2012 Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard Agrelo Cabernet Franc Lujan de Cuyo

Superb focus and intensity with blueberry, blackberry, wet earth and dried spice. Some bark. Full body, very fine tannins and beauty. Vivid and bright. Drink in 2018 but outstanding quality now. A blend of 85% cab franc with 15% malbec.

Unusually for a Bodega Aleanna wine, this comes from Agrelo rather than the Uco Valley. It's co-fermented with 15% Malbec and made with 100% whole bunches and very little oak influence. Spicy, powerful and sappy with notes of green pepper, clove and blueberry and a nuanced, balanced finish. 2016-23.

Bright, dark red. Aromas of dark fruits, licorice, bitter chocolate and violet, plus a subtle oak component. Sweet, creamy and plush but firm at the core; in fact, this very densely packed wine shut down with air while the Gran Enemigo Mendoza gained in pliancy and sweetness. The highly concentrated flavors of dark berries, flowers and minerals spread out to saturate the palate on the very long, firmly tannic finish. Forget about this one for at least two or three years.

Heady, high-class aromas of kirsch, balsamic-soaked blackberry and licorice get this off to a great start. At this stage, this is intense and restricted, but concentrated in a promising way. Toasty black-fruit flavors welcome coffee and chocolate accents on the finish. Give this powerful Cab Franc time; best 2018-2027.