Bodegas Caro, 'Caro', Mendoza, Argentina, 2020

Overview of the Wine
CARO was born of the alliance between two wine cultures (French and Argentine), two noble grape varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec), and two renowned wine families, Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) and Nicolás Catena. Vignerons since the 19th century, these two powerful organizations have combined their deep knowledge of Mendoza's high altitude terroir and the art of winemaking to create a unique wine: CARO. Two noble grapes, two families, one dear and elegant wine.

The idea of forming a partnership between Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) and the Catena family was born in 1999. Initial enthusiasm quickly became a concrete plan to produce a single wine that would combine French and Argentine cultures and the two signature grapes of each producer, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Catena family has produced wine for three generations. Consequently, it was able to draw on its vast knowledge of the high altitude terroirs of the Mendoza region as well as its passion for Malbec to find the best vineyards. DBR (Lafite) contributed its centuries-old skills in growing, vinifying and ageing great Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as its know-how in blending different grape varieties to produce one wine that is greater than the sum of its parts.

The vineyard locations for the Cabernet Sauvignon are 40% from a 20-year-old vineyard in Agrelo, a region 3,117 feet in elevation, and 10% from 30-year old vines in El Cepillo la Consulta, with an elevation of 3,773 feet. The vineyard locations for Malbec are 10% from a 12 year old vineyard in Tupungato at 4,593 feet elevation and also 40% from a 53-year-old vineyard in Vistalba, at 3,609 feet elevation. Throughout the season we monitor the vineyard technique, irrigation management and bud thinning to ensure low yields in balance with the canopy, good ventilation and illumination.

Previously CEO of Bodegas Argento S.A., Estate Manager Philippe Rolet began his career at Domaine William Fèvre, (France) before joining the Alta Vista Group in Mendoza where he was CEO and President. Aged 46, he holds a French Management degree and is today at the head of the French Honorary Consulate in Mendoza.

Grape / Blend
60% Malbec and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon

Origin
Mendoza, Argentina

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The nose reveals aromas of black fruit such as blackcurrant and blueberry. On the palate, the wine exhibits excellent balance, soft tannins confer its elegant structure and persistent freshness contributes to the harmonious finish.

97 Points - Tim Atkin
The 2020 Caro uses fruit from three Uco Valley sub-regions - Gualtallary, Paraje Altamira and San Pablo - and is a blend of Malbec with 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Lightly wooded in 20% new oak, this shows no sign of the heat of the 2020 vintage. Wonderfully scented and intense, with glossy tannins, cassis, bramble and coffee bean flavours, tangy minerality and a long, tapering finish. 2024-35

95 Points - Vinous
The 2020 Blend Caro is 60% Malbec and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon from Altamira & Gualtallary in Mendoza. It was aged for 18 months in DBR cooperage from Pauillac, 80% in first-use barrels and the rest in 4000-liter foudres. Dark purple in the glass. The nose features cassis and plum notes in a cedar frame, with ash and mint hints. Dry with firm tannins and a juicy flow, the intense mouthfeel and rich palate create a long-lasting, ripe finish. The 2020 is an unusually nuanced wine for a warm vintage.

94 Points - James Suckling
Deep and ripe nose with plenty of ripe blackberries, cedar and black truffles. A hint of black pepper, too. Plush and generous on the palate with plenty of sweet fruit. Tannins are really tight and compact with a long, focused finish. Has the warm-vintage ripeness but it retains freshness. Needs some time.

Product size: 750ml