Finca Flichman Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva

Finca Flichman Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Mendoza, Argentina, bottled at 13–13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced by one of Mendoza's longest-running wineries — founded in 1910 — this Reserva expression has earned Silver medals at both the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and from Wines of Argentina, reinforcing its standing among reliable Argentine Cabernets.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13–13.5%  |  Origin: Barrancas, Maipú, Mendoza, Argentina  |  Reserva  |  Winery: Finca Flichman (est. 1910)

Production & Heritage

Finca Flichman was established in 1910 in the Barrancas district of Maipú, one of Mendoza's historic viticultural zones known for its warm days and cool nights that favor Cabernet Sauvignon development. Grapes for the Reserva are manually harvested and undergo a 12-day fermentation at a controlled maximum temperature of 28°C, followed by full malolactic fermentation to soften acidity. The wine then spends six months aging in oak barrels before an additional six months of bottle aging — a dual-maturation approach that integrates toasty oak character while preserving the fruit-forward personality of the varietal.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe black fruit — plum and crushed blackberry — layered with bell pepper and dried herbs. Deeper inhalation reveals cocoa and cedary undertones that hint at the oak aging.

Taste: Medium-bodied on entry, with berry fruit flavors of blackberry, cassis, and raspberry leading into mid-palate spice. The texture is soft with powdery tannins, and subtle plum flavors emerge alongside a meaty, dark-fruit richness as the wine develops across the palate.

Finish: Moderate in length, closing with warm notes of hot cocoa and a faint raisiny sweetness. The tannins resolve gently, leaving a clean, fruit-tinged fade.

How to Drink Flichman Reserva

This Reserva drinks well at a light cellar temperature of around 16–18°C. It opens up nicely with fifteen minutes of air, but decanting is not essential. Its soft tannin structure and fruit-forward profile also make it a versatile cocktail and sangria component.

• Classic Red Sangria: The dark berry and spice notes blend seamlessly with citrus, brandy, and seasonal fruit.
• Kalimotxo: The wine's ripe fruit and moderate tannins stand up well to cola in this Spanish two-ingredient staple.
• Mulled Wine: Cocoa and dried herb aromatics complement warm spices like cinnamon, clove, and star anise.

Best For

• Weeknight grilling with red meat or sausages
• Introducing someone to Argentine Cabernet Sauvignon
• Stocking a casual dinner party with a crowd-friendly red
• Building a South American wine flight alongside Malbec and Carménère

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Flichman Reserva taste like? It is a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon dominated by ripe blackberry, cassis, and plum flavors, backed by cocoa and soft spice from six months of oak aging. The tannins are powdery rather than grippy, giving it a smooth, approachable texture.

How does Flichman Reserva compare to Trapiche Oak Cask Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are Mendoza Cabernets at a similar value tier, but the Flichman Reserva adds six months of bottle aging on top of its oak maturation, which tends to produce a more integrated, rounder profile at release. Trapiche Oak Cask typically leans slightly more toward overt oak influence, while Flichman balances fruit and wood more evenly.

Is Flichman Reserva good for beginners? Yes — its soft tannins, ripe fruit character, and medium body make it one of the more accessible Argentine Cabernet Sauvignons, requiring no decanting or extended cellaring to enjoy.

Where is Flichman Reserva made? It is produced at Finca Flichman's winery in the Barrancas district of Maipú, within Mendoza province, Argentina. Maipú is one of Mendoza's oldest and most established wine-producing departments, located east of the Andes.

What foods pair well with Flichman Reserva? Grilled Argentine-style beef or chorizo highlights the wine's dark fruit and smoke. Aged cheddar or Gouda complement its cocoa and spice notes. Lamb empanadas echo the meaty, savory aromatics. Dark chocolate desserts mirror the hot-cocoa finish. Roasted bell peppers and eggplant work well given the wine's herbal undertones.

What sizes does Flichman Reserva come in? The standard release is available in a 750ml bottle.

Is Flichman Reserva worth the price? Flichman Reserva positions as an entry-level-to-mid-tier Argentine Cabernet that delivers oak-aged complexity uncommon at its value tier, including a full year of combined barrel and bottle aging before release.

Why Flichman Reserva?

What separates this wine from the crowded field of sub-premium Argentine Cabernets is its dual-aging regimen — six months in oak followed by six months in bottle — a step many competitors at the same price point skip entirely. That extra bottle time means the oak is already integrated on release rather than sitting on top of the fruit. Silver medals at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and from Wines of Argentina confirm its consistent quality across multiple vintages. For drinkers exploring Mendoza beyond Malbec, Flichman Reserva offers a genuine Cabernet Sauvignon experience rooted in over a century of winemaking in Maipú.