Luca 2021 Beso de Dante

The Luca 2021 Beso de Dante is a powerful yet refined Bordeaux-inspired blend from Argentina’s celebrated Uco Valley. Crafted by Laura Catena, this wine merges Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure with Malbec’s lush fruit and Cabernet Franc’s aromatic complexity. Deep, layered, and beautifully balanced, it delivers dark fruit, spice, and polished tannins with impressive length. For collectors and serious red-wine enthusiasts, Beso de Dante represents a compelling example of modern Argentine winemaking at its most sophisticated.

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Origins & Craftsmanship

Luca Wines was founded by Dr. Laura Catena, a fourth-generation member of the legendary Catena wine family, with the goal of showcasing exceptional high-elevation vineyards across Mendoza. The project focuses on small-production wines sourced from carefully managed old-vine sites throughout the Uco Valley.

• Region
  • Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
  • Vineyards located in areas such as Paraje Altamira, La Consulta, and Pampa El Cepillo, known for high elevation and exceptional fruit concentration.
• Blend Composition (2021)
  • 50% Cabernet Sauvignon
  • 40–45% Malbec
  • 5–10% Cabernet Franc
• Viticulture
  • Fruit sourced from vineyards averaging about 3,500 feet in elevation, with vines averaging roughly 36 years of age, producing low yields and concentrated flavors.
• Harvest & Winemaking
  • Grapes are hand-harvested to ensure careful selection of fruit.
  • Fermented with meticulous vineyard-focused winemaking designed to preserve the identity of each varietal component.
• Aging
  • Matured 18 months in French oak barrels, approximately 50% new oak, adding depth, spice, and structural refinement.
• Production Philosophy
  • The wine is named for Catena’s son Dante and reflects her vision of crafting small-production wines that express Mendoza’s finest terroirs.

The result is a blend that bridges Old World structure with New World fruit intensity.

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Critics Reviews

James Suckling – 94 Points
“Dark and deep nose with tarry and minty black fruit… juicy, full-bodied but fluid in the middle with a long, tasty finish.”

Vinous – 93 Points
Describes a bold, structured wine with chocolate, blueberry, spice, and cedar supported by chalky tannins.

Wine Advocate – 93 Points
Highlights the wine’s depth, balance, and structure typical of high-elevation Mendoza blends.

Descorchados – 96 Points
Named among the Top Best Red Blends, recognizing its power, freshness, and precision.

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Tasting Profile

Nose:
Concentrated aromas of cassis, blackberry, and dark cherry layered with mint, cedar, and toasted oak.

Palate:
Full-bodied and structured with flavors of black fruit, blueberry, cocoa, and spice supported by firm yet polished tannins.

Finish:
Long and persistent with lingering dark fruit, subtle oak spice, and refined mineral structure.

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Quick Overview

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Recommended Service

Decanting:
Recommended 60–90 minutes to soften tannins and reveal aromatic complexity.

Serving Temperature:
60–65°F (15–18°C)

Food Pairings:
Grilled ribeye, lamb chops, braised short ribs, mushroom dishes, and aged cheeses.