Bodega Aleanna, Gran Enemigo, El Cepillo 2018
Product Information
Country Argentina
Region Mendoza
Grape Variety 85% Cabernet Franc, 15% Malbec
Vintage 2018
ABV 13.5%
Gran Enemigo El Cepillo 2018 – Bodega Aleanna Cabernet Franc
A Legendary Single-Vineyard Cabernet Franc from Mendoza
The Gran Enemigo El Cepillo 2018 from Bodega Aleanna is one of Argentina’s most celebrated Cabernet Franc wines. Produced in limited quantities from the high-altitude vineyards of El Cepillo in the Uco Valley, Mendoza, this exceptional single-vineyard wine combines power, elegance, and remarkable ageing potential.
Created by renowned winemakers Alejandro Vigil and Adrianna Catena, Gran Enemigo represents the pinnacle of Argentine terroir expression. The El Cepillo vineyard sits at high elevation in the Andes foothills, where cool nights, intense sunlight and mineral-rich soils produce grapes of extraordinary concentration and freshness.
The 2018 vintage, from a low-yielding and dry growing season, produced a wine with exceptional aromatic intensity, vibrant acidity, and finely textured tannins, qualities that have earned it outstanding international acclaim.
Wine Overview
Producer: Bodega Aleanna
Wine: Gran Enemigo El Cepillo
Vintage: 2018
Region: El Cepillo, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
Grape Variety: Cabernet Franc & Malbec
Alcohol: Approx. 13.5%
Ageing: Around 15 months in large, 100-year-old oak foudres
Production: Approximately 7,200 bottles produced
Gran Enemigo wines are crafted using traditional techniques inspired by classic Bordeaux winemaking. Fermentation and ageing in large oak foudres preserve the purity of fruit while allowing the wine’s distinctive terroir to shine through.
Tasting Notes
The Gran Enemigo El Cepillo 2018 opens with an intensely aromatic bouquet of blackberries, plums and dark cherries layered with floral violets, dried herbs, and exotic spices.
On the palate, the wine is structured yet refined, revealing flavours of cassis, graphite, liquorice, and savoury herbs, balanced by vibrant acidity and silky tannins. Subtle oak influences add complexity without overpowering the fruit.
The finish is long, elegant, and mineral-driven, reflecting the unique terroir of El Cepillo’s high-altitude vineyards.
Key flavour notes:
• Blackberry and dark plum
• Cassis and black cherry
• Floral violet aromas
• Liquorice, herbs, and spice
• Graphite and mineral complexity
This is a powerful yet graceful Cabernet Franc that will continue to develop beautifully in the cellar over the next decade or more.
Wine Critics’ Scores
The 2018 vintage has received exceptional praise from leading wine critics worldwide:
• 97 Points – Wine Advocate (Robert Parker)
• 97 Points – Decanter
• 97 Points – Descorchados (Patricio Tapia)
• 96 Points – Tim Atkin MW
• 94 Points – Vinous
• 93 Points – Wine Enthusiast
• 92 Points – Wine Spectator
Wine Advocate: Described the wine as aromatic and exotic with floral character, fine-grained tannins, and excellent balance.
James Suckling (97 Points): Highlights aromas of ripe plums, blackberries, dried herbs and spices with well-integrated tannins and impressive structure.
These high scores confirm its status as one of Argentina’s finest expressions of Cabernet Franc.
Discover other vintages of this wine: 2019, 2020
Food Pairing
Gran Enemigo El Cepillo 2018 is a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with rich, flavourful dishes.
Perfect pairings include:
• Grilled ribeye steak or beef tenderloin
• Roast lamb with herbs
• Venison or game dishes
• Slow-braised short ribs
• Mature hard cheeses
The wine’s freshness and structure also make it an excellent companion to classic Argentine barbecue (asado).
Why Buy Gran Enemigo El Cepillo 2018?
• One of Argentina’s most acclaimed Cabernet Franc wines
• Exceptional 97-point rated vintage
• Produced from a single high-altitude vineyard in Mendoza
• Limited production of just 7,200 bottles
• Outstanding ageing potential (10–15+ years)
For collectors and fine-wine enthusiasts, this bottle represents a benchmark expression of modern Argentine winemaking.
Serving & Cellaring
Serving temperature: 16–18°C
Decanting: Recommended for 30–60 minutes before serving
Cellaring potential: Drink now or cellar until 2035+
With time in the glass, the wine reveals increasing layers of spice, herbs, and mineral complexity.
Explore More Wines
Love this wine? Explore the Gran Enemigo range, shop our collection of Argentine red wines, or discover more outstanding Cabernet Franc wines from renowned vineyards.
Gran Enemigo El Cepillo comes from the prestigious Uco Valley in Mendoza, one of Argentina’s most exciting high-altitude wine regions. Browse more wines from Mendoza in our regional collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What grape variety is Gran Enemigo El Cepillo 2018?
A. It is primarily made from Cabernet Franc, grown in the El Cepillo vineyard in Mendoza’s Uco Valley.
Q. Is Gran Enemigo El Cepillo 2018 a good investment wine?
A. Yes. With multiple 97-point scores and limited production, it is highly sought after by collectors and fine-wine investors.
Q. How long can Gran Enemigo El Cepillo 2018 age?
A. This wine can age 10–15 years or more, developing deeper complexity and tertiary flavours over time.
Q. What makes El Cepillo special for wine?
A. The vineyard sits at high altitude in Mendoza’s Uco Valley, where cool nights and mineral soils create wines with remarkable freshness, structure, and aromatic complexity.
