- 96 points -

Gold Medal

Intensely aromatic with violet and graphite top notes with beautifully integrated spicy oak and bramble balckcurrant and capsicum flavours. Long and rich.

- 94 points -

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.

- 94 points -

The main source of cabernet franc from El Enemigo (one of the masters of the variety in South America) is located on the sandy stone and limestone soils of Gualtallary, toward the north of the Uco Valley and about 1,400 meters above sea level. In this case, it's a selection of blocks rich in calcium carbonate that, in a cool season like 2021, has given a delicious combination of fruity flavors and herbal notes. The palate is tense and full of firm and juicy tannins, while the flavors of sour cherries have a party going on. A little delight that speaks of El Enemigo's expertise with the variety and an excellent year at Uco.

- 93 points -

A super-drinkable, linear cabernet franc showing a mixture of blue plums and red cherries with a fresh mineral quality. Juicy, fresh and expressive on the palate, with a medium body and a long, extensive finish. Streamlined, with nothing redundant.

- 93 points -

Fresh thyme and peppermint to the deep, spiced cherries, olives and roasted red chili. A hint of black beans, too. I like the texture and tension here with firm tannins on the broad, medium- to full-bodied palate. Firm and well-constructed tannins with a pretty long finish

- 93 points -

Against all odds, the 2020 Cabernet Franc, from a warm and dry year, feels fresher and more harmonious than the two other vintages I tasted next to it, the cooler 2019 and 2021. It contains some 10% Malbec that fermented together with the Cabernet Franc, which feels very integrated and softened the tannins that feel velvety but without losing grip. It spent 15 months in ancient oak foudres, and the oak feels very integrated

- 92 points -

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. 

- 92 points -

One of the wines that has turned El Enemigo into a global phenomenon, this cleverly marketed Cabernet Franc includes 10% Malbec for an extra layer of complexity. Graphite, rose petal and jarilla aromas are an appealing introduction to a smooth, sweetly fruited palate of chocolate, black cherry and patisserie spices.

- 92 points -

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.