El Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2022 is an impressive high-altitude expression from Gualtallary in Argentina’s Uco Valley, crafted by acclaimed winemaker Alejandro Vigil. Sourced from calcareous, rocky soils at 1,470 metres, it offers dark fruit, floral spice, wet earth and cedar, with a rich yet mineral-driven palate, polished tannins and a long, savoury finish. Rated 94 points by James Suckling and 93+ by The Wine Advocate, it is an exceptional value Cabernet Franc that can be enjoyed now or cellared further.

James Suckling | JS 94
Published: Jul 10, 2025

Wet earth and elderberries shape the nose with a touch of dark chocolate. The velvety palate is medium- to full-bodied with a hint of cedar that complements the polished dark fruit. Approachable and exceptional for an entry-level wine. Drink now or hold.

The Wine Advocate | RP 93+
Published: May 1, 2025
Drink: 2024-2032

Sourced from Gualtallary's Adrianna Vineyard, the 2022 Cabernet Franc contains 10% Malbec and underwent a 60-day maceration and aged for 15 months in a mix of foudre, barrique and tank. Opening with a dark-fruited, floral and spice-inflected nose, the palate offers dramatic richness tempered by a sturdy, upright, mineral-driven core. It concludes with an explosive, long and layered finish that balances vibrant energy and staining intensity. This is a strikingly overperforming example of the variety that should develop beautifully in the cellar.

A collaboration between Catena's winemaking director Alejandro Vigil and Adrianna Catena, El Enemigo is among a select handful of reference-point producers in Argentina. The portfolio focuses on the Uco Valley with inclusions spanning Luján de Cuyo, Maipú and eastern Mendoza, each region containing reference-point bottlings rendered with unwavering clarity. The portfolio begins with an overperforming and affordable range of varietal wines, including a set of site-specific, old-vine Bonarda rarely produced with such detail and complexity. The superb Gran Enemigo range contains a transcendent expression of Torrontés and a beautiful red blend, culminating in a centerpiece quartet of single-vineyard Cabernet Francs. I found these firmly among Argentina's most exciting wines, cementing the variety's rightful place alongside Malbec as a vehicle for expressing the Uco Valley. Also at the top of the pyramid is the As Bravas range, which centers around a phenomenal Malbec bottling and a newly introduced Garnacha.

Wine Enthusiast | WE 93
Published: Jan 4, 2026

A delicate blend of spices, including white pepper, shapes the bouquet of this fresh Cabernet Franc. The palate is juicy and tasty, with abundant fruit and hints of bell pepper. Balancing acidity and soft tannins provides a sturdy structure for a long, savory finish. — Jesica Vargas

Enemigowines.com

At the end of the journey, we remember only one battle: the one we fought against ourselves, the original enemy, the one that defined us.

Vineyard
Gualtallary, Tupungato. Altitude: 4,822 ft (1470 m) elevation.

Type of Soil
Deep-calcareous, rocky soil.

Vinification
Wild yeast, max. temperature 28°C / 82°F for 22 days, with 28 days of maceration. 5 different harvest times (5 weeks between the first and the last one).

Aging
15 months in 100-year-old foudre.