Escorihuela 1884 Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

This high-altitude dry red wine originates from Argentina, crafted in the prestigious Uco Valley of the Mendoza region. Founded in 1884 by Don Miguel Escorihuela Gascón, Bodega Escorihuela Gascón is one of Mendoza's oldest and most historic operating wineries. The "1884" Gran Reserva line pays homage to the winery’s founding year and reflects a commitment to single-varietal purity and extended oak aging. Sourced primarily from high-elevation vineyards in subregions like Agrelo and the Uco Valley (situated over 3,000 feet above sea level), the vines benefit from intense solar radiation, dramatic diurnal temperature swings, and mineral-rich alluvial soils irrigated by Andean snowmelt.

Wine Description

In the glass, the 2021 vintage displays a deep, dark ruby color with dark violet edges. The expressive nose opens with intense aromas of ripe black currant, cassis, and black cherry, layered alongside signature herbal notes of crushed eucalyptus, bell pepper, and graphite, framed by subtle toasted oak nuances of cedar, sweet tobacco, and dark chocolate. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, structured, and muscular, delivering a dense core of dark fruit balanced by firm, fine-grained tannins and a streak of crisp mountain acidity. Crafted from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the hand-harvested grapes undergo careful sorting, cold maceration, and temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wine is aged for approximately 12 to 14 months in French oak barrels before additional bottle aging prior to release. The alcohol by volume sits at 14.5%.

Food Pairing

The muscular structure, firm tannic backbone, and savory herbal accents of this Argentine Cabernet Sauvignon make it an exceptional match for rich, savory red meat dishes. It pairs naturally with classic Argentine asado, including grilled ribeye steak, skirt steak with chimichurri sauce, roasted rack of lamb, braised beef short ribs, and venison loin. It also complements traditional beef empanadas, wild mushroom risotto, and aged hard cheeses like Manchego, sharp Cheddar, or mature Gouda.

Vintage Quality

The 2021 vintage in Mendoza was an exceptional, cool-climate season that yielded wines of striking aromatic purity, elevated natural acidity, and refined structural elegance. Lower summer temperatures allowed Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to undergo prolonged, uniform ripening without over-concentration, preserving fresh fruit character and vibrant acidity. The 2021 Escorihuela 1884 Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon offers impressive immediate fruit density upon release after decanting, while possessing the structural integrity to cellar comfortably over the next 8 to 12 years.