El Enemigo Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard 2019 (3.0L)

100 WA / 100 JS / 97 VM

The incredibly subtle, elegant and austere 2019 Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard reminds me of a great vintage of Lafleur, my favorite Bordeaux, as this is one of the finest vintages for this single-vineyard blend of Cabernet Franc with some 15% Malbec. It develops very slowly in the glass and shows layers and layers of aromas but all in a very subtle way. It also reminds me of the fabulous 2013 that I rated 100 points in 2018, and there has not been such a perfect vintage since then. It has great balance and a silky mouthfeel, with refined, elegant tannins and a long, dry finish with a chalky and salty sensation and no room for sweetness; it's more about herbs, flowers and rocks than anything else. They produced 9,000 bottles of this beauty. It was bottled in July 2020. - - Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate

A complex, restrained and deliciously austere cabernet franc with damp earth, oyster shells, blueberries, thyme, rosemary and mushrooms. Super serious and chalky on the palate with lots of dissolved, minerally-textured tannins. Very long and uncompromising! An incredible cabernet franc from Gualtallary by Alejandro Vigil. Extremely pure, mineral and seductive. A fabulous cabernet franc that grows on the palate with remarkable tension and texture. I’d want to drink a bottle now even it can hold extremely well. - James Suckling

The 2019 Cabernet Franc Gran Enemigo Gualtallary also incorporates 15% Malbec sourced from the same area within the Uco Valley. It underwent a 15-month aging process in used foudres. Displays a deep purple color. The nose tantalizes with captivating notes of ashes and blackberry, accompanied by hints of mountain herbs, mint and cassis. The palate offers a dry and chalky texture, with fine-grained tannins and a juicy flow that leads to a nimble and enduringly flavorful complex finish. This terroir-driven wine was created in a cold and dry vintage, reflecting a stylish approach to the grape and a distinct expression of Gualtallary.-Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous Media