El Enemigo As Bravas Malbec El Cepillo 2018

El Enemigo is the personal venture of winemakers Alejandro Vigil and Adrianna Catena, working in the Uco Valley of Mendoza. As Bravas El Cepillo is a single-vineyard Malbec, with a touch of Semillon, grown at high altitude in the foothills of the Andes. The Uco Valley sits well above 1,000 metres, where intense sunlight, cold nights and poor stony alluvial soils produce small, concentrated berries with thick skins. The wide diurnal range holds natural acidity and slows ripening, which is why high-altitude Malbec keeps its freshness and floral lift despite the ripeness. The wine is aged for an extended period in large oak foudres. The big format means a lower ratio of wood to wine, so the oak influence stays restrained while slow oxidation softens the tannins and adds complexity. The result is deep violet in the glass, with a nose of ripe blackberry, dried spices, liquorice and fresh herbs that recall the wild undergrowth. The palate is full bodied and structured, with fine-grained tannins, bright acidity and a long savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted ahead of time. It suits grilled beef, roast lamb and earthy mushroom dishes.