vigil, the winery is in Argentinas wine capital, Mendoza. The El Enemigo wines are made from the grapes cultivated in the region from the vineyards of Tupungato on deep calcareous and rocky soils. To preserve the grapes vital character, only natural yeasts are used in fermentation and fermentation temperatures are kept relatively low to elevate the freshness and delicacy that make this wine so special.

Vivino Rating: 4.3 (Oct 2024)

Wine Press Ratings

94 Points - Descorchados (2019 Vintage)

"The base for some of El Enemigo's best wines comes from the Adrianna Vineyard, some 1,400 meters above sea level in the Uco Valley. And, to be even more specific, the star of this winery is the cabernet franc that they have been working on for a decadethey were one of the pioneers in the discovery of this now-fashionable variety. This 2019 franc is a good place to start, with its herbal and spicy aromas, its red fruits and, above all, the way that the tannins react on the palate, with that chalky texture that envelops and builds a firm and vertical texture. A good starting point to understand cabernet franc according to El Enemigo."

93 Points - Tim Atkin MW (2019 Vintage)

Silver Medal - Decanter World Wine Awards (2019 Vintage)

"Cassis, violet, herb and pepper aromas lead on to a restrained palate of red fruit, tobacco and sandy tannins."

Taste

Luxurious and complex, the El Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2019 is an extraordinary red wine that boasts a deep ruby colour which offers aromas of ripe red fruits, black pepper, green pepper and a hint of tobacco. In the mouth, it's velvety, ripe and rich, with black cherry, cassis, plums, minerals and a dash of vanilla. The finish is long and lingering, with smooth tannins and a balanced acidity that lets the varietys natural characteristics flood forth while delivering a taste of place. Drink now with red meats, game and other full-flavoured foods, or squirrel away for a couple of years and enjoy it on its own.

About the Producer

An Oxford-educated historian and a leading agricultural engineer may not sound like the most obvious partners in wine production, but then El Enemigo is no ordinary wine producer. Alejandro Vigil and Adrianna Catena of Catena Zapata fame came together in 2009 to create a winery that would represent the true culture, tradition and history of Argentina. They set out to challenge themselves to overcome the original enemy (El Enemigo means the enemy) and to create something unique. Their wines have gone on to receive high scores from all the leading critics including a perfect 100 points from Robert Parker. Impressive, uncompromising and utterly delicious, the El Enemigo wines are unmissable.