Cabernet Franc 2020
La Cayetana
This magnificent example of Cabernet Franc is from grapes grown in IG Los Chacayes at 1,100 MASL on the rocky alluvial soils of an old creek bed. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with wild airborne yeasts in old, 600 litre French oak barrels and takes around 26 days to complete. Half of the fruit is 50% whole bunch. The wine is aged for 12 months is used 225 litre French oak with a further 12 months in bottle prior to release.
Why so special? Why another Cabernet Franc? We are somewhat obsessed with what this grape variety is achieving in Mendoza in the hands of gifted people like Eduardo and Emilia Soler and this is possibly the most elegant and sophisticated example we have found to date. The wine is dense and compact and displays immaculate tension, with stunningly judged / minimal use of oak and beautiful natural acidity. The aromatics are delicate and pure with the faintest sprinkle of black peppercorns amidst a glorious array of sweet red fruits and a little burst of ripe capsicum. A triumph.
Winner in the Wine Merchant top 100 – 2024