Bodegas Tempus Alba Cabernet Sauvignon

Bodegas Tempus Alba Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Mendoza, Argentina, bottled at 14% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced from high-altitude vineyards in Anchoris, Luján de Cuyo, at 1,040 meters above sea level, this wine undergoes 23 days of prolonged maceration and 22 months of aging in new French oak barrels — a regimen that builds notable structure and aromatic complexity.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Mendoza, Argentina  |  Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Winery: Bodega Tempus Alba, Maipú

Production & Heritage

Bodega Tempus Alba is based in Maipú, one of Mendoza's historic winemaking districts, though the Cabernet Sauvignon fruit comes from the estate's Anchoris vineyard in Luján de Cuyo, planted at an elevation of 1,040 meters. At that altitude, wide diurnal temperature swings help preserve acidity while deepening color and phenolic concentration. Fermentation is closely monitored, followed by a 23-day extended maceration to extract tannin and varietal character before the wine moves into first-use French oak barrels for a full 22 months of maturation.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with layered dark fruit and floral elements, moving into balsamic nuances and a clear thread of vanilla imparted by the new oak. With air, toasted notes and a subtle herbal quality emerge.

Taste: The entry is ripe and concentrated, with characteristic Cabernet Sauvignon markers of black pepper and eucalyptus arriving on the mid-palate. Mocha and baking chocolate tones build through the middle, supported by firm yet mature tannins that frame the wine without overwhelming it. The overall impression is one of harmony and weight.

Finish: The finish carries good length, with toasted oak, dark chocolate, and a lingering balsamic character. Tannins remain polished and well-integrated through the close.

How to Drink Tempus Alba Cabernet Sauvignon

This wine rewards patience — decanting for 30 to 45 minutes opens up its aromatic complexity and softens any remaining oak-driven grip. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) for full expression of its fruit and spice layers. It is not a typical cocktail wine, but works well in a bold red Sangria built with citrus and warming spices, or as the base for a red wine reduction sauce where its concentrated dark fruit and pepper character add depth.

Best For

• A steak dinner featuring grilled Argentine-cut asado or chimichurri-rubbed beef
• Gifting a red wine enthusiast who favors structured, oak-aged South American Cabernets
• Building out a collection of high-altitude Mendoza wines for vertical or regional comparison
• Pairing at a dinner party where rich braised or roasted red meats anchor the menu

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Tempus Alba Cabernet Sauvignon taste like? It delivers ripe dark fruit with distinct black pepper and eucalyptus varietal character, layered with mocha, baking chocolate, and toasted oak. The tannins are mature and well-structured, giving the wine an elegant, harmonious profile.

How does Tempus Alba Cabernet Sauvignon compare to Catena Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are 100% Cabernet Sauvignons from high-altitude Mendoza vineyards, but Tempus Alba spends a notably long 22 months in new French oak, which tends to amplify its toasted and chocolate-driven character. Catena's standard Cabernet typically sees a shorter oak program, resulting in a slightly more fruit-forward, approachable style at a similar price tier.

Is Tempus Alba Cabernet Sauvignon good for sipping neat? Yes — its mature tannin structure, layered aromatics, and extended oak aging make it well-suited for drinking on its own, ideally after a brief decant to allow its complexity to unfold.

Where is Tempus Alba Cabernet Sauvignon made? It is produced by Bodega Tempus Alba, located in Maipú, Mendoza, Argentina, with Cabernet Sauvignon grapes sourced from the winery's Anchoris vineyard in Luján de Cuyo at 1,040 meters elevation.

What foods pair well with Tempus Alba Cabernet Sauvignon? Grilled ribeye or strip steak brings out the wine's pepper and dark fruit; slow-braised lamb shanks complement its toasted oak and balsamic notes; aged hard cheeses like Manchego or aged Gouda echo its savory depth; empanadas filled with spiced beef match the wine's structure; and dark chocolate desserts mirror its mocha undertones.

What sizes does Tempus Alba Cabernet Sauvignon come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format for this wine.

Is Tempus Alba Cabernet Sauvignon worth the price? It positions as a mid-range Argentine Cabernet Sauvignon, and its 22 months of new French oak aging, high-altitude vineyard sourcing, and extended maceration represent a level of production investment that punches above many bottles at comparable price points.

Why Tempus Alba Cabernet Sauvignon?

The defining feature here is the combination of vineyard altitude and an unusually long oak program. Twenty-two months in first-use French barrels is a significant commitment for a Mendoza Cabernet in this tier, and the 23-day extended maceration adds a structural backbone that many competitors skip. The result is a wine with genuine complexity — not just fruit intensity, but layered aromatics and a tannin profile that suggests real aging potential. For anyone exploring what high-altitude Argentine Cabernet Sauvignon can achieve with serious winemaking attention, this bottling makes a compelling case.