Casarena 2014 Owen's Vineyard Cabernet

Although Argentina is best known internationally for fine, full-bodied Malbecs, it is that country’s old vine Cabernet Sauvignons that garner the greatest scores and provide the grandest red wines to grace the tables of the great steak houses of Buenos Aires and Mendoza.

Casarena is a young boutique winery that enjoys a well-deserved reputation for producing wines of uncompromising quality at all levels of its portfolio. In a land of extremes and in a viticultural region known equally for oceans of cheap, hunky, one-dimensional wines as well as expensive, complex, full-bodied masterpieces, Casarena shines as a beacon of quality and value. Situated in Mendoza’s premier viticultural areas of Agrelo and Lujan de Cuyo, Casarena’s ultimate goal is to become Mendoza’s greatest vineyard project. Casarena utilizes Mendoza’s finest terroirs at differing elevations to produce world class wines.

Alcohol: 13.7%

91 POINTS - "Bright ruby-red. Musky aromas and flavors of black raspberry, currant, plum, coffee, smoky minerality and herbs are accented by a hint of pepper. Dense and fine-grained but not especially thick owing to its firm but harmonious Cabernet acidity. In fact, this very savory Cabernet boasts a surprising lightness of touch. This is nicely balanced and approachable from the start but has the ripe, integrated tannins to support mid-term evolution in bottle. A lovely expression of terroir." - Vinous

91 POINTS - "Some pretty currant and berry character with hints of fresh mint. Medium body, fine tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink now or hold" - James Suckling

90 POINTS - "The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Owen's Vineyard comes from a parral or pergola-trained vineyard from an 80-year-old plot in Agrelo. 2014 was a challenging vintage for Cabernet in Lujan de Cuyo and the nose doesn't show as precise and deep as these old vines are capable of, like if it was slightly out of focus. The palate has classical Cabernet tannins and combines ripe and slightly herbal flavors. The faint musty notes in the nose made me hesitate, even if the palate showed much better. 30,000 bottles produced." - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

This vineyard is known as the "the survivor". Originally planted in 1930, the vines still stand like classical sculptures along its alleys. The variety of soils that change in a few meters distance is outstanding, which results in a great work of micro-terroirs.