Bodegas Caro Caro 2022

A blend of 83% Malbec and 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2022 Caro was sourced from Paraje Altamira and Gualtallary in the Uco Valley. Two-thirds of this wine was aged for up to a year in French oak barrels with the remaining one-third in

The 2022 Caro is 83% Malbec and 17% Cabernet Sauvignon from Altamira, Gualtallary and San Pablo. It fermented in concrete vats and matured in a combination of barrique, foudre and concrete for 14 months. A beautiful, multifaceted bouquet of purple flowers, espresso and gravel melds with a dense core of black fruits, followed by a suave, seductive palate that balances contained opulence with pedigree and elegance. It culminates in an even-keeled, long and layered finish of luscious fruits, integrated oak flavors and fine-grained, powdery tannins. A classical expression of Uco Valley rendered with restraint, this should be a joy to follow in the cellar well past its first decade.

A prime example from Caro that shows good freshness, nuances and restraint despite the richness and ripeness from this year. In this case, it shows less cedary oak and creaminess than the more hedonistic 2019 and manages to keep good tension. It is also less intensely herbal and less challenging than the cooler 2021 vintage. Aromas of blueberries, graphite and cocoa powder with touches of violets, herbs and charcoal. The tannins are abundant and seductive on the full-bodied palate. The finish is pretty long, pristine and almost stemmy. A classic Caro. 83% malbec and 17% cabernet sauvignon. Drink now or hold.

A slightly muscular red, with a floral and brinelike edge to the densely packed, broad-textured core of blackberry, damson plum and cassis. Dried herb, spice and mineral notes fill out the well-structured finish. A good candidate for cellaring. Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2026 through 2038.