Bodega Aleanna - El Enemigo Malbec 2019

Tim Atkin

Patricio Tapia - Descorchados

At an altitude of 1,400 meters, Gualtallary is the source of some of El Enemigo’s best reds. The specific source is the Adrianna Vineyard, which was planted in the mid-1990s on sandy, gravel, and calcareous soils at the foot of Lomas del Jaboncillo, in what is now known as the Monastery zone. From there we get this kind of introduction to the world of El Enemigo in the heights of the Uco Valley, a malbec that has fruity and floral notes as well as herbal and earthy touches. The palate is tense and rich in reactive tannins. An announcement of what comes higher up in the winery's catalog.

Wine Enthusiast

Aged 15 months in foudres, this is an elegant Malbec from Gualtallary in the Uco Valley. The nose offers subtle spices, a dash of aromatic herbs, hints of black pepper and vanilla bean followed by plums. Silky tannins and excellent acidity provide a nice frame for this layered red. Rosemary, cherry, plums and dark chocolate contribute to the wine's complexity. Drink now through 2027.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

t's always interesting to compare different vintages of the same wine, in this case the 2019 Malbec with the following two years. It has 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot in the blend and only 13.5% alcohol while retaining very good acidity. The grapes were sourced from Gualtallary and were co-fermented. This is varietal with an herbal twist, serious, subtle and mineral with austerity and elegance, reflecting a very balanced and good year. It's medium-bodied, nicely textured and has a chalky texture from the limestone soils. 35,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in July 2020 after 15 months in ancient oak foudres. Superb!

There are some new wines at El Enemigo, a project from Alejandro Vigil and Adrianna Catena that does not stop growing. They produce an impressive 1.2 million bottles between all the ranges. They are also going to plant some more vineyards with Chardonnay.

James Suckling

This has pretty aromas of blackberries, ripe blueberries, dark chocolate, walnuts and crushed stones. Hints of citrus zest. It’s medium-bodied with fine, fleshy tannins. Textured and velvety with a solid core of dark fruit. Drink or hold.