El Enemigo Malbec 2020

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 Luján 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.

Rich and concentrated, it offers aromas of black fruit, cherry and dark berryfruit on the nose followed in the palate by a full-bodied wine with flavors of spice, blackberry, black cherry, pepper and a slight floral character. The finish is elegant and lengthy.

Pair this wine with rodizio, Lyonnaise sauces, grilled steaks, and barbecued ribs

Grape Composition: 90% Malbec, 8% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot

Wine Advocate: 92
The 2020 Malbec shows a little more generous, reflecting a warmer and dry year, with black fruit, spices and herbs, a medium to full-bodied palate and some chalky tannins. It has grip and should do well with food. It matured in 100-year-old foudres for 15 months.

Vinous: 94
The 2020 Malbec also includes 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, sourced from Gualtallary in the Uco Valley. It was aged for 15 months in foudres, resulting in a purple color. The nose presents plums, violets, sage and bitter orange. Dry and juicy on the palate, it moves with a nimble flow lifted by balanced acidity. The apparent absence of tannins contributes to its voluminous and weightless mouthfeel.

Vinous: 94

The 2020 Malbec also includes 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, sourced from Gualtallary in the Uco Valley. It was aged for 15 months in foudres, resulting in a purple color. The nose presents plums, violets, sage and bitter orange. Dry and juicy on the palate, it moves with a nimble flow lifted by balanced acidity. The apparent absence of tannins contributes to its voluminous and weightless mouthfeel.

James Suckling: 92
Ripe black cherries, spice, lavender and stones to the nose. Dusty, firm tannins on the flavorful, medium- to full-bodied palate, showing excellent mid-palate tension. Drink or hold.