2021 Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River Malbec

The Adrianna Vineyard, known as Catena Zapata’s "Grand Cru", lies at an altitude of about 1,500 meters and it's divided into several unique parcels, each with distinct soil profiles, microclimates, and characteristics that contribute to the complexity of the wines.

The River parcel is composed of deep, gravelly soils with a high content of large river stones. These stones retain and reflect heat, aiding in grape ripening despite the cool climate. Notable for its expression of Malbec, this parcel produces concentrated wines with deep tannins, intense dark fruit, and earthy minerality.

Other Reviews….
The 2021 Malbec Adrianna Vineyard River originates from a small stony plot nestled in an ancient riverbed in Gualtallary, Uco Valley, situated at an elevation of 1,400 meters. It was carefully aged for up to 16 months in foudres and concrete vats. It displays a purple hue with a bright sheen. The nose offers enticing notes of sage and arugula, complemented by chamomile, lavender and huacatay, layered over a base of rosehip and crushed plums. This Malbec exhibits a dry and lean profile reminiscent of Pinot Noir, showcasing a nervous and taut sensation with a silky texture. The refreshing notes and juicy flow linger, creating a harmonious experience. This red wine combines precise harvesting timing with a beautiful 2021 vintage to accentuate its primary profile. Drink 2025-2040.
98 points
Joaquín Hidalgo – Vinous

A full package of red fruit with a hint of black olives, spice, wet stones and hibiscus. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate, very pure, transparent and juicy. Really elegant and subtle, with a long finish. Very refined. Complex but discreet and pinot-esque for a malbec. 100% whole bunch. Drink or hold.
98 points
JamesSuckling.com

There is an usual stony austerity in the 2021 Adrianna Vineyard River, cropped from a cold year when the full clusters fermented in concrete with a slightly shorter maceration and an élevage in a 2,000-liter oak foudre and the rest in stainless steel. It has a moderate 13.4% alcohol with very high acidity (8.2!) and a low pH (3.37), incredible parameters of freshness. The wine was closed and took time to take off in the glass, revealing a very elegant and subtle personality, with the silky texture of the very fine tannins, pristine aromas and flavors and a sense of harmony that was moving. It's powerful but extremely elegant in that rare combination of clout and energy, a wine of light, aerial, with some ethereal qualities, delicate and refined. This combines the cool place and high altitude, the cool year and the stony soils, to deliver a stunning Malbec that goes well beyond the variety. Bravo! 3,400 bottles produced. Drink: 2024-2040.
100 points
Luis Gutiérrez – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate