Beso de Dante 2021

LUCA

Beso de Dante
2021

  • Sustainable
Country
Argentina
Regulated designation
Geographical Indication (GI)
Region
Mendoza
Varietal(s)
Malbec 55 %
Petit Verdot 25 %
Cabernet Sauvignon 20 %
Colour
Red
Sugar
Dry
Producer's website
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About this winery

Laura Catena, daughter of famous Argentine wine pioneer, Nicolas Catena, was born in Buenos Aires. At the age of 14, her family moved to Berkeley, California where her father had taken a teaching position in the Economics Department. Laura went on to attend Harvard University, where she graduated magna cum laude in biology, and then she returned to the west coast, to Stanford University, to pursue a medical degree graduating in 1992. Today, Laura Catena is a practicing emergency-room physician....

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Tasting notes

Aromas of cassis, with mint notes and smoke. Cascades of red and blackcurrant fruit on the palate. Medium-bodied and classically structured with good density. The Cabernet fruit melds seamlessly with the Malbec, creating a well-structured and balanced blend with moderate tannins and a lengthy finish. This blend will pair well with any Cab-friendly dishes such as steak, pork, lamb, and strong cheeses. Can handle any dish cream or butter sauces.

Press reviews

Descorchados

- 96 points -

2024 (Vintage 2021)

The base of this Beso de Dante is cabernet sauvignon from El Cepillo, in the cold southern part of the Uco Valley, while the 30% malbec is from La Consulta, and the rest is cabernet franc from the Gualtallary highlands, above an altitude of 1,500 meters. The nose is dominated by the cabernet sauvignon’s herbal and minty notes along with the classic black fruit of the variety, especially when grown in the foot of the mountains in South America. On the palate, the fierce, taut, juicy tannins are in command, and the acidity is nervy in a vibrant wine that’s brimming with flavors of fruit, herbs, and spices. For the cellar, or drink it now with lamb curry.

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Wine Enthusiast

- 94 points -

September 2022 (Vintage 2019)

This elegant blend offers green bell pepper and cherry with a touch of nutmeg and vanilla on the nose. It's full-bodied with firm tannins and vibrant acidity providing a good structure. Fresh red fruit and herbs are nicely blended with baking spices on the silky palate. It has a lingering finish with fruit flavors in the aftertaste

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Vinous

- 93 points -

November 2021 (Vintage 2019)

The 2019 Beso De Dante is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Malbec and 5% Cabernet Franc from Paraje Altamira, La Consulta, Pampa El Cepillo and Gualtallary. The 2019 spent 18 months aging in half new French oak. The ripe nose features plum jam, Maraschino cherry and hints of violet, cedar and vanilla. Juicy with a terse, voluminous texture, the aging process comes to the fore in the mouth alongside expansive, packaged freshness. The finish lingers at length.

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Vinous

- 92 points -

Joaquín Hidalgo, September 2022 (Vintage 2020)

The 2020 Beso de Dante is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Malbec and 5% Cabernet Franc (from Paraje Altamira, La Consulta and Pampa El Cepillo, Uco Valley) all the grapes coming from old vines. The multifaceted nose offers notes of blackcurrant, herbs, hints of mint and traces of roasted red pepper and ash. It’s creamy and unctuous in feel before the tannins from the different varieties tighten things up with sharp acidity that will mellow in time. Ends with a bold finish.

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Wine Advocate

- 92 points -

Luis Gutierrez, November 2022 (Vintage 2020)

They describe the 2020 Beso de Dante as a Malbec with a kiss of Cabernet Sauvignon. It's a powerful and ripe red blend, floral and herbal, and it feels very integrated and with freshness and balance, which is remarkable for the warm and dry year.

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James Suckling

- 92 points -

April 2021 (Vintage 2019)

Aromas of blackberry, plum, tar, licorice, sandalwood and hot stone. It’s full-bodied with firm, ripe tannins. Rich and dense with a smooth, warm finish.

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James Suckling

- 92 points -

February 2022 (Vintage 2020)

Cassis, cooked cherries, blackberry jam, dried herbs, gravy and mushrooms on the nose. It’s full-bodied with firm, ripe tannins. Rich, fleshy and flavorful. Espresso notes on the finish. 50% cabernet sauvignon, 40% malbec and 10% cabernet franc. Drink from 2023.

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