Don Manuel Cabernet
Mendoza Cabernet grown on a glacial riverbed, poured in Commack.
The story behind Don Manuel
Don Manuel Villafane was a Spanish soldier who turned to vines in 1611, one of Argentina's first viticulturists. The modern estate took his name in 2008, founded by Tomas Machado de Villafane and family in the Maipu valley of Mendoza. The vines sit at 2,500 feet on a prehistoric glacial riverbed, rocky ground that drains hard and holds yields to 5,000 to 7,500 kg per hectare.
Grapes are picked by hand at dawn in 16kg cases to keep them cool. The Estate Cabernet ferments in stainless steel for fruit, while the Reserva spends 12 to 14 months in French oak, then another 12 in bottle. We have carried this label for years because the price never argues with the glass.
Explore the Don Manuel range
Four bottlings from the same Mendoza estate, from a stainless steel Cabernet to French oak Reserva and a Malbec for the grill.
| Expression | Type | Proof / ABV | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Don Manuel Cabernet Estate 750mL | Cabernet Sauvignon | 13.7% ABV | Stainless steel, fresh cassis, pepper, firm dry finish |
| Don Manuel Cabernet Reserva 750mL | Cabernet Sauvignon | 14% to 14.4% ABV | French oak 12 to 14 months, cedar, dark fruit |
| Don Manuel Barrel Select Red 750mL | Red blend | Not stated | Barrel aged, rounder mid palate, everyday pour |
| Don Manuel Malbec Reserva 750mL | Malbec | Not stated | French oak, plum, violet, soft tannin |
| Don Manuel Cabernet Estate 750mL | Cabernet Sauvignon | 13.7% ABV | Dawn picked, 2,500 foot vines, value tier |
Which Don Manuel is right for you?
Nothing here asks much of your wallet. The Estate Cabernet sits at $11.99, and the Reserva Cabernet, the Malbec Reserva and the Barrel Select Red each land at $14.99. That is Mendoza fruit off rocky high ground, hand picked and oak aged, for the price of a mediocre bottle elsewhere. Buy Don Manuel online and you get a case worth keeping on the rack for Tuesday burgers and Saturday steaks alike.
$11.99, bright fruit and dry tannin that stand up to a burger.
French oak and bottle age at $14.99, cedar and cassis for steak.
Plum and violet, soft enough for ribs, still dry on the finish.