2019 Catena Alta Historic Rows Malbec

Nicola Catena planted his first Malbec vineyard in Mendoza in 1902 and today the estate is run by Nicholás Catena and his daughter Laura. Malbec continues to be the estate's focus and the winery's pristine vineyards lie at the base of the Andes on soils of sand, lime and stone at altitudes between 920 and 1120 metres above sea level. Over the last 20 years, the fastidious vineyard work of Nicholas and Laura has paid dividends and Catena Zapata is now one of Argentina's most famous estates.

Dense inky black heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Sailing through the olfactory senses are aromas of ripe blueberry, red plum, red to dark currants, violet and dark cherry which are married to earthy graphite, dried herb and spicy cedar notes. Rich and juicy the medium to full bodied palate is awash with ripe blueberry, dark cherry and liquorice fruits. Notions of dried herbs, vanillin cedar, earth and spice lend further complexity across the back half. Great purity and intensity with a fresh, refined feel. Outstanding depth and polished tannins finishing long, succulent and gorgeously plush. Rich, concentrated Malbec in it’s purest form.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews….
The 2019 Malbec Catena Alta is a blend of grapes from vineyards in Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley ranging in height from 3100 to 4900 feet above sea level and was aged for 18 months in varied use French barrels. The complex aromatic profile features ripe plum and blueberry with jam and hints of lavender, violet, mint and cedar along with a whiff of toast. In the mouth, it’s rich but precise with fine tannins and a juicy packaged freshness that keep things taut and gentle as part of a good, comfortable structure. The vigor and structure counterbalance one another to deliver energy and persistence in a deliciously classical Malbec. Drink 2021-2034.
95 points
Joaquín Hidalgo – Vinous

The 2019 Catena Alta Malbec transported me to the spirit of the 2016, both cool vintages. It's a blend of grapes from different vineyards that were harvested at different times to ensure optimal natural acidity and moderate alcohol levels. Whole berries are hand-loaded into small-format fermentation bins and 225- to 500-liter barrels. It shows precision and is clean, floral and really elegant, a little closed at first. The palate reveals a very fine thread, satin-like tannins and lively acidity with some blood orange hints. This is phenomenal. Drink 2021-2026.
94 points
Luis Gutiérrez – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

Violets, purple plums, currants, nutmeg, lemon zest, walnuts and star anise on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with firm, very fine tannins. Vibrant and energetic. Plenty of tension. Sustainable. Drink or hold.
94 points
JamesSuckling.com