93 points,"From Paraje Altamira, the 2019 Cabernet Franc Mendel was aged for 12 months in 1/3 new French barrels. A vivid dark garnet in hue, the precise nose offers ash, blackcurrant, mint, herbs and jalapeño over a whiff of wood while the intense palate has fine tannins, mild freshness and a compact flow. This is an elegant, old world style red."- Antonio Galloni's Vinous Cabernet Sauvignon is now the most widely planted grape variety on the planet. It's a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, so you could say that the lesser-known Cabernet Franc gave birth to the world's most popular red wine variety. That seems like a solid reason to get acquainted with this fabulous grape to us. But if you need another, one of the most sought-after Cabernet Franc-based wines in the world is Château Cheval Blanc in Bordeaux. The winemaker at Mendel in Argentina used to work there, so he is one of the finest Cabernet Franc producers you're ever likely to come across. Mendel Cabernet Franc is a peppery red produced using grapes from their vineyard in Paraje Altamira in the Uco Valley. Planted in 2012, the plot is located more than a kilometre above sea level, resulting in a wine with lots of freshness and spice. Aged in French oak for a year, it's a classical and herbal rendition of Cabernet Franc, brimming with raspberry, cherry, silky crème de cassis, fresh poblano, dried herbs and a mix of pink and black peppercorns. This is one of our go-to wines for red meats, peppery stews and roasts of any kind. Having worked for many years at the iconic Château Cheval Blanc in Saint-Émilion, Roberto de la Mota is one of Argentina's most respected and experienced winemakers. In collaboration with the Sielecki family, he is the driving force behind Mendel's world-class wines. This boutique winery is named after the father of the proprietor, Annabelle Sielecki, and focuses on two terroirs: vineyards planted in Luján de Cuyo in 1928 and a new project of old vines in Altamira.£3.47 per 100.00ml