El Enemigo Malbec 2018

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.

Grape Composition: 90% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Franc

13.5% ABV

Wine Advocate: 93

The 2018 Malbec has some 8% Cabernet Franc in the blend, and it has only 13.5% alcohol while retaining very good acidity. The grapes were sourced from Gualtallary and were co-fermented. It's a serious, subtle and mineral Malbec, with some austerity and shy varietal aromas of violets and wild herbs. The palate is medium-bodied with terrific texture and very clean and focused flavors, and it has the chalky texture from the limestone-rich soils. 28,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in July 2019 after 12 months in ancient oak foudres.

James Suckling: 92
Aromas of ripe blackberries and dark cherries with herbal undertones. It’s medium-to full-bodied with chewy tannins. Fleshy with an ink-like feel on the palate. Very approachable with a flavorful finish. Delivers as always. Drink or hold.