2021 Catena Zapata Adrianna Fortuna Terrae Malbec, Mendoza

A beautifully mineral red with impeccable purity. Wet stones, red cherries and a hint of flowers and spice. Really chalky tannins with a bone-dry palate and a long, transparent finish. A combination of power and etherealness, creating perfect harmony. 100% whole bunch. Drink or hold.

98 points Zekun Shuai jamessuckling.com

The 2021 Adrianna Vineyard Malbec Fortuna Terrae opens with a quintessential profile of black fruits, dried herbs and purple flowers, all delivered with the ethereal lift common to this section of Gualtallary. The palate is deep, concentrated and savory, seamlessly transitioning into an immensely rich, long, focused and increasingly vibrant and mineral-driven finish. This vintage is particularly dynamic in the glass, continuously gaining power, depth and tensile structure; I do not doubt it will develop beautifully in the cellar with its other Adrianna Vineyard counterparts. Drink 2025-2036

97 points Matthew Luczy robertparker.com

The Catena Zapata Adrianna Fortuna Terrae Malbec is a pinnacle expression of Argentinian winemaking, crafted from one of the most iconic vineyards in Mendoza. Produced by the legendary Catena Zapata, a family winery renowned for its role in elevating Argentine Malbec to global acclaim, this wine showcases the exceptional quality of the Adrianna Vineyard, often referred to as the "Grand Cru of South America."

The Adrianna Vineyard, located at an altitude of 1,450 meters in the Gualtallary subregion of Mendoza’s Uco Valley, benefits from a unique combination of cool climate, limestone-rich soils, and abundant sunlight. The "Fortuna Terrae" parcel, meaning "Luck of the Land," is known for its deep, alluvial soils that produce Malbec of remarkable depth, elegance, and minerality.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the grapes are hand-harvested and undergo a cold maceration to extract vibrant aromatics. Fermentation takes place in small oak barrels and concrete vats, followed by extended aging in French oak. This winemaking approach enhances the wine’s complexity, texture, and aging potential.

The Adrianna Fortuna Terrae Malbec offers a stunning bouquet of blackberry, black cherry, and plum, complemented by floral notes of violets and a touch of graphite and spice. The palate is full-bodied and velvety, with layers of dark fruit, cocoa, and a hint of licorice, supported by fine-grained tannins and a vibrant acidity. The finish is exceptionally long, showcasing the wine’s balance and precision.

This Malbec pairs exquisitely with dishes such as grilled steak, lamb chops, or mushroom risotto. While approachable in its youth, it is designed for long-term aging and will continue to evolve over 15-20 years, making it a prized addition to any cellar.