Catena & Rothschild: eight from the CARO range
1 Bodegas CARO, CARO, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2019 98
£49-£58.52 Bon Coeur, Burnett & Herbert,
Goedhuis Waddesdon, Hic, Ocado, Selfridges, WoodWinters
The cool summer of 2019 produced one of the finest incarnations of this Bordeauxinspired wine, a blend of 64% Malbec with 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 75% aged in 40% new French oak barrels and the balance in concrete vats over 14 months. Aromas of fresh black berries, violets, balsamic notes and tobacco. Harmonious and refined, it shows good freshness and extremely subtle, fine tannins. At least 10 years’ ageing potential. Drink 2025-2034 Alcohol 14.5%
Bodegas CARO, CARO, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2021 97
£42.50 (ib)-£54 Bordeaux Index, Burnett & Herbert, Crop & Vine, Goedhuis Waddesdon, Honest Grapes, IG Wines, Mann Fine Wine,
A refined, vigorous wine, 79% Malbec with 21% Cabernet Sauvignon from three prominent Uco terroirs: Paraje Altamira, San Pablo and Gualtallary. About half is aged in casks (18% new) from DBR Lafite’s Tonnellerie in Pauillac, the rest spending 14 months in wooden vats or concrete tanks. Cherry, redcurrant and blackberry, graphite balanced by spice and oak. Expansive, with rich, refreshing acidity, it moves to a savoury finish with fine, polished tannins.
It’s very pleasant paired with braised red meat. Drink 2025-2034 Alc 14.5%
Bodegas CARO, CARO, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2007 95
US$74 Total Wine & More
The 2007 CARO is something of a revelation. Crafted from 60% Malbec and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon before ageing in 50% new barrels for 18 months, it’s an austere wine that takes its time to open up into a complex profile of dried flowers, currants, gunpowder, blackcurrants, truffles, graphite and a hint of tar. Unctuous and voluminous but balanced out by fine, elegant tannins, it’s long and still has some time to go. Drink 2024-2028 Alc 14.4%
Bodegas CARO, CARO, Mendoza 2009 94
£47.20 Goedhuis Waddesdon
Despite more than 14 years in the bottle,
Caro 2009 – a blend of 55% Malbec and
45% Cabernet Sauvignon – is still ruby-red in the glass with violet flecks and a generous flow of fresh, crisp, red fruit. The floral, spicy undertones are complemented by balanced oak and tobacco notes derived from the 12 months in oak. Opulent and concentrated, the character is defined by the oaky tannins. Drink 2024-2029 Alc 15.3%
Bodegas CARO, CARO, Mendoza 2002 94
lafite.com/domaines/bodegas-caro
In an unforgettable year in Mendoza, some exceptional reds came from the highaltitude vineyards of Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo. Comprising 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Malbec, Caro 2002 still reflects the best of the vintage, delivering tertiary tones of ripe red and dried fruit, figs, truffle hints, aromatic herbs, menthol, cedar and pure tobacco ash. Dry and fluid in the mouth, it boasts just the right amount of grip and good vigour. Drink 2024-2027 Alc 14%
2 Bodegas CARO, Petit CARO, Mendoza 2021 94
£19.99-£26.50 Blanco & Gomez, Cambridge Wine Merchants, Goedhuis Waddesdon, Waitrose Cellar
A second wine that mirrors the house’s core style, Petit CARO 2021 is 69% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Ancellotta from Luján de Cuyo and Paraje Altamira in the Uco Valley. Red and black fruit, blackcurrant, hints of violets, old spice, flowers and graphite. It’s indulgent with a velvety texture and substantial body, firm tannins promising excellent ageing potential, kept in harmony by the accomplished acidity. Drink 2024-2028 Alc 14.5%
3 Bodegas CARO, Amancaya, Mendoza 2021 92
£20-£22.40 Cambridge Wine Merchants,
DBM Wines, Goedhuis Waddesdon, Laithwaites,
Lea & Sandeman, Ocado, The Oxford Wine Co
A blend of 69% Malbec and 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, the grapes from Luján de Cuyo and Altamiria in Uco Valley. Half the blend was aged for 12 months in oak barrels, the rest in concrete vats. Restrained, refined character featuring notes of forest berries, cherry jam, violets, blackberries, liquorice and graphite. Vibrant but balanced, medium-bodied with polished, juicy tannins. Ideal with lamb and other meats. Drink 2024-2027 Alc 14.5%
Bodegas CARO, Aruma, Mendoza 2022 91
£18 Goedhuis Waddesdon, Laithwaites,
Lea & Sandeman, Ocado
A young, unoaked Malbec, its delightfully fruity character features cherry, blackberry and plum with a refreshing touch of wild herbs. It’s rounded and well balanced, with refreshing acidity and juicy tannins before a long, fragrant finish. An easygoing Malbec that pairs very well with cheese and charcuterie. Drink 2024-2027 Alc 14.5%