2018 Catena Zapata Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza

During the 1990s, Bodega Catena Zapata set new standards for Argentine wine. In an effort to produce a super-premium wine, the winemaking team of Catena began an in-depth investigation into the yields from specially selected, high-altitude vineyards, identifying the individual lots that produce the best fruit. These vines undergo a careful thinning process, leaving only a select few clusters, resulting in remarkably complex, aromatic, and flavorful fruit. 

The founder of Catena Zapata, Dr. Nicolás Catena Zapata, is a legend. In 2022, he received the "Lifetime Achievement Award" by Wine Enthusiast. World-renowned wine critic, Jancis Robinson, says "Nicolás Catena Zapata is justly credited with putting Argentinean wines on the world map—by the best expedient of focusing entirely on quality. It's great to know he has started a wine dynasty, too." 

Catena Zapata's winemakers, Laura Catena, and Alejandro Vigil are two of the most emblematic names in the wine industry in Argentina and around the world. 

Laura is a big name in the wine industry and one of the most celebrated vintners worldwide. She’s the current director of the family estate Catena Zapata, where she has made impressive improvements in all areas. The Washington Post said "Since Laura Catena took over the leadership of the winery and began to produce wines, Catena wines are increasingly unique and expressive. Catena Zapata wines are currently among the best in the world."

She was named one of the "Top 25 Wine Innovators" by Grape Collective, one of the “World’s Top Women Vintners” by The Oprah Magazine, and was called “the face of Argentinian wine” by Travel and Leisure.

Alejandro Vigil is a master of crafting, as well as a man who likes to push boundaries. He's an anarchistic, revolutionary, and visionary winemaker who has managed to produce some of the best Argentinian wines the world has ever seen; many of his wines have very high accolades, including some 100pt scores. 

Catena Alta is an assemblage of historic rows within the Catena family State vineyards. The blend of these historic rows, like the combination of sounds that create a symphony, gives way to highly aromatic and elegant wines that speak for the terroir and vines which have been cared for by the four generations of the Catena family. "Alta" means high in Spanish, this makes reference to the high-altitude vineyards from where the grapes are sourced, and to the high-end wines that are produced with these special grapes.

Aging: 18 months in French oak barrels. 

Tasting Notes: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc. 
See Critical Review for detailed tasting notes.