2020 Bodegas CARO 'Caro' Mendoza Argentina

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, Lafite-Rothschild and Nicolás Catena from Catena Zapata. Both 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 portfolio of wines: CARO, Amancaya, and Aruma. Two noble grapes, two families, and an elegant portfolio of wines.

In Mendoza, the Catena family leverages their deep understanding of the region’s high-altitude terroirs and their fervent passion for Malbec. Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite brings centuries-old expertise in cultivating, vinifying, and aging exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, alongside their mastery in blending.

CARO grapes come from selected sections of rows within our blocks, where the soil is layered with calcareous deposits as well as limestone, remnants of a river that used to flow through Altamira. Grapes are carefully selected and hand-harvested. After destemming, they are placed in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats for alcoholic fermentation. Maceration lasts for a period of 20 days with a gentle pump-over to ease tannin extraction and fix the color.

Aging: 18 months in oak barrels (80% new)

60% Malbec, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon.This wine has a dark, intense color, with hints of violet. The nose reveals a complex mix of aromas including raspberry, black pepper, violets, cloves, and subtle notes of dark chocolate. On the palate, the wine is well-balanced with refreshing acidity and ripe tannins that contribute to the harmony and smoothness of the palate.

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. ~97 Tim Atkin, Master of Wine

Caro has a little surprise this year. In addition to the 50% from Altamira vineyards and 30% from Gualtallary, this vintage also includes for the first time 20% malbec from San Pablo, one of the highest parts of the Uco Valley, about 1,430 meters above sea level. Generally speaking, it's 60% malbec and 40% cabernet sauvignon, and the sensation of the malbec's sweetness is the first thing you notice, especially in this hot year, which has produced ripe and succulent wines. Be patient though, because there's more here. With time in the glass, it begins to show herbal notes that may come from the cabernet, but also from that cold São Paulo zone. The acidity is juicy, and the texture is friendly, but with enough sharpness for meat. This is for the cellar. ~95 Descorchados Magazine

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. ~95 Vinous Media

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. Drink from 2025. -94 James Suckling

This wine needs a few minutes to open up and show its aromatic nose and generous palate. Well-integrated notes of oak spice, thyme and ripe mulberry fill the mouth and lead to a pleasant smoky finish.It's balanced and sleek, with fine tannins. ~92 Wine Enthusiast

Generous and concentrated, offering floral blackberry and plum flavors against loam, olive and graphite notes. Shows just enough freshness to keep the ripeness in check, ending with dark chocolate notes and smooth-textured tannins. Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2033. -92 Wine Spectator

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