For over four generations, the Catena family has grown vines in the foothills of the Andes Mountains in Mendoza, Argentina. Laura Catena, great-granddaughter of winery founder Nicola Catena, has created a Malbec blend with dense black-fruit aromatics and a smooth, lengthy finish that has become the family´s trademark characteristic. Catena Malbec is sourced from the family´s high-altitude vineyards in Maipú, Lujan de Cuyo, Tupungato and San Carlos. From the marriage of these historic parcels emerges a wine of a unique character that has natural balance, concentration and a distinct varietal identity.

Tasting notes

The 2010 Catena Malbec presents a dark, violet color with deep black tones. This microclimate blend of four unique vineyard sites offers intense aromas with a soft generous texture and concentrated flavors. Angelica vineyard lends ripe plum and chocolate flavors with a very soft, supple mouthfeel. La Consulta vineyard brings a core of black currant and cassis, with excellent structure and length. La Piramide vineyard offers blackberry fruit with a slight earthy tone and notes of spicy black pepper. Finally, the Adrianna vineyard lends exceptional concentration with explosive floral aromatics. Together they give birth to a complex blend of aromas and flavors - a wine with excellent concentration, balance and freshness.

Rating

"The 2010 Catena Malbec is also a blend of four vineyards in Lunlunta, Agrelo, Altamira and Gualtallary at different altitudes and includes some whole cluster fermentation (about 20% of the blend.) It has a pellucid bouquet with tangible minerality: notes of blackberry, strawberry cheesecake, a touch of cassis and violets. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins on the entry. The acidity is crisp and lends tautness towards the succulent finish, which bestows blackberry, black olive and loganberry fruit. This is a finely crafted, feminine Malbec. Drink now-2018." The Wine Advocate, 91 Points