El Esteco Fincas Notables Cabernet Sauvignon Cuartel 9 2015

El Esteco Fincas Notables Cabernet Sauvignon Cuartel 9text

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16/20

Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaFincas Notables is a selection of highly-rated estate blocks from throughout the Calchaqui Valley. As noted on the front label, the cabernet is from block or cuartel No. 9. in vineyard Finca La Urquiza, a mix of any alluvial soils that sit at 1700m above sea level. It is mountain fruit by any stretch of the imagination, yielding intense colour and rich tannins thanks to thick skins and small berries. 2015 was a difficult year, cooler and wetter than average, leaving herby, earthy pyrazine notes thankfully pushed back by dark chocolate and blackcurrant fruit. Reasonably dry and ready to drink, it is best served with a fire-smoked piece of beef.Tasted: 23 February 2021Tasted by: Prices:

BC	$29.99	750ml	BCLS
MB	$23.99	750ml	Manitoba's Liquor Marts Online

Producer: Bodega El EstecoDistributors: Dandurand
Grape: Cabernet SauvignonCSPC: 660043UPC: 7798136300578

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El Esteco Fincas Notables Cabernet Sauvignon Cuartel 9 2015

Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaThe Fincas Notables line comes from top plots around the Calchaqui Valley estates. This cabernet sauvignon comes off plot 9 of finca La Urquiza, at 1700m and sandy alluvial soils. The extreme altitude and intense UV creates small berries with thick skins. This was macerated and partially native fermented in oak vats before the wine ages in new French barrels for 15 months. Dark earth, gravels, smoked stone, black cherry, earthy green pitch fill the savoury-edged palate, with dark cocoa, filling in the gaps, and ample, powdery tannins holding in the sides. This finishes with a swell of warmth, best mitigated with a serving of hearty beef or root vegetable stew.Tasted: 23 February 2021Tasted by: Prices:

BC	$29.99	750ml	BCLS
MB	$23.99	750ml	Manitoba's Liquor Marts Online

Producer: Bodega El EstecoDistributors: Dandurand
Grape: Cabernet SauvignonCSPC: 660043UPC: 7798136300578

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El Esteco Fincas Notables Cabernet Sauvignon Cuartel 9 2015

Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaSomething is reassuring and promising about pulling a Diam 30 cork from a bottle. At six years of age, this is already fairly developed and drinking well. It shows green, earthy notes alongside cedar, chocolate, and stewed black fruits. The palate is quite suave, with tannins that aren't far from being fully resolved. Drink now or over the next 4-5 years. A worthwhile pour if you like that greener side of cabernet.Tasted: 21 February 2021Tasted by: Prices:

BC	$29.99	750ml	BCLS
MB	$23.99	750ml	Manitoba's Liquor Marts Online

Producer: Bodega El EstecoDistributors: Dandurand
Grape: Cabernet SauvignonCSPC: 660043UPC: 7798136300578

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88/100El Esteco Fincas Notables Cabernet Sauvignon Cuartel 9 2013Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, Argentina