Susana Balbo Winery Susana Balbo Wines was founded in Mendoza by Susana Balbo, Argentina's first female oenologist and one of the most influential figures in modern Argentine viticulture. The winery blends its own organically certified vineyards with carefully selected grapes from established growers. The focus is on balance, precision, and provenance, resulting in wines that are accessible yet offer sufficient depth. The Signature line forms the core of the range and is known for its clear style and versatility. More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab. Mendoza and the high-altitude terroir of Gualtallary The grapes for this Cabernet Sauvignon come from Gualtallary, a high-altitude subregion within the Uco Valley in Mendoza. This area lies at the foot of the Andes and is known for its cool climate, large temperature variations between day and night, and soils rich in limestone and stone. The 2021 vintage was relatively cool and wetter than average. These conditions resulted in slow ripening, allowing the grapes to retain their freshness and aromatic tension. Instead of an emphasis on power and alcohol, this vintage primarily displays finesse and elegance. Susana Balbo's Signature line The Signature series is intended as a pure interpretation of grape variety and origin. Drinkability, balance, and recognizability are key within this line. The wines are accessible in their youth, yet retain sufficient structure to develop positively for several years. For the Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, we deliberately use grapes from Gualtallary, which don't necessarily come from our own vineyards. This flexibility allows us to select the best plots each vintage. Grape variety and composition The 2021 Susana Balbo Signature Cabernet Sauvignon is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, supplemented with 4% Malbec. This small addition adds extra roundness and subtle floral notes, without overpowering the Cabernet Sauvignon character. The grapes ripened slowly due to the cool climate and the altitude of the vineyards. This resulted in ripe fruit with retained acidity and a refined tannin structure. Harvest and vinification Harvest took place under relatively cool conditions, which contributed to preserving aromatic freshness. After arriving in the cellar, the grapes were carefully processed, with a controlled fermentation aimed at gently extracting color and tannin. The wine was aged in oak, with the wood aging deliberately kept understated. The oak supports the structure and complexity, while allowing the fruit to clearly shine through. The wine was bottled in June 2022. A total of approximately 35,000 bottles were produced. Structure, style and alcohol balance This Cabernet Sauvignon is round and supple, with fine-grained tannins and a balanced structure. The alcohol is well-integrated and enhances the ripeness of the fruit without weighing the wine down. The style is modern and refined. No excessive extraction or overly woody influence, but a wine that focuses on clarity, freshness, and balance. Color, smell and taste In the glass, the wine has a bright ruby red color with purple reflections. The aroma opens with ripe red and dark fruit, such as blackcurrant and cherry, complemented by notes of spice, red bell pepper, and fresh herbs. Light floral accents add further nuance. On the palate, the wine is juicy and fresh, with a soft texture and distinct yet fine tannins. The fruit is ripe and vibrant, supported by spice and a slightly savory note. The finish is balanced and lingering. Development and drinking window The 2021 Susana Balbo Signature Cabernet Sauvignon is already approachable, but will gain in consistency with a few years of bottle aging. Within its drinking window, the wine will reveal more complexity while retaining its fresh style. This is a wine that can be enjoyed young or aged for several years, depending on personal preference. Summary of professional reviews Luis Gutiérrez rates this wine 92 points, prai