2015 Gran Enemigo El Cepillo
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Tasting notes
In the nose of the 2015 Gran Enemigo El Cepillo Single Vineyard, there was an acute herbal note—rockrose, thyme and mint—reminiscent of the wild herbs that grow in the region. El Cepillo is a cold place within the mild weather of Mendoza, and it's really interesting to be able to taste (and drink!) these bottlings together with ones from different places, as you see the nuances that each place provides to the wines. And if you taste more than one vintage, like in this case, when I also tasted the 2016, it's even more fun. Ironically enough, the slightly warmer 2015 had more of these herbal aromas than the 2016. The wine is really serious, especially in the palate, where the texture is like liquid chalk, it fills your mouth, and those aromatic herb notes make a comeback in the finish. This is mainly Cabernet Franc, but it contains some 15% Malbec; however, starting with the 2016 vintage, they will remove the Cabernet Franc from the label, as they want to focus more on the place than on the variety. 6,500 bottles produced.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Beautiful aromas of crushed rose petal and dark fruits with a beautiful liquorice spice. So attractive on the palate with leafy notes and a wonderful acidity and freshness that carries the sweetness of the fruit through to the finish. The tannins are fine and chiseled – a long, linear defined finish. (AC)
Bright medium ruby. Alluring floral/spicy lift on the nose. Tactile and deep but juicy too, with terrific vinosity to its flavors of tropical dark chocolate and graphite; in the low-pH style of the 2014 release. More about altitude and minerality than simply primary fruits, this utterly seamless wine finishes with superb rising length and refined tannins that saturate the sides of the mouth. (from nine-year-old vines in the southwestern corner of San Carlos; as at Catena's Adrianna vineyard, these vines are planted at an altitude of about 5,000 feet)
This is crazy wine with amazing volcanic-ash, dark-berry, iron and spice aromas and flavors. Full body and ripe, layered tannins. Shows such layered intensity. Energetic finish. Drink or hold.
About the producer
El Enemigo has quickly become one of Argentina’s top wine estates, specialising in high-altitude, single-vineyard Cabernet Franc cuvées and Bordeaux blends. They also produce a range of single-vineyard cuvées from the lesser-known variety Bonarda.