Description

Score: 100 pts James Suckling. "The tasting note describes the wine as cool on the nose, with a steely, chalky sensation, discreet pepperiness, violets, and huge depth of blue fruit that comes through slowly. It stays tight on the nose at first and takes a long time to open up. On the palate it's described as pristine, bright, crystalline, austere and chalky, with fresh, dissipating tannins and succulent sour blueberry flavors, continuing to open up over three days. Suckling notes the terroir transcends the grape variety, calling it built to age well, with a recommended drinking window starting in 2029."

Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard Gualtallary 2023 represents the pinnacle of Cabernet Franc from Gualtallary, one of the most prestigious high-altitude terroirs in Argentina. Sourced from vineyards located at 1,470 meters above sea level in the Uco Valley, this Single Vineyard reflects the identity of calcareous mountain soils with precision, tension, and depth. The 2023 vintage will be remembered as one of the most age-worthy, shaped by a season marked by severe spring frosts that significantly reduced yields, resulting in exceptional fruit purity, high concentration, and vibrant natural acidity. The blend is composed of 85% Cabernet Franc and 15% Malbec, co-fermented to enhance structure and complexity. Harvest is carried out manually in five different stages over one and a half months, ensuring optimal balance between acidity and phenolic ripeness. Fermentation takes place in French oak barrels and 100-year-old foudres, with 30–40% whole cluster fermentation, contributing to texture and aromatic complexity. The wine is aged for 15 months in 100-year-old French oak foudres, preserving purity while adding subtle structure to express the true character of one of Argentina’s most iconic terroirs in a very limited and concentrated year.

"On the nose, it reveals intense balsamic notes, orange peel, black pepper, and a distinctive stony minerality characteristic of Gualtallary. On the palate, it is vertical, sharp, and highly energetic, with a remarkably vibrant acidity that provides freshness and balance. The tannins are fine-grained and precise, leading to a long, saline, and persistent finish."

Technical Sheet

Winery: El Enemigo

Product: Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard Gualtallary

Type: Red Wine

Vintage: 2023

Varietal: Cabernet Franc

Blend: 85% Cabernet Franc, 15% Malbec

Appellation / Region: Gualtallary, Tupungato – Uco Valley, Mendoza

Altitude: 1,470 m a.s.l. (4,822 ft)

Soil Type: Rocky soils with high calcium carbonate and limestone content – high-density vineyards (10,000 vines/ha)

Climate: Dry and cool – season marked by severe spring frosts, very low yields, and high thermal amplitude

Harvest: Manual, in 5 stages over 1.5 months

Winemaking: Fermented in French oak barrels and 100-year-old foudres (30–40% whole cluster)

Maceration: 23–26 days

Aging: 15 months in 100-year-old French oak foudres

Alcohol: 13.9%

Total Acidity: 7.5 g/L

pH: 3.05

Serving Temperature: 16–18°C (61–64°F)

Country: Argentina

Food Pairing: Red meats, slow-cooked dishes, aged cheeses, wild mushrooms, and herb-seasoned preparations

Aging Potential: 15 years or more