Pulenta Estate

XI Gran Cabernet Franc

9.1209 ratings
9.130 pro ratings
Mendoza, Cuyo, Argentina
Cabernet Franc
Exotic Spices, Baking Spices, Hard Cheese, Blue Cheese, Chili & Hot Spicy, Pungent Cheese, Potato, White Rice, Herbs, Tomato-Based, Pasta, Mushrooms, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Salami & Prosciutto, Beef, Soft Cheese, Chicken, Lamb, Turkey, Pork, Duck, Venison
Top Notes For
Delectable Wine

Follow to learn about our favorite wines & people.

9.2

The 2018 Gran Cabernet Franc from Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo was fermented in 20% new barrels and then aged in the same vessels for 12 months. A vivid garnet red, the aromas feature ash and herbs with hints of roasted red pepper over bold notes from the aging process and a whiff of redcurrant. Broad and terse with a delicate texture even at its most intense, the polished tannins and precise freshness keep the levels ratcheted up before the lengthy finish. (Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous, November 2021)

The 2018 Gran Cabernet Franc from Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo was fermented in 20% new barrels and then aged in the same vessels for 12 months. A vivid garnet red, the aromas feature ash and herbs with hints of roasted red pepper over bold notes from the aging process and a whiff of redcurrant. Broad and terse with a delicate texture even at its most intense, the polished tannins and precise freshness keep the levels ratcheted up before the lengthy finish. (Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous, November 2021)

Nov 18th, 2021
Hermes Cuello

Outstanding

Outstanding

Mar 26th, 2021
Delectable Wine

Follow to learn about our favorite wines & people.

9.3

This Cabernet Franc, made with grapes from Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, is one of the best that Argentina has to offer. Aged for 18 months in French barrels, half of them new, it is garnet in hue. The nose delivers intense aromas with inviting, well-defined notes of roasted red pepper, black currant, sour cherry and pepper. The wood comes out in the mouth, where it brings softness, volume, muscle and outline. This is pure but elegantly packaged power with a sustained, flavorful finish. (Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous, October 2020)

This Cabernet Franc, made with grapes from Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, is one of the best that Argentina has to offer. Aged for 18 months in French barrels, half of them new, it is garnet in hue. The nose delivers intense aromas with inviting, well-defined notes of roasted red pepper, black currant, sour cherry and pepper. The wood comes out in the mouth, where it brings softness, volume, muscle and outline. This is pure but elegantly packaged power with a sustained, flavorful finish. (Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous, October 2020)

1 person found it helpfulOct 14th, 2020
Patrick Derdeyn

Incredible nose. Black fruited to the extreme, great balance, long finish. Classy.

Incredible nose. Black fruited to the extreme, great balance, long finish. Classy.

1 person found it helpfulDec 30th, 2016
Bryant Bickel

Deduction for the green pepper, integrated but clearly visible

Deduction for the green pepper, integrated but clearly visible

Dec 12th, 2015
John Skupny - Lang & Reed Wine Company

Pretty impressive! Suet & marrow with deep dark fruit. Maybe a touch too much wood.

Pretty impressive! Suet & marrow with deep dark fruit. Maybe a touch too much wood.

Nov 20th, 2015
Mark Eastom

Really cool wine. Full of jalapeño/grilled peppers, dark fruits, wet soil and a bit of funk. Not noticeably cab franc until you taste it, then the pencil shavings come out. ABV 14.5, but not overbearing.

Really cool wine. Full of jalapeño/grilled peppers, dark fruits, wet soil and a bit of funk. Not noticeably cab franc until you taste it, then the pencil shavings come out. ABV 14.5, but not overbearing.

Oct 13th, 2015
Lyn Farmer

Deep ruby with elevated bouquet of violet, herbs, anise, and dark fruit. All this carries into the palate with medium plus tannins and medium acidity. A very well -balanced wine with good length and a chewy texture. Lovely fruit. Good choice with grilled or roasted meats as well as hard cheeses with a hit if saltiness

Deep ruby with elevated bouquet of violet, herbs, anise, and dark fruit. All this carries into the palate with medium plus tannins and medium acidity. A very well -balanced wine with good length and a chewy texture. Lovely fruit. Good choice with grilled or roasted meats as well as hard cheeses with a hit if saltiness

Jul 25th, 2015
Courtney Cochran

Sommelier/Host hiptastes.com

8.9

***Quel perfume!*** my neighbor growing up's potpourri, black licorice/anise, rose, bell pepper, espresso bean, Kool-aid powder KISS; cocoa powder...medium plus body. Soy, bergamot, and seaweed essence. Long and tastes expensive. A treat - Merci ;)

***Quel perfume!*** my neighbor growing up's potpourri, black licorice/anise, rose, bell pepper, espresso bean, Kool-aid powder KISS; cocoa powder...medium plus body. Soy, bergamot, and seaweed essence. Long and tastes expensive. A treat - Merci ;)

Jun 14th, 2015
Hermes Cuello

Simply one of the best wines from Argentina, certainly top Cabernet Franc, very aromatic, strong eucalyptus and pepper, just love this wine

Simply one of the best wines from Argentina, certainly top Cabernet Franc, very aromatic, strong eucalyptus and pepper, just love this wine

Mar 5th, 2015