Catena Alta Malbec 2006

Professional Ratings

• 93 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  The 2006 Alta Malbec was sourced from small lots in several estate vineyards. It spent 18 months in 70% new French oak. Dark purple-colored, it displays a splendid nose of wild flowers, spice box, incense, black cherry and plum. This leads to an elegant, medium-bodied rendition of Malbec with a velvety texture, superb depth and concentration, succulent flavors with notes of chocolate and black pepper making an appearance, and a pure, silky finish. While it will continue to blossom for several more years, it can be enjoyed now.
• 92 Wine Spectator
  Suave and polished, with a hefty but integrated dose of mocha and spice woven into the dark plum, melted fig and black licorice notes. The long, alluring finish drips with dark fruit. Drink now through 2011. 4,200 cases imported.
• 90 Wine & Spirits
  Ripe, juicy cherry flavors build around the center of this wine, surrounded by notes of leather and a light touch of violets. It's medium in body, balanced toward sweetness, yet the potent tannins need something meaty to soften them up. Try it with a ribeye.