2017 Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard El Cepillo Cabernet Franc Uco Valley

The 2017 Cabernet Franc Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard El Cepillo is Cabernet Franc blended with 15% of Malbec from the aforementioned GI to the south of the Uco Valley. The wine was 30% fermented in whole bunches before aging for 15 months in barrels and foudres. Rich, bright purple in color. The nose offers ripe blackcurrant and blackberry with hints of jarilla and ash. On the palate, the wine is defined by freshness without compromising on intensity or tannins, which bring substance, volume and grip. Toward the end, the fruit is precise and texture insistent, as though cinched at the waist. A long-lasting, terroir driven wine.

96+P: The nose of the 2017 Gran Enemigo El Cepillo Single Vineyard was truly explosive: tons of curry, aromatic herbs and something vermouth-like, exuberant and very forward, expressive and open. It's Cabernet Franc with 15% Malbec fermented in barrel with indigenous yeasts and with 100% full clusters this year. This is also very distinct, and the exotic and aromatic notes are a constant across vintages. The palate is medium to full-bodied, and this year, the Gran Enemigo wines are around 14% alcohol and keep very good freshness (a pH of 3.05) and remarkable acidity. It's vibrant and finishes dry and with a salty twist, more vertical than I expected for the vintage.

Aromas of raspberries, black cherries and currants, as well as herbs and incense. It’s medium-to full-bodied with chewy tannins, yet the texture turns firm and fine on the palate with persistent structure and acidity. Flavorful finish with length. Try after 2023.