2020 Catena High Mountain Vines Malbec

Nicolas Catena has been instrumental in Argentina’s progress over the last three decades, bringing the country's wine industry into line with world class standards. What you can now get for your money in the present day climate are seriously good expressions of the nation's signature varietal, Malbec, that rival many Australian reds for punch and price. Made by fourth generation vintner Laura Catena and chief winemaker, Alejandro Vigil, this wine is sourced from three high altitude vineyards. Each vineyard is specifically farmed in preparation for its role in the final blend. Eighty year old vines in the Lunlunta (Maipù) vineyard lend soft, sweet texture whilst the intense sunshine in the Gualtallary (Tupungato) vineyard provides explosive floral aromatics and a concentrated structure. The last component is from El Cipillo in Eugenio Bustos, which has loamy sands and thick calcareous layers sit over rounded rock.  Maturation takes place in a mix of new (35%), second and third use French oak barrels for a period of 14 months.

Juicy yet savoury and possessing a glossy feel this a textbook example of Argentinian Malbec.

Dense inky black heart with a dark red black tinged hue. Alluring scents of blueberry, violet, dark plum and hints of liquorice drift from the glass with some vanillin cedar, earth and dried herb notes also evident. Richly fruited yet refined in its feel the palate is doused with a mix of ripe blueberry, red plum and liquorice fruit that possess both excellent intensity and persistence. Notions of spicy vanillin cedar, subtle earth and dried herbs lie underneath. Fleshy textured and expansive it finishes with a polished tannin structure and a long delicious blue fruited aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.5%