2017 Bodegas CARO 'Caro' Mendoza Argentina (stained labels)

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)

74% Malbec, 26% 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.

This is one of the most direct and clear Caros in a long time with blue-fruit, violet, and sandalwood aromas and flavors. Crushed-stone, too. Full-bodied, yet tight and contracted with a level of shyness to its strength. The length derives from the excellence of the cabernet. One for the cellar. Blend of 74% Malbec and 26% Cabernet Sauvignon. Try after 2023, but exciting to drink all the same. ~97 James Suckling

~96 Tim Atkin, Master of Wine

Expensive is one hundred percent Altamira. The Cabernet Sauvignon (25% of the blend) comes from an old vineyard planted in 1996, while the Malbec comes from a vineyard planted in 1999 with material from the traditional Angélica vineyard, in Catena, in Maipú. The wine spends 18 months in barrels, 80% new and the rest second use. This blend has hints of liquorous red fruits, spices and herbs. In the mouth, the fruity sensation is powerful, but so is the structure, which supports those delicious red fruit flavors. ~95 Descorchados Magazine

An elegant style, with juicy richness to the mineral-infused dried red fruit and berry flavors. Vibrant acidity lingers on the burnished finish, with savory accents. Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2026. 3,000 cases made, 1,000 cases imported. ~92 Wine Spectator