[Tasted on January 14, 2026 at Pacifico Beach Club in Punta Mita, Mexico with Rachel; and again on January 15, 2026 at Hector’s Kitchen in Punta Mita, Mexico with Michael, Rachel and Kat]
From Valle de Parras, Mexico. Blackberry and plum fruit, with espresso and pepper notes. — 3 months ago
Clear, deep ruby in color; on the nose, it's clean with medium intensity primary and secondary aromas of blackberry, plum, and green peppercorns; on the palate, it's dry with high acidity, high tannins, medium alcohol, full body, and pronounced primary and secondary flavors of cherry, black cardamom, and blueberries with a medium finish. This wine is complex but lacking the fruit to balance its structure, and it finishes a little short. Overall, I rate this wine as good. I'm hoping it improved with some air. — 7 months ago
Clear, pale gold in color; on the nose, it's clean, with light intensity primary and secondary aromas of lemon, pineapple, and butter; on the palate, it's dry with high acidity, medium alcohol medium body, and medium intensity primary and secondary flavors of lemon zest, star fruit, and flint with a long finish. This wine is balanced and complex. Overall, I rate this wine as very good. — 6 months ago
Full bodied, silky tannins, black fruit and baking spices on the palette. A surprising, yet beautifully balanced wine. — 2 months ago
Casa Madero – Cabernet Sauvignon / 2021
Valle de Parras – Coahuila, Mexico 🇲🇽
Overview
Casa Madero, founded in 1597, is officially recognized as the oldest winery in the Americas. This bottling is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the high-altitude vineyards (about 1,500m/5,000 ft) of Valle de Parras in northern Mexico. The unique terroir offers warm days, cool nights, and excellent diurnal variation, giving structure and freshness to the fruit.
Aromas & Flavors
Vibrant red and black fruit lead the way, ripe cherries, cassis, and blackberry, layered with subtle notes of vanilla, baking spices, and a touch of green bell pepper that reflects the grape’s varietal character.
Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied with persistent tannins that are firm yet approachable. The structure carries the wine steadily, offering depth and a lingering, elegant finish without overbearing weight.
Food Pairings
Perfect with grilled ribeye steak, slow-cooked barbacoa tacos, or roasted lamb with rosemary. It also works beautifully with aged cheeses like Manchego or Cotija, highlighting the wine’s balance of fruit and tannin.
Verdict
A deliciously polished Cabernet from one of the New World’s oldest and most storied wineries. Casa Madero captures both history and modern winemaking finesse, resulting in a wine that’s as educational as it is enjoyable.
Did You Know?
Casa Madero was founded by decree of King Philip II of Spain, making it the first winery in the entire Americas. Their manuscripts, still kept in archives, are so central to their history that excerpts appear on the label itself. — 6 months ago
Lavanya Manohar
Mexican wine after a harrowing time in secondary #El Paso — 15 days ago