2024 Bodega Garzon Cabernet Franc Reserva, Uruguay

A well-rounded, peppery and creamy red. It shows plums, currants and baking spices on the nose. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. A supple texture on the palate with a mellow finish.

91 points James Suckling

Bodega Garzón has played a major role in putting modern Uruguay on the international wine map. Established by Alejandro Bulgheroni near the tiny village of Garzón in Maldonado, the estate lies only a short distance from the Atlantic Ocean. Rolling hills, constant coastal breezes and some of the world’s oldest granitic soils give the vineyards a character quite unlike neighbouring Argentina. Tannat may be Uruguay’s famous red grape, but Cabernet Franc is proving particularly impressive here.

The Reserva comes from hillside vineyards planted on free draining, weathered granite soils. Cooling Atlantic air helps moderate the warm growing season, allowing Cabernet Franc to ripen while retaining the fragrance and freshness that make the variety so appealing. The 2024 is firmly in the medium bodied camp, combining ripe fruit with herbal detail and structure rather than chasing sheer weight.

Deep ruby with black cherry, blackberry and redcurrant, lifted by violet and blueberry. Cracked pepper and graphite introduce a savoury note, followed by dried thyme, tobacco leaf and a touch of cocoa. Juicy dark fruit fills the palate, shaped by bright acidity and fine, lightly grippy tannins. Black cherry and redcurrant return through the finish with pepper, herbs and a cool stony note.

Rare grilled tuna with chimichurri is a clever match, while lamb kofta, mushroom empanadas, smoky eggplant with lentils or charred capsicum stuffed with rice and herbs all have plenty to work with. A slight chill before serving brings the fruit and perfume forward and makes it particularly good drinking on a warm evening.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2033.