El Enemigo Semillon Mendoza 2020

El Enemigo Semillon Mendoza 2020 showcases just how serious Argentine white wine can be. Sourced from old-vine Semillon in Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, some of it over 70 years old, this is a wine built on low yields, concentration, and a naturally intense expression of place. The high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza provide hot, sunny days and cool nights, locking in ripe flavor while preserving acidity and structure. 

In the cellar, the winemaking is intentionally daring. The wine spends about a year aging under flor (a veil of yeast that forms on the surface, similar to certain Sherry styles), followed by roughly 15 months in French oak barrels. This combination brings together savory, nutty complexity with a rounded, creamy mid-palate, without losing the grape’s natural freshness. 

In the glass, the 2020 vintage is a deep golden yellow, signaling its richness. The nose layers flint, honey, almond, hazelnut, and cashew over ripe pear, apple, and citrus, with hints of white flowers and subtle smoke. On the palate it is medium to full-bodied, broad and voluminous but tightly framed by elevated acidity. Expect flavors of grapefruit, pear, stone fruit, lemon, vanilla, toasted oak, and gentle spice, finishing long, saline, and mineral with a light clove and smoky edge. 

Critics consistently place El Enemigo Semillon among the top white wines from Argentina. The 2020 has earned up to 95 points from Vinous and 94 points from James Suckling, who highlight its creaminess, tension, and lengthy, flavorful finish. Community reviews echo the professionals, frequently mentioning oak, butter, vanilla, honey, and mineral notes wrapped around vibrant fruit. 

At the table, this is a versatile, food-driven white. Its weight and savory complexity make it ideal for roast chicken, pork loin, lobster, seared scallops, salmon, richer white fish, and truffle or mushroom risotto. The bright acidity and saline finish also cut beautifully through creamy sauces and aged cheeses. Thanks to its concentration and structure, the 2020 vintage is delicious now but has the balance to develop additional nutty, honeyed complexity with 5–8+ years of careful cellaring.