The 2009 Gran Cabernet Franc is sourced from vines located at 980 meters, fermented in concrete and stainless steel and aged in new French barrels (the same cooperage as the Cabernet 2010) for 18 months. That oak does not impede the essence of great Cabernet Franc with some wonderful undergrowth and green bell pepper notes wafting from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, supple tannins and crisp acidity. It is beautifully balanced and sensual, with superb harmony on the peppery, tertiary finish. There is some very considered winemaking nurturing some very good fruit here. This could well be Argentina’s benchmark Cabernet Franc. Why? Simply because it is proud of being one. Drink now-2017. Three generations of the Pulenta family worked in the wine industry before Eduardo and Hugo Pulenta founded this estate in 2002. Much of their fruit comes from their own vineyards in the highly regarded Agrelo sub-region in Lujan de Cuyo. This is a source of sound, natural, well-crafted wines that offer impressive expressions of their varieties, in particular Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir. Importer: Paul Hobbs Imports, Sebastopol, CA; tel. (707) 824-9879.