This Luchavino matchup follows the pros to Argentina where they competed in La Vuelta de San Juan, a week long stage race that takes place at the end of January. The majority of the 7 stages take place around the city of San Juan which is located in the wine region of the same name and just to the North of the Mendoza region.
37 Cellars 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon vs. Caremelo Patti 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon
Tale of the Tape
100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Pepper Bridge (88%) Summit View ($.8%) Bacchus (4.5%) and Dionysus (2.7%) Vineyards
Provided as a sample by the winery. Available at retail for $29.99
100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Perdriel region located within Mendoza
Aged for 12 months in concrete and then transferred to neutral oak barrels for an additional 12 months of aging.
Purchased at Esquin for $30.99.
Round 1. First opening
Argentina has sent the patriarch of Lucha Libre for this match. The Carmelo Patti is a veteran of the ring and saunters in full of confidence. The nose is showing savory earthy notes of funky dried mushrooms and cherries. The palate follows up with tart pie cherry and subtle savoriness with a healthy dose of tannin on the finish.
The 37 Cellars Cabernet isn't bashful, showing some youthful exuberance with a nose that features currants, cherries, candle wax and hints of wet leaves and forest floor. The palate boasts dark cherry and a touch of cocoa powder wrapped around a solid tannin wallop.
37 Cellars takes round one in this clash that features veteran guile and youthful confidence.
Round 2. One hour after opening
Carmelo Patti seems to be conserving energy circling the ring and playing some rope-a-dope in an attemt to wear down the Washington Luchador. The nose has evolved to show more tertiary character with herbal cherry, candle wax and vegetal notes. The palate is getting rustic with tart cherry, leather, and light pepper spices followed by a dry finish.
The Luchador from 37 Cellars will not be denied. This Cabernet is moving in to lower the boom with a nose of dark currant, black cherries, and dry cocoa powder. The palate brings the one-two punch with a repeat of the dark currant and cherry notes while adding a touch of white pepper floating on top of a mellower fine tannin flinish.
37 Cellars was definitely the aggressor in round two and takes the points again for a dominating 2-0 lead.
Round 3. One day after opening
This is it. Will the Carmelo Patti rise up and pin the younger 37 Cellars to take a surprising victory? Or, is this match all over but the shouting?
Here we go, the Argentina patriarch has adjusted its style with a nose that has become more floral with notes of cherry, menthol and some earthy undertones. The palate has also evolved to show more flavors of earthy bing cherry and white pepper followed by a fine grained tannin finish.
How will the Washington Luchador adjust to this surprising change in tactics? It looks like the answer to that question is "full speed ahead" as 37 Cellars shoots the gap and wraps the opponent in a choke hold hoping to end the match with a flourish.
The nose is now showing aromas of dark cherry, candle wax and smoky sandalwoood. The palate is still bold with notes of dark currant, black cherry, cracked pepper and some dry cocoa powder notes on the finish.
Another round for 37 Cellars to take the final round and the match with a decisive 3-0 victory.
Wrap up and overall observations.
It was interesting to taste a 12 year old Cabernet from Argentina. This wine has held up with age and is showing the classic tertiary flavors that I associate with an aged red wine.
The 37 Cellars still has plenty of life left in it. The Pepperbridge Vineyard is known for powerful fruit and this Cabernet Sauvignon certainly backs up that reputation.
These wines offer distinct character that is quite different from one another. Seek them out for the 37 Cellars bold character or for the Carmelo Patti's aged savoriness.
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