“The 2010 Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard is mainly Cabernet Franc with Malbec from granite and calcareous soils. It is produced with the crazy Vigil method of seven different harvests to achieve different levels of ripeness and different character from small plots that he believes increases the complexity of the wine. Its nose of thyme and chalk is completely austere. It has citric, sharp, chunky, delineated palate with laser-like definition that makes you salivate. I’m sure this wine is going to age for a very long time and provide drinking pleasure throughout its life. This seems to have the depth and austerity of Chateau Lafleur and the acidity of ancient vintage Madeira. A tour de force terroir wine. Only 2,800 bottles exist. At this quality level this is a real bargain.”

“The project of Catena’s winemaker Alejandro Vigil and Adrianna Catena has been one of the great revelations in Argentina’s winemaking scene. And much of that success has to do with Gualtallary and Cabernet Franc, a place and a grape with which Vigil has been working since 2001. Built on a solid and tight structure of tannins, this offers generous, bright red fruit and a seductive herbal note acting as a refined yet lively decoration. One of the best and most luminous examples of Cabernet Franc from Argentina.”

“This is layered and rich with dark fruits and coffee bean and hints of iodine. Savory. Full body, with plenty of fruit but powerful and tangy. Burnt citrus peel.”

“In its first year, Gran Enemigo Cabernet Franc Gualtallary would establish the style with the 15% addition of Malbec. Red with purple flecks in the glass. The nose is developing nicely: truffle, herbs and a touch of blood with lovely, intense sour cherry notes, all underscored by a volatility that lends depth. Medium-bodied in the mouth, with tannins that are still slightly active, a lengthy finish and an open expression. Drink now.”

“Here Vigil forgoes Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, blending 85% Cabernet Franc with 15% Malbec. Again, there was a freshness to the aroma, but it had notable undertones of earth and dark fruit. When I tasted it, I just thought, ‘Wow.’ It was lush and rich, but simultaneously focused and clean. Quite a balancing act.”

Best of 2014: “When someone first asked me the grapes used for this wine and I couldn't remember! The 2010 Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard Gualtallary is very much about the place, Gualtallary, an appellation in the Uco Valley at some 1,500 meters altitude on chalky soils, than the grapes. A brilliant wine by Alejandro Vigil, Catena's winemaker. Oh, yes! Cabernet Franc...”