Crios Cabernet Sauvignon

Crios Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Mendoza's Valle de Uco at 14.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Created by pioneering Argentine winemaker Susana Balbo, this expression has earned 90+ points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, reflecting a deliberate shift toward fruit-driven, minimally oaked winemaking that highlights the terroir of high-altitude Mendoza vineyards.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina  |  100% Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Winery: Susana Balbo Wines (Dominio del Plata)

Production & Heritage

Susana Balbo, Argentina's first female enologist, founded Dominio del Plata in 1999 in Agrelo, Mendoza. The Crios line — meaning "offspring" in Spanish — represents the next generation of her winemaking philosophy. Grapes for this Cabernet Sauvignon are sourced from the Los Chacayes and Los Árboles vineyards in the Valle de Uco, where high-altitude conditions and wide diurnal temperature swings promote intense fruit concentration with natural acidity. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks to preserve primary fruit character, after which 40% of the wine matures for seven months in neutral and well-seasoned oak barrels. The use of older barrels with lowered toast levels is a purposeful choice — it allows the fruit to lead rather than masking it behind heavy oak influence, setting this wine apart from more traditionally wood-forward Argentine Cabernets.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe plum and blackberry, then unfolds into savory layers of tomato leaf and fresh herbs. With time in the glass, subtle notes of green olive, red chili pepper, and black pepper emerge.

Taste: The entry is generous and fruit-forward, with dark berry fruit and blueberry flooding the mid-palate. As the wine develops, flavors of dark chocolate, vanilla spice, and savory herbs add complexity. Tannins are gentle and well-integrated, giving the wine a medium to full body with enough structure to hold its shape without turning austere.

Finish: The finish is moderate in length, trailing off with lingering cocoa, dark fruit, and a whisper of spice. A clean, balanced close that invites the next sip rather than demanding contemplation.

How to Drink Crios Cabernet

This wine is best served at 60–65°F (16–18°C) and benefits from 15–20 minutes of breathing time, whether decanted or simply poured and allowed to open in the glass. Its fruit-forward character and restrained oak make it versatile across several classic red wine cocktails. A Kalimotxo works well here, as the ripe dark fruit holds up against cola's sweetness without losing identity. A Red Wine Sangria benefits from the wine's plum and berry core, creating a deeply flavored base for citrus and stone fruit additions. For a warming option, a Mulled Wine built on this Cabernet gains depth from the existing chocolate and spice notes without requiring excessive sweetening.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners where you want something a step above everyday table wine
• Introducing someone to high-altitude Argentine Cabernet Sauvignon
• Casual gatherings with grilled meats or charcuterie boards
• Building a value-driven Argentine wine collection alongside Malbec selections

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Crios Cabernet taste like? Crios Cabernet Sauvignon leads with ripe blackberry, plum, and blueberry fruit, supported by dark chocolate, vanilla spice, and gentle tannins. The overall profile is fruit-driven and approachable, with savory herb and pepper accents adding interest.

How does Crios Cabernet compare to Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are entry-level Cabernet Sauvignons from Mendoza — Alamos from Catena Zapata, Crios from Susana Balbo. Crios leans more fruit-forward due to its restrained use of neutral oak, while Alamos tends to show a slightly more conventional oak-influenced profile; both occupy a similar quality and price tier.

Is Crios Cabernet good for sipping on its own? Yes, its ripe fruit character, balanced tannins, and moderate complexity make it easy to enjoy neat without food. A short rest after opening allows the savory and spice layers to fully emerge.

Where is Crios Cabernet made? Crios Cabernet Sauvignon is produced by Susana Balbo Wines (Dominio del Plata), based in Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina. The grapes are sourced from the Los Chacayes and Los Árboles vineyards in the high-altitude Valle de Uco sub-region.

What foods pair well with Crios Cabernet? Grilled Argentine-style steak (asado) mirrors the wine's regional roots and complements its dark fruit and tannin structure. Aged cheddar or Manchego cheese plays well against the chocolate and spice notes. Lamb chops with rosemary echo the herbal undertones. Dark chocolate desserts align with the cocoa in the finish, and roasted red pepper dishes amplify the wine's pepper and savory character.

What sizes does Crios Cabernet come in? Crios Cabernet Sauvignon is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Crios Cabernet worth the price? Crios positions as an accessible, entry-level expression from a highly respected Argentine winemaker, making it a strong value within the high-altitude Mendoza Cabernet category. Its 90+ point score from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate suggests quality that punches above its price tier.

Why Crios Cabernet?

What separates this wine from the crowded field of Argentine Cabernet Sauvignons is Susana Balbo's intentional restraint with oak — shortening barrel time, reducing toast levels, and relying on neutral wood to let Valle de Uco's terroir speak clearly. That philosophy earned the 2018 vintage 90+ points from Luis Gutierrez at Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, validating the approach at a price point where many producers lean on oak to simulate complexity. The high-altitude sourcing from Los Chacayes and Los Árboles delivers genuine concentration and natural acidity that more commercial-zone vineyards struggle to match. For anyone exploring Argentine wine beyond Malbec, this Cabernet makes a compelling and well-priced case for what Mendoza's cooler-climate sites can achieve with the variety.