Catena Alta Malbec 2004
- RP
- WS
- V
- RP
- JS
- WS
- RP
- WE
- WS
- RP
- WS
- W&S
- RP
- WW
- JS
- JD
- JS
- RP
- WS
- WE
- JS
- RP
- TP
- D
- RP
- JS
- WW
- D
- JS
- RP
- WE
- W&S
- JS
- RP
- WE
- WS
- RP
- W&S
- RP
- WE
- W&S
- WE
- WS
- WS
- WE
- RP
- W&S
- RP
- WS
- W&S
- WS
- RP
- WE
- WS
- WS
- RP
- WS
- WE
- WS
- WS
Winemaker Notes
The 2004 Catena Alta Malbec shows a deep, saturated violet color with a blackish hue. The nose presents a wide array of dark berry fruits with notes of delicate violet flowers as well as sweet clove spices, a touch of cedar and leather. The mouthfeel is full and unctuous, with excellent weight and 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 acidity.
"Dark and lush, with a gorgeous mouthfeel to the exotic fig, boysenberry and blueberry fruit flavors backed by intense spice, mocha, loam and licorice notes. Superlong, showing great drive and purity on the finish. A beauty. Drink now through 2010."
Wine Spectator
93 Points
Critical Acclaim
All Vintages
Bodega Catena Zapata is one of Argentina's high altitude Malbec pioneers. The Catena family began making wine in Mendoza in 1902. Nicolas Catena, 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 exprot 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.
Most distinguished and celebrated from Argentina’s Mendoza, Malbec has seen runaway success since the early 2000s. Mendoza’s agreeable, continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold snowy winters allows the perfect conditions for growing outstanding Malbec. This grape is easy to like for its lusty, deep flavors and aromas of blackberry, plum, red cherry, autumn spice and tilled earth. It’s easy to find delicious, fruit-driven, affordable everyday examples and in prices beyond, quite exceptional ones with dense, supple textures that make them capable of aging.