Vinicola Emeve, Guadalupe Valley (Baja California, Mexico) 2019

 Founded in 2008 by Mario Villarreal, a highly successful local businessman, Emeve now draws from 18 ha adjacent to the family home and produces around 5,000 cases a year.  Beginning in 2013, the winemaking has been in the hands of Daniel Lonnberg.  Born in Chile, he gained experience first at Concha y Toro and later at San Pedro before heading north.  In addition to a lovely Rose of Cabernet, Emeve prides itself on its proprietary blends.  “Isabella” brings together Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier in a bright, full bodied style.  There is an age worthy red Bordeaux named “Los Nietos” and this red blend, “Armonia de Tintos” marketed as a drink now wine.  A blend of Merlot, Cabernet, Syrah and Cabernet Franc, it was aged for 8 months in a combination of French and Hungarian oak.  I found it to be much more than a simple red.  Medium bodied and solidly framed, it offers an enticing aroma of black cherry with a hint of mocha.  On the palate it is lively and multi-layered with ripe fruit and subtle herb and clove flavors.  Yes, it drinks well now, but will hold up with short-term cellaring.