2018 Gran Enemigo Mendoza

Blending is second nature to Alejandro Vigil, so it’s no surprise that this assemblage of Malbec with 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot is so seamless and selfassured. Elegant, perfumed and intense, it combines cassis and blackberry fruit with finegrained tannins and impressive palate length.

Currants, blackberries, blueberries, lemon zest, thyme, green olives and licorice on the nose. Cardamom and iodine, too. Medium-to full-bodied with firm, plush tannins. There’s a delicious savory and salty quality to the ripe dark fruit. Textured and complex. Drink from 2023.

The 2018 Gran Enemigo is 50% Malbec, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 10% Merlot from Gualtallary, Uco Valley, and was aged for 18 months in foudres. Garnet red in the glass. The fragrant nose presents balsamic notes of ripe plum, herb, blackberry and aromas from the aging process as well as a hint of bay leaf followed by a volatile twist. Broad but taut with firm tannins and a juicy core, the finish lingers at length. A complex wine.

The 2018 Gran Enemigo was produced with 50% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot from Gualtallary, with only 13.5% alcohol, which is restrained in this low-yielding year when they had to harvest early. It has fantastic acidity and freshness and comes through as balanced with very tasty flavors, berries, herbs and spices. It has a medium to full-bodied palate and very fine tannins.