In the Northern Rhône in France there is a tiny appellation Côte Rôtie where a small amount of Viognier white is added to Syrah to create some magic. In this El Enemigo Syrah-Viognier from Mendoza in Argentina do we have an imitator? Is imitation the best form of flattery?
10% Viognier has been added to 90% Syrah and aged in 16 months in aged oak foudres.
Aroma: That nice Rhône warmness a la full body. Heady notes of blueberry, black cherry in a toasty comforting light scent of vanilla. Absolutely nothing off putting here. Bit of high-test alcohol lingers.
Palate: Full bodied initially with fine tannins but on the back palate it lightens up with a long finish. Black cherry, blackberry and licorice. A bit hot. I have a 2005 Côte Rôtie in the cellar and it is at 12.5%…old style French. This Argentinian is 13.5% and just a bit hot to make it a brilliant wine.
Personality: I am a brilliant wine and have escaped from Malbecian tyranny of Mendoza. But quite frankly I admit I may be too young. My fruit has not settled and when it does I say it will assert itself and dumb down the alcohol vibes. I am at least one third of a price of a Côte Rôtie.
Food Match: Spanish octopus with saffron.
Cellarbility: Batten down the hatches as this baby needs until 2026 to strut its excellence and will coast into 2033.
Price: $28.95 CDN.
RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 94/100. Joaquin Hidalgo 95.
(El Enemigo Syrah Viognier 2019, Mendoza, Argentina, Piedemonte Al Sur, Mendoza, Argentina, 13.5%, 750 mL).
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