2022 Catena Alta Malbec Mendoza

• From the Visionary Who Revolutionized Argentine Wine
• "A Rich Wine That Raises the Bar for Mendoza Malbec" ~ 95 Vinous Media
• "Long, Succulent, and Very Poised" ~93 James Suckling
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About the Wine

Nicola Catena planted his first Malbec vineyard in Mendoza in 1902. His grandson, Nicolás Catena, is known as the man who revolutionized Argentine wine and introduced high altitude Malbec to the world. The Historic Catena Zapata vineyards are planted with the Catena family’s proprietary selection of Malbec plants: the Catena Cuttings.

"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." ~Jancis Robinson

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.

The Catena wines are a special assemblage of High Mountain Estate Vineyards made by fourth-generation vintner, Laura Catena, and chief winemaker, Alejandro Vigil.

Through decades of study and exploration within Mendoza’s high altitude mountain terroirs, the Catena family has identified special locations for its Estate vineyards. From the marriage of these historic vineyards emerges a wine of unique character that has natural balance, concentration, and a distinct varietal identity.

Tasting Notes

100% Malbec.

Cassis, violets, blackcurrant, and blackberries are interwoven with licorice, vanilla, leather, and black pepper. Its silky finish is marked by a wonderful minerality, fine tannins, and lively acidity. Drink now or Age for 10+ years.

Critic Reviews

The 2022 Malbec Catena Alta brings together historic vineyards from Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley to capture the best of both regions: Luján’s generous, supple tannins and Uco’s juicy, fresh fruit. Aged for up to 18 months in barrel, this wine is the essence of Mendoza Malbec. Intense aromas of fresh plum and delicate balsamic notes float over oak and a floral hint in the background. With indulgent depth and a juicy flow, the 2022 balances plush tannins with refined texture to produce a long and sapid palate with a touch of intensity and subtle concentration. This is a rich wine that raises the bar for Mendoza Malbec. ~ 95 Vinous Media

The Catena Alta Malbec is a summary of the vineyards that Catena has spread throughout Mendoza. From Angélica in Maipú, at an altitude of 1,000 meters and beside the Mendoza River, to Adrianna at an altitude of more than 1,400 meters in the rocky and calcareous soils of Gualtallary, in the north of the Uco Valley. A kind of wide-angle photograph of what Malbec is like in this desert land at the foot of the Andes. And the photo is very clear—the flavors and aromas of fruit dominate, sweet and ripe tones in a generous body, but at the same time it is very well balanced by acidity that keeps everything on the fresh side. The notes of oak (the wine was aged in barrels for 18 months) accompany, but do not disturb the expression of the variety. ~ 94 Descorchados 

Racy berries, cherries, and touches of white pepper and tamarind. Very juicy and fluid, with fine-grained tannins and a mouthwatering finish. Long, succulent, and very poised. Drink or hold. ~ 93 James Suckling

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