2022 Catena Zapata Catena Argentino Vineyard Malbec, Mendoza

Elegant and perfumed nose with violets, spices, fresh blackberries, blueberries and touches of chiles, chocolate, cigar box and white pepper. Super juicy on the palate with compact, fine tannins and an extremely long finish. Drink or hold.

98 points Zekun Shuai jamessuckling.com

The Catena Zapata Catena Argentino Vineyard Malbec is a flagship wine that exemplifies the artistry and heritage of Mendoza’s high-altitude winemaking. Crafted by the iconic Catena Zapata winery, this Malbec represents the pinnacle of Argentine viticulture, offering a profound expression of the Catena family’s dedication to excellence.

Sourced from the Catena Zapata family’s historic Argentino Vineyard in the Uco Valley, the wine benefits from high-altitude conditions and limestone-rich soils. These unique elements contribute to the Malbec’s complexity, structure, and signature minerality. The vineyard’s distinct microclimate allows for slow ripening, producing grapes with intense concentration and vibrant acidity.

The winemaking process is meticulous. Hand-harvested grapes undergo cold maceration to preserve the purity of the fruit. Fermentation takes place in small lots using indigenous yeasts, followed by aging in French oak barrels to enhance texture and depth.

The Catena Argentino Malbec opens with an enchanting bouquet of blackberry, blueberry, and plum, intertwined with floral notes of violet and rose. Subtle hints of mocha, clove, and graphite add complexity. On the palate, it is full-bodied and opulent, with layers of dark fruit, fine-grained tannins, and a refreshing acidity. The finish is exceptionally long and nuanced, showcasing the wine’s balance and age-worthiness.

Ideal for special occasions, this Malbec pairs beautifully with grilled steaks, braised short ribs, or roasted duck. With its remarkable aging potential of 15-20 years, it also makes a prized addition to any cellar, promising to evolve with even greater complexity over time.