"This is one of Walter Bressia's better wines under his Monteagrelo label. It opens with spicy, peppery aromas that include cherry and berry scents. The palate is tannic, with cassis, plum, basil, oregano and spice flavors. This finishes long, with notes of coffee and chocolate entering the picture. — M.S. (8/1/2012)"
Wine Enthusiast (August 1st 2012), 90pts
Dark red. Sexy, complex nose offers red- and blackcurrant, fresh herbs, flowers, coffee bean, milk chocolate and licorice; distinctly claret-like. Lively acidity gives energy and lift to the redcurrant and spice flavors. At once intense and pliant, with nothing forced about it. Finishes very long and lively, with smooth tannins and lingering notes of currant, flowers and herbs. As good a cabernet franc bottling as I've yet tasted from Argentina.
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (2012), 91 pts
Good ruby-red. Blueberry, licorice, mocha and coffee bean on the nose, plus a whiff of roasted herbs. Slightly wild in a positive way, with dark fruit flavors complicated by smoky minerality and a saline element. Plump, fine-grained, silky wine, finishing with smooth tannins. Already very easy to drink.
Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (Issue 167, March/April 2013), 89 pts
The 2010 Monteagrelo Cabernet Franc does not shy away from expressing the grape variety on the nose, with those lovely bell pepper notes augmenting the rustic black fruit profile. The palate is well-balanced with crisp acidity, vibrant red berry fruit and a nicely composed Loire-meets-Argentina finish. This is a superb take on the grape variety – bravo! Drink now-2018.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Issue 203, October 2012), 92 pts
"Early on this shows edgy, minty aromas of toasty oak, but then plum, wild berry, warm dust and malty notes settle in. Chunky, grapy weight makes for a full, broad palate, while baked berry and savory meat flavors end dark, potent and satisfying. Drink through 2030. — M.S."
Wine Enthusiast (October 2015), 92pts + Cellar Selection
"The Bressias' Cabernet Franc comes solely from Vista Flores and is always a delightful single varietal expression of the grape, showing notes of graphite, green pepper and minerality with soft leafy tannins and a core of acidity. Drink: 2015-20"
- Tim Atkin (Argentina Special Report 2015), 93pts
"Spicy, slightly green aromas of plum and currant open this Cabernet Franc. The tight, solid palate is light in feel and not overextracted. Saucy, oaky flavors of berry fruits, spice and cocoa finish with a distinct flavor of oak. Drink through 2019.- M.S."
- Wine Enthusiast Magazine (December 2017), 89 pts
