2018 Bodegas Caro 'Amancaya' Reserva Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza

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: 12 months in oak barrels (80% new)

70% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon.
See Critical Reviews for detailed tasting notes.

This shows blackberry, tobacco, coffee and iodine aromas and flavors. Medium to full body. Polished, yet happily dense with creamy tannins and a long, savory finish. So drinkable now, but will improve with age. 70% malbec 30% cabernet sauvignon. Drink or hold. ~94 James Suckling

For Amancaya, the blend comes mainly from Altamira vineyards (95%), in the Uco Valley, while the remaining 5% comes from an old vineyard in Agrelo, one of the traditional areas of Mendoza wine. Half of the volume spends in barrels (a third new) for a year, while the other is aged in cement tanks. 70% is Malbec and 30% is Cabernet Sauvignon. A juicy red wine, with great fruit expression, with the character of ripe red fruits from a warm year, but at the same time with a well-armed and resistant network of tannins to easily support the fruit weight in a very well-balanced red wine. ~94 Descorchados

The 2018 Amancaya is a blend of 70% Malbec with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon from Altamira and Agrelo, Mendoza, 50% aged in used French barrels for 12 months. A dark, garnet red in color. The aromas range from plum to blackcurrant jam with hints of country herb and subtle aging notes. A French-style wine, the palate is on the skinny side with fine, slightly reductive tannins anchored in an acidity that makes for a juicy balance. This is an unusual combination for Argentina. ~92 Vinous Media

The 2018 Amancaya, a blend of 70% Malbec and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, aims to combine the fruit and freshness of Malbec with the power and complexity of Cabernet Sauvignon. It was partly matured in oak barrels and keeps a fruit-driven and ripe profile with a soft palate with very fine tannins. 303,600 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2019. ~91 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate