Casarena Reserva Sinergy 2012

With an intense ruby red color with violet tones, the nose is intense and concentrated with cassis and raspberry notes from the cabernet sauvignon, sweet spice from the petit verdot, and black raspberries from the malbec. The mouthfeel is full and rich, with excellent complexity and notes of tobacco and vanilla from French-oak aging. The finish shows stony minerality and well-integrated tannins.

70% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. The dream of Casarena began with a simple idea . . . to create wine of uncompromising quality at a fair price, with the ultimate goal of becoming the greatest vineyard project in Mendoza. So in early 2007, Marcelo Waldheim purchased a 249-acre vineyard in Lujan de Cuyo (in the much acclaimed region of Agrelo), nestled in the foothills of the Andes Mountains at an altitude of over 3,000 feet above sea level. Referred to as the "Primera Zona," Lujan is the first controlled appellation established in Mendoza and is home to the most prestigious vineyards in Argentina. In June 2008 the old Filippo Figari Winery, situated on a picturesque, tree-lined street in the heart of the Perdriel district, was purchased. It was completely gutted, renovated, and outfitted with the latest in viniculture technology to become the new home of Casarena ("Sand House"), a name derived from the winery's earth-toned stucco exterior. Today, its varied terroirs with vines planted at differing elevations, in only the best regions of Mendoza, represent the soul of Casarena.