Malbec 2018

EL ENEMIGO

Malbec
2018

Product code
745020
Format
12 x 750ml
Listing type
Open
Status
Available
Product type
Still wine
Country
Argentina
Regulated designation
Dénomination origine (DOC)
Region
Mendoza
Subregion
Lujan de Cuyo
Varietal(s)
Malbec 100 %
Color
Red
Sugar
Dry
Closure type
Cork
Producer's website
Click here

About this winery

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,...

See the EL ENEMIGO detail page for more information on this brand

Notes about product

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 Uco Valley, Mendoza. The facility is named for the unique aspect of Mendoza's high altitude winemaking region nestled in the foothills of the Andes Mountains.

Tasting notes

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.

Press reviews

Descorchados

- 93 points -

2021

For this El Enemigo, Aleanna's entry-level malbec, winemaker Alejandro Vigil gets his grapes from a vineyard planted in the first half of the 1990s on the gravel and limestone soils of Gualtallary, in the northern Uco Valley. It's a high-altitude vineyard more than 1,300 meters up, and that shows in the type of fruit it offers, with notes of tart red fruits crossed with herbs. The palate speaks of the soil, with that firm, taut texture from the limestone. It's refreshing, and the acidity is in charge, leaving a very crisp sensation.

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Vinous

- 93 points -

September 2021

The 2018 Malbec El Enemigo has an 8% portion of Cabernet Franc, both from Gualtallary in the Uco Valley, from vineyards planted in calcium rich soils and aged for 15 months in old foudres. The complex nose offers plum and a hint of ash primarily along with subtle, expansive twists of lavender and violet. In the mouth, the wine is structured around the freshness with a skinny flow for the variety and gently grippy tannins that make it agile and flavorful. Delicate and compact, the juicy freshness keeps the fruity flavors present.

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James Suckling

- 92 points -

May 2021

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.

See detailed press review