CARO Amancaya Reserve Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely blend from Argentina that newly landed at the LCBO over the weekend as part of the February 19 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

The idea of Bodegas CARO was first conceptualized in 1999 when the Catena family and Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) formed a partnership. The name comes from the first two letters of each producer - CAtena and ROthschild. A year later, the concept became a reality with the goal of producing a single wine that combined Argentine and French cultures and the two signature grape varietals from each producer - Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.

With four generations of winegrowing experience, the Catena family contributed with its vast knowledge of the high-altitude terroirs in Mendoza and its passion for Malbec. Domaines Barons de Rothschild contributed its centuries-old skills in growing, vinifying and ageing great Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as blending wines that are more than the sum of its parts. The Bodegas CARO winery is located in a historic building in the heart of Mendoza and has cellars that were originally built between 1884 and 1895. After finding success with their first wine - a Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend, they launched the Amancaya several years later.

In the Quechuan language, the Amancaya is the name of a flower of the Andes that is found in the Mendoza area. A blend of 70% Malbec and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon from the generic Mendoza appellation, the grapes were actually sourced from selected plots of old vines in Lujan de Cuyo, just outside Mendoza City, and from Paraje Altamira in the Uco Valley. In Lujan de Cuyo, the soils are quite varied depending on how close the vineyards are to the mountains or Mendoza River, and tend to form alluvial layers of loam, rock, and gravel. In Paraje Altamira, the vineyards are planted at 1,000 metres (3,280 feet) above sea level on the ancient alluvial bed of the Tunuyan River. The grapes were hand-harvested, carefully sorted and destemmed, then fermented in stainless steel tanks. Half of the wine was aged in French oak barrels for 12 months, while the other half was aged in concrete vats.

With nearly ideal conditions across the growing season in Mendoza that consisted of fine weather, little rain, and high diurnal temperature ranges between day and night, the 2018 harvest is considered one of the best of the decade. The resulting wines are generally well-structured with fine-grained tannins, and ripe fruit flavours. Let's see how this 2018 red from Mendoza is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CARO AMANCAYA RESERVE MALBEC/CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Lujàn de Cuyo & Paraje Altamira, Mendoza, Argentina (#21999) (XD) - $23.95
Blend of 70% Malbec and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, the rich, elegant nose is highly aromatic with notes of ripe black-red-purple fruits, stony minerals, earth, currant, cassis, and spice. The medium-full bodied palate is very ripe with a rich array of red, black, blue, and purple fruit that balanced with savoury, stony minerals, white pepper spice, and earthy flavours. Acids are fresh and lively, while the supple, refined tannins have a subtle textural grip. Juicy with smoky mineral notes lingering on the long finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91 pts

Other lovely wines from Bodegas CARO are available through their Agent - Select Wines Merchants.