2016 Lamadrid Cabernet Franc Single Vineyard Reserva Agrelo Mendoza 750 ml

The 2016 Lamadrid Cabernet Franc Reserva is without a doubt one of the best deals we’ve ever offered on a Top 100 red. 

Consistently one of the Southern Hemisphere’s top Cab Francs and greatest values, Lamadrid has exceeded their own lofty standards with their 2016. Showing perfumed aromatics, a defined body, and undeniable quality, this wine is impossible not to notice—which is why it stood out from the crowd of 24,000 to earn a spot on the Enthusiast 100, Wine Enthusiast’s rundown of the top wines they tasted all year.

That honor has sent red-wine lovers searching for this bona fide steal, but it’s all but impossible to find in the US. We grabbed all we could, and we recommend you do the same.

From a region known for Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, this Cab Franc is a revelation. Perfumed and elegant, it’s an aromatic paradise of plum, boysenberry, and crushed violets, all accented by green tobacco and black tea. The mouthfeel is focused and defined, with plenty of dark fruit riding on well-knit tannins. 

Lamadrid’s Cab Franc Reserva has been on our radar for at least a decade, ever since Wine Advocate called the 2009 an “outstanding value.” Its origins lie 3,000 feet up in the foothills of the Andes at Finca La Suiza, a pristine site in Agrelo, in the heart of Mendoza. Cabernet Franc thrives at La Suiza, developing silkiness in the sandy soils. The site’s diurnal temperature swings—the hot days and cool nights that vines love so much—bring a perfect balance of bold-fruit ripeness and mouthwatering acidity to the grapes.

Winery president and winemaker Hector Durigutti puts the Reserva together with a master’s touch. Durigutti got his start as one of the founders of legendary Mendoza winery Alto Las Hormigas and has gone on to become one of the most respected and in-demand winemakers in the Southern Hemisphere. His résumé includes a Top 100 award from Wine Spectator for his outstanding Malbec, and countless 90+ scores from critics. 

In order to preserve the natural signature of Finca La Suiza, Durigutti fermented the 2016 Reserva with native yeast before aging it for 14 months in neutral oak. The cellar regimen polished and rounded out the wine while allowing the extraordinary terroir to shine. 

One sip of the 2016 Reserva will make you forget all about its bargain price, and that’s exactly how it should be. It goes without saying that this is among the best-priced Top 100 wines we’ve ever offered—as such, it won’t last. Lock in this remarkable Cabernet Franc while you can.