Bodega Los Toneles, Tonel 46 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2011
Bodega Los Toneles, Tonel 46 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2011
- Red Still
- 75CL
- 15%
- Cabernet Sauvignon
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Bodega Toneles’ Tonel 46 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a real blockbuster: intensely coloured and bursting with generous blackcurrant fruit. At its core the wine is dark and brooding, with ripe yet firm tannins and a lift of natural acidity that keeps everything beautifully in balance. Subtle layers of toasty French oak bring hints of liquorice, clove and pepper, adding further complexity.
The fruit comes from Toneles’ high-altitude vineyards in La Consulta (1,020m) and Vista Flores (1,150m), where the poor, free-draining soils yield grapes of remarkable concentration. Cabernet from the two sites was co-fermented at cool temperatures to capture its most aromatic expressions, before spending nine months in new French oak to achieve a seamless harmony of wood and fruit.
Currently showing youthful intensity with primary blackcurrant fruit, it's still dominant and tannins firm but approachable. Over the next 3-5 years, expect the French oak to integrate more seamlessly whilst secondary savoury complexity emerges. Peak drinking will arrive around 2028-2032 when fruit, oak, and tannins achieve perfect harmony. The wine should hold its structure and interest until 2038, gradually developing more tertiary leather and tobacco characteristics.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceDeep garnet with purple highlights, showing excellent concentration and youth.
NoseIntense blackcurrant dominates, supported by cedar and graphite minerality from the French oak. Subtle liquorice and white pepper add complexity, whilst underlying violet florals emerge with air. The high-altitude origins show in the wine's pure, focused aromatics.
PalateFull-bodied and structured, with ripe yet firm tannins providing excellent backbone. Blackcurrant fruit remains at the core, enhanced by toasty oak integration and spice. Natural acidity from the high-altitude sites keeps everything beautifully balanced despite the wine's power and concentration.
FinishLong and persistent, with dark fruit, clove spice, and mineral tension extending well beyond the last sip.
Overall impressionA serious, well-structured Cabernet Sauvignon that demonstrates the quality potential of high-altitude viticulture.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-18°C in large Bordeaux glasses to allow the wine's aromatics to develop fully. Decant for 60-90 minutes to soften the tannins and integrate the oak, particularly if drinking now. The wine will benefit from this aeration, revealing greater complexity and balance. Consider double-decanting younger bottles to accelerate the opening process.
The fruit originates from two exceptional high-altitude sites: La Consulta at 1,020 metres and Vista Flores at 1,150 metres elevation. These poor, free-draining soils naturally restrict vine yields, forcing the roots deep and concentrating flavours in the grapes. The altitude provides crucial diurnal temperature variation, preserving acidity whilst allowing full phenolic ripeness. This combination of stress and elevation produces Cabernet Sauvignon of remarkable intensity and structure.
The 2011 vintage in Mendoza faced considerable challenges from unpredictable weather patterns that tested producers' skills throughout the growing season. Spring brought irregular conditions with temperature fluctuations, followed by a summer that demanded careful vineyard management to maintain grape quality. The harvest required selective picking as conditions varied significantly across different zones of this vast region, with timing proving crucial for those seeking to capture optimal ripeness whilst preserving freshness.
Despite the difficult conditions, skilled producers crafted wines of genuine character, though 2011 is not considered amongst Mendoza's most celebrated vintages. Malbec showed particular resilience, producing wines with good structure and typical varietal expression, whilst Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot required more careful selection to achieve quality. The resulting wines tend to be approachable in style with moderate ageing potential. Most 2011 Mendoza reds are drinking well now, offering immediate pleasure rather than requiring extended cellaring, making them ideal for current consumption over the next few years.
FAQs
How long will this wine keep once opened?
Once opened, this structured Cabernet Sauvignon will maintain its quality for 3-4 days if stored with a vacuum pump or wine preserver. The firm tannins and natural acidity help preserve the wine's character longer than lighter styles.
Does this wine need decanting?
Yes, decanting for 60-90 minutes will significantly improve the wine's performance, softening the tannins and allowing the oak to integrate better. Younger bottles particularly benefit from this aeration.
What makes high-altitude Cabernet Sauvignon special?
High-altitude vineyards like those at La Consulta and Vista Flores experience greater diurnal temperature variation, preserving acidity whilst achieving full ripeness. The intense UV radiation and poor soils also concentrate flavours, producing wines of exceptional intensity and structure.
How should I store this wine for cellaring?
Store horizontally in a cool, dark place at 10-15°C with consistent humidity around 70%. Avoid temperature fluctuations and vibrations. This wine has the structure to develop beautifully over the next decade with proper storage conditions.
What's the significance of co-fermentation mentioned in the description?
Co-fermenting fruit from both vineyard sites allows for better integration of their distinct characteristics during the winemaking process, rather than blending finished wines. This technique often produces more harmonious results in the final wine.
Is this wine ready to drink now or should I wait?
The wine is approachable now, especially with decanting, but will reward patience. Peak drinking begins around 2028 when the components achieve better integration, though it remains excellent through 2038.
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