Funckenhausen Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Argentina

A larger contribution from Malbec marks the new chapter in 2024 Funckenhausen Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon. Following the 2021 release, this Cabernet-led Mendoza red retains its blackberry, red-pepper and subtle spice character, with ripe tannins and a mouth-filling palate. The blend now includes 7% Malbec alongside 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot, while the familiar approach of stainless-steel fermentation and measured French-oak contact continues.

Product Details:

• Winemaker: Jimena López.
• Agronomical Engineer: Aquiles Lucchini.

2024 Vintage:

• Alcohol by Volume: 13.9%.
• Total Acidity: 5.60 g/L.
• Residual Sugar: 2.20 g/L.
• Varietal Composition: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot.
• Harvest: Handpicked into 16 kg cases.
• Fruit Preparation: Selection and destemming.
• Fermentation: Small stainless-steel tanks at controlled temperatures of 25–27°C.
• Maceration: 15–20 days.
• Malolactic Fermentation: Spontaneous.
• Oak Treatment: 40% of the blend spends six months in contact with French oak.
• Finishing: Blended, stabilized, and filtered before bottling.

2021 Vintage:

• Alcohol by Volume: 13.7%.
• Total Acidity: 5.67 g/L.
• Residual Sugar: 2.17 g/L.
• Varietal Composition: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot.
• Harvest: Handpicked into 16 kg cases.
• Fruit Preparation: Selection and destemming.
• Fermentation: Small stainless-steel tanks at controlled temperatures of 25–27°C.
• Maceration: 15–20 days.
• Malolactic Fermentation: Spontaneous.
• Oak Treatment: 40% of the blend spends six months in contact with French oak.
• Finishing: Blended, stabilized, and filtered before bottling.

Sensory Description:

The 2021 established a profile of ripe black fruit and red bell pepper, framed by restrained oak and spice. Its producer notes emphasize mouth-filling texture, mature tannins and balanced acidity, offering an approachable expression of Cabernet with supporting Malbec and Petit Verdot.

The 2024 continues that recognizable direction. Intense ruby color with violet highlights introduces blackberry and other dark-fruit aromas, accented by red bell pepper and subtle oak spice. Ripe, integrated tannins support an ample palate, with berry flavors carrying through the finish. The producer describes persistent length, while Wine Enthusiast finds a softer, easygoing expression with plum, a light coffee note and a shorter finish. For returning drinkers, the clearest continuity is the combination of dark fruit, savory varietal character and accessible tannins.

Awards & Accolades:

• 2024 — Wine Enthusiast, 89 Points and Best Buy: Jesica Vargas, November 2025. “A nose of sun-kissed plums introduces an easy-going palate”.

Winemaker's Background:

Kurt Heinlein began the Funckenhausen project in 2003, seeking a vineyard in Mendoza that would honor his German family heritage and create a legacy for future generations. The family established its venture in San Rafael, with grandson Alejandro Leirado Heinlein now serving as president. Jimena López is credited with both vintages compared here, working alongside agronomical engineer Aquiles Lucchini. The estate’s current winemaker is Julia Halupczok, continuing a project built around understanding its vineyard environment and expressing that identity through its wines.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at approximately 60–64°F (16–18°C) in a Bordeaux-style glass. Pair either vintage with grilled steak, braised short ribs, roasted mushrooms or mushroom risotto, allowing the savory food flavors to meet the wine’s dark fruit and spice. Semi-aged and mature cheeses make useful accompaniments, while roasted peppers echo its varietal character. If opening both vintages, serve them at the same temperature and assess their development with air before deciding whether to decant; check the older bottle for sediment before pouring.