2023 Catena Zapata Alamos Malbec, Mendoza

Lots of cherry fruit with touches of white pepper and spices. Juicy and vibrant, with soft tannins on the medium-bodied palate. Medium-length finish laden with fruit. Drink now.

91 points  jamessuckling.com

Alamos Malbec is a big, full-bodied wine made from Argentina's most famous red grape. Showing dark purple in the glass, this wine radiates aromas of blackberry and semi-sweet chocolate. The palate brims with layers of blackcurrant and red raspberry underscored with hints of white pepper. The mouthfeel is silky, leading to a long finish with touches of pomegranate and vanilla bean.

Cultivated by the Catena family for over 100 years, Mendoza's vineyards are among the highest in the world.The character of Mendoza wines is forged in high altitude desert vineyards irrigated by mineral-rich snowmelt from glaciers and snowfields. Altitudes range from 1,000 feet to around 5,000 feet, where the foothills rise steeply toward the Andes’ peaks. High altitude means cool temperatures and clear air, and clear air means more sunlight for building flavor in the grapes, helping to make Mendoza the source of Argentina’s well-earned reputation for top quality, unique wines.

85% Malbec/10% Bonarda/5% Syrah

The grapes for Alamos Malbec were handpicked, destemmed and crushed. Prior to fermentation, the must was cold for three days. After primary fermentation, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation to create a round mouthfeel before six to eight months of aging in a combination of French and American 225 L barrels at a medium toast level .