From: Mendoza, Argentina
Varietal: Malbec
Bodega Catena Zapata is one of Argentina's high-altitude Malbec pioneers. The Catena family began making wine in Mendoza in 1902. Nicolas Catena, the third-generation family vintner, was one of the first to see the potential of Mendoza's mountain vineyards for producing high-quality Malbec. In 1994, he became the first Argentine to export a world-class bottling of Malbec under the Catena label. Nicolas is joined by his daughter, Dr. Laura Catena, in their relentless pursuit of world-class quality from the family's high-altitude vineyards. Laura has done extensive work in introducing Malbec and other varietal plant selections, soil and climate analysis, and sustainable practices throughout Mendoza. Head winemaker, Alejandro Vigil, has been at Catena Zapata since 2002 and works with Laura and Nicolas to make wines that express the family's vineyards and palate.
Tasting Notes: The combination of intense sunlight and cool nights in the vineyards of Altamira in the Uco Valley that this wine comes from yields an elegant, mineral, slightly spicy Malbec with a deep texture and flavors.
"Following the path of the 2018, the 2019 Appellation Paraje Altamira Malbec is phenomenal. It shows freshness, elegance, balance, complexity and nuance as well. It's seamless, precise and ethereal with lots of inner energy and light. As the 2018 was, it's expressive and floral, varietal and with the full chalky texture that is a distinct characteristic of Altamira. It's tasty, the tannins are polished and there is an almost salty sensation in the finish." –Robert Parker (93 points)
"So much orange peel to the dark berries and ripe fruit. But never over the top. Medium-to full-bodied with medium-round tannins and a savory finish. Just a hint of chocolate and walnut. Nice subtlety to the depth. " –James Suckling (94 points)
