Bodegas Caro One case of Cabernet Sauvignon/ Malbec 2006

 THE CONCEPT-A JOINT VENTURE

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; Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) and Nicolas Catena. 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 wine: CARO. Two cultures, two families, two varietals, one wine.

THE VINEYARD

The vineyard locations for the Cabernet Sauvignon are 40% from an 20-year-old vineyard in Agrelo, a region 950 meters in elevation, and 10% from 30-year old vines in El Cepillo la Consulta, with an elevation of 1150 meters. The vineyard locations for Malbec are 10% from Tupungato at 1400 meters elevation and 12 -year-old vineyard and also 40% from Vistalba, at 1100 meters elevation, a 53-year-old vineyard. During all the season our vineyard technique irrigation management, bud thinnings to ensure low yields in balance with the canopy, good ventilation and illumination.

HARVEST & AGEING

Weather conditions in spring and summer of 2006 were excellent. It was windy in spring and that had a positive effect on the quality and health of the grapes. A hailstorm in December reduced the yield of Malbec in some areas. Harvesting took place in good conditions and lasted for 45 days, from the end of March until 28 April. Overall, the 2006 harvest was characterized by temperatures slightly higher than average due to warmer nights. Fermentation took place in stainless steel vats with selected yeasts, using traditional techniques such as pumping over. Maceration time for the Cabernet Sauvignon is 30 to 35 days and 20 to 28 days for the Malbec. Malo-lactic Fermentation is in 100% stainless steel. The ageing is carried out in oak barrels for 18 months in French oak-85% new and 15% second use. Blending is performed at the moment of the first racking. The barrels are all made at DBR’s cooperage.

WINEMAKER’S NOTES

- Estela Perinetti

Wonderful deep purple-red color. Intense aromas of red and black fruit (cherries and blackcurrants) on the nose, with notes of cedar, vanilla and tobacco, slightly minty and well integrated. Full on the palate with good, fairly powerful tannic structure, and good, delicate length. A wine with great ageing potential.

Grape Varieties: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50%Malbec