Once again I am introducing you to a wine that is rated at 90/100 points (average). But this wine lies outside my normal report on wines that are rated at 90/100 points or higher and sell for $20.00 or less.
Although today’s wine meets my rating requirements, it is sold at $27.00 a bottle rather than my normal price point of $20.00 or lower. After a recommendation and some conversation with Stan Minden from Chalet Party Shoppe I decided to try the wine and introduce it to you.
The Wine
The 2012 El Enemigo (El Enemigo translates as “the enemy”) is produced at Piedemonte al Sur which is located in the southern foothills of Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina. The facility is named for the unique aspect of Mendoza’s high altitude winemaking region nestled in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. The winemaker is Alejandro Vigil who has teamed up with Adrianna Catena, the daughter of the winery’s founder, Nicolás Catena.
The 2012 wine is a blend of predominantly Malbec (89%) with 6% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. The wine was rated at 92/100 points by Wine Spectator Magazine and 93/100 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine with an average score of 91/100 points.
The following is a comment from the wine reviewer at Wine Spectator about the wine:
“A svelte (S-felt, meaning graceful, slim etc) style, with rich, well-rounded flavors of dark currant, cherry and pomegranate, accented by some kirsch notes. Rich and loamy mid palate, offering a broad, well-spiced finish that features touches of elegance and silky tannins. Drink now through 2019.”
Winemakers Tasting Notes
Winemaker Alejandro Vigil had the following to say on his wine:
“Rich and concentrated, it offers aromas of black fruit, cherry and dark berry fruit on the nose followed in the palate by a full-bodied wine with flavors of spice, blackberry, black cherry, pepper and a slight floral character. The finish is elegant and lengthy.”
My Tasting Notes
I found the nose to be stubborn in opening, in which case I would recommend decanting this wine. The nose was a little earthy with hints of tobacco and fruit. After some time in the glass the fruit overtook the earthiness. The color of the wine was dark ruby-red. On the palate the wine tasted of dark fruit and minerals. The finish was a bit spicy on the front end. It is slightly tannic and offered a lengthy finish. The wine is bold and tasty and should pair well with various grilled red meats and barbecued items including barbecued ribs.
I recommend you spend a couple extra bucks and purchase this wine. It should drink well over the next several years.
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Until next week,
Cheers
Calendar of Events
- June 11th – International Rosé Wine Day
- June 20th – National Lambrusco Day
- August 1st – International Albariño Day
- August 18th – International Pinot Noir Day
- September 3rd – International Cabernet Day
- September 15th – International Grenache Day
- November 7th – International Merlot Day
- November 12th – International Tempranillo Day
- November 15th – International Zinfandel Day
- December 16th – National Wine Club Day
- December 20th – National Sangria Day
- December 31st – National Champagne Day
