Cabernet Franc
2019
El Enemigo, “the enemy”. The struggle that most defines us in our lives is the one that we wage with our selves. We are all our own worst enemies. This is the credo behind the name on the label. The wines of El Enemigo are enigmatic, charismatic, and verging on iconoclastic. In that way the wines reflect their maker, Alejandro Vigil, an almost Picasso-like personality. “Ale”, as he is known, is the head winemaker at the iconic Bodega Catena Zapata, but he has many loves. He consults,...
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The 2019 Cabernet Franc from the Uco Valley contains 10% of Malbec and spent 15 months in foudres. Violet in hue. The raw nose offers a whiff of stem and herbal hints with a touch of sour cherry and a fruity backdrop. Quite smooth and juicy with a degree of tension and a frank expression, the dark fruit flavors are compact at the back of the mouth, leading into the lengthy finish.
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This has aromas of fresh plums, raspberries, currants, tobacco leaves and bark. Medium-bodied with supple tannins and a creamy, vibrant and fresh palate. Juicy fruit.
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It was curious to see how the Cabernet Franc in cooler years seemed to have ripened more thoroughly, and the 2019 Cabernet Franc and the 2021 felt riper than the 2020, with darker fruit and a headier sensation, despite all being around 13.5% alcohol. These bottlings are never 100% from the variety, and this one contains some 10% Malbec. It has some spicy oak in the background.
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