Purchase
2018
Luna Benegas
Cabernet Sauvignon
Mendoza, Argentina
Alc. 14.5 %
- Retail
- $25.99
- Club Price
- $20.49
Profile
Bodega Benegas owner Federico Benegas Lynch traces his family history back to his great-grandfather, Don Tiburcio Benegas, who founded the El Trapiche winery in Mendoza in 1883. Considered to be one of the pioneers of Argentine grape-growing, Don Tiburcio was instrumental in the spread of French grape varieties in Mendoza. Sadly the El Trapiche estate did not survive the Argentinian wine industry's crisis in the 1970s, and the vineyards were parcelled out and sold off. However, in 1999, Federico was able to buy an old vineyard ('Finca Libertad') that had been originally planted a century earlier by his great-grandfather. This was the basis of the Bodega Benegas project and a return to the family's roots.
This Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from the original Finca Libertad vineyard, where the plantings date back to 1935. Fermented in stainless steel, the wine is then aged for 6 months in French oak barrels before release. Drink now, or cellar for a further 5 years. Serve at about 18 C.
Smell
Unmistakably Cabernet Sauvignon on the nose, with pronounced aromas of cassis, blackcurrant, and blueberry, with a hint of menthol or eucalyptus. There's notes of dark chocolate, along with tobacco, allspice, and clove, lending an exotic air to the ripe fruit.
Taste
Full bodied and silky smooth on the palate, with plenty of rich texture and ripe fruit. Blueberry, blackberry, and dark cherry compliment the signature cassis, and it finishes long and dry with plenty of spice. The tannins, though fairly pronounced, are beautifully integrated and soft. New-world Cabernet lovers will have a new favourite here!
Pairing
Traditional Argentinian asado would be a great fit for this full-bodied Cab, but it would be just as delicious alongside a creamy mushroom ravioli.
