2015 Bodega Aleanna Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc Argentina

WA98 Powerful places tend to mark wines in a stronger way than even the vintage conditions or the grape variety, and that seems to be the case with the 2015 Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard. But of course there are elements of both the year—slightly warmer and riper than 2016—and the grape—mostly Cabernet Franc with some 20% Malbec, which is what is planted in the vineyard, with the logical variations depending on the yields of each grape in a given vintage. This is a little more direct than the 2016, powerful and concentrated but balanced and fresh, and it has a little more tannin. As I said, this is more about the high altitude and austere place with all the components in great harmony. You do not notice the alcohol, concentration of tannins or acidity, as it’s all very integrated. All these wines are not about fruit but about soils, about rocks. 3,000 bottles produced.
JS98 This is such a fabulous red with ripe berries, blackberries and hints of dried mushrooms and black tea. Full body and crystalline tannins that carry the wine on for minutes. Energetic and takes off like a rocket. Extreme, great wine. Drink or hold.

A joint venture between Adrianna Catena, daughter of Nicolas Catena, and Alejandro Vigil, Chief Winemaker at Bodega Catena Zapata, El Enemigo Malbec is produced at Piedemonte al Sur, located in the southern foothills of Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza. The facility is named for the unique aspect of Mendoza’s high altitude winemaking region nestled in the foothills of the Andes Mountains.
Winemaking is spread between the Catena family winery in the Uco Valley and Alejandro’s own barrel room in his garden of Chachingo – The Republic – where his young son rides a horse among olive trees and where dogs and chickens share the grounds with the Vigil family and the winery.