2021 El Enemigo Malbec Mendoza

The very young 2021 Malbec follows the path of restraint, balance, harmony and elegance that was seen in the 2019, which I tasted next to it. This is a neatly crafted Malbec with varietal typicity, spiced up with some Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, always with very careful oaking to respect the typicity of the variety and the place. It's mineral and stony, finishing dry and long.

Exuberant red and blue fruit with a touch of stones and subtle spices. Juicy and firm on the palate, with a medium to full body and fresh, fine-grained tannins. Quite a long finish full of fruit. Drink or hold.

This 2021 Malbec contains 10% Cabernet Franc sourced from the slopes of Gualtallary in the Uco Valley. After fermenting in new oak barrels, it opens with delicate notes of violet and fresh plum, accented by subtle herbal hints. Compact yet expressive, its juicy palate reveals layers of plum and licorice, with a balanced and appealing flavor profile. A true hallmark of this wine is its unburdened texture, carrying pristine floral nuances through an enduring, graceful finish.

Expressive notes of plumeria and orange peel make for an alluring entry to this version, which boasts a polished berry mélange core, with a subtle toasty cocoa bean thread underneath, plus suave, mineral-tinged tannins.