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My Rating (circle) :
Date Printed: 1/9/2009
(search item no. 94489)
collectible wine
Wine Spectator rating: 93 points
PRICE ON 1/9/2009: $48.99

ratings pedigree (past vintages):
2004 The Wine Advocate rating: 94 points
2004 Wine Spectator rating: 93 points
2004 The Wine News rating: 92 points
2003 Wine Spectator rating: 94 points
2002 Wine Spectator rating: 93 points
2002 The Wine Advocate rating: 91 points
2001 Wine Spectator rating: 92 points
2001 Wine Enthusiast rating: 91 points
2000 Wine Spectator rating: 92 points
1999 Wine Spectator rating: 92 points

Winemaker's Notes:

The 2005 Catena Alta Malbec presents a dark, opaque violet color, almost blackish in hue. The nose offers freshly ground, ripe berry fruits with layers of wild flowers, cinnamon spice and a touch of citrus. The mouthfeel is full and coating, with exceptional weight and concentration but with a soft, supple texture. The mid palate offers rich cassis and black currant fruit flavors interwoven with hints of chocolate, vanilla and black pepper. The lengthy finish shows wonderful minerality, with finely grained tannins and lively acid.
My Notes:

Additional wines from Catena:

About Catena:

In 1902, Nicola Catena, an Italian immigrant, planted his first vineyard in Mendoza, Argentina. The winery has been in family hands for three generations. For the past two decades, owner, Nicolas Catena Zapata and his team of winemakers and viticulturalists have studied the different microclimates and terroirs of Mendoza to determine the best areas and vineyard techniques to grow the winery’s many varietals.

Nicolas Catena Zapata believes that the terroir of Mendoza’s high altitude wine country (3,000 - 5,000 feet) is unique to the world. The temperature, low humidity and scarce rainfall create ideal conditions for making distinctive wines that can stand with the best in the world. In 2001, Nicolas Catena Zapata inaugurated a new winery inspired by Mayan architecture. The unprecedented, state-of-the-art winery is located at 3,100 feet above sea level in the heart of the 18 year old Uxmal vineyard. The winery was designed to embody the heritage and individuality of Mendoza’s wine country, while fulfilling Catena’s quest to place Argentine wines among the best in the world.