Description

Score: 100 pts Robert Parker

El Enemigo As Bravas Malbec 2018 is one of the most distinctive and extreme expressions from the Aleanna project, founded by Alejandro Vigil and Adrianna Catena in the Uco Valley. Sourced from a single parcel in El Cepillo (1,300 m a.s.l.), on colluvial soils with marine limestone influence, this wine precisely reflects the mineral and austere character of the region.

Crafted primarily from Malbec (95%) with a small addition of Semillón (5%), it combines traditional winemaking with meticulous precision. Fermentation takes place in concrete tanks with a 5-day cold maceration to preserve aromatic purity. The wine is then aged for an extended period of 64 months in 2,000-liter oak foudres, followed by 12 months of bottle aging, resulting in exceptional integration and remarkable complexity.

On the nose, it reveals an intense and sophisticated profile, with notes of ripe black fruit, forest floor, spices, and subtle hints of tobacco. On the palate, it is juicy and energetic, with pronounced minerality and vibrant acidity that provide tension and freshness. Its style is elegant, austere, and deeply structured, leading to a long, savory, and persistent finish.

This is a wine that can be enjoyed now—ideally with decanting—or cellared for over two decades, where it will continue to evolve beautifully.

TECHNICAL SHEET

• Winery: El Enemigo (Aleanna)
• Score: 100 Robert Parker
• Type: Red Wine
• Vintage: 2018
• Varietal: Blend
• Blend: 95% Malbec, 5% Semillón
• Aging: 64 months in 2,000-liter oak foudres + 12 months bottle aging
• Winemaker: Alejandro Vigil
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Region: El Cepillo, Uco Valley, Mendoza (1,300 m a.s.l.)
• Serving Temperature: 16–18°C (61–64°F)
• Country: Argentina
• Food Pairing: Grilled red meats, game dishes, mushroom risotto, aged cheeses, mountain cuisine
• Aging Potential: Over 20 years