Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The polished and developed 2017 Catena Alta Malbec has balsamic aromas and a very attractive mixture of flowers, berries and spices. It has contained ripeness for a warm vintage, with a serious profile, medium body and fine-grained tannins, with good grip. It was fermented with full clusters and matured in used French oak barrels for some 18 months. I like the austerity and grip on the palate.
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Wine Spectator
Well-structured, with a fine-grained texture to the lively mix of dried red berry and spice flavors. Slate and floral hints on the crisp finish. Drink now through 2025.
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Wine & Spirits
Alta is a blend from old-vine parcels in six of Catena’s estate vineyards, some in Luyán de Cuyo and others from higher altitudes, in the Uco Valley. The 2017 captures the intensity of that fruit in its dark, jammy core, surrounded by brighter, floral flavors of strawberry and hibiscus. It’s hearty but not heavy, a balanced and versatile malbec.
Celebrated for its bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec has enjoyed runaway success in Argentina since the late 20th century. The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. A French agronomist, who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Somm Secret—If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet with its combination of dense fruit and soft tannins.
By far the largest and best-known winemaking province in Argentina, Mendoza is responsible for over 70% of the country’s enological output. Set in the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains, the climate is dry and continental, presenting relatively few challenges for viticulturists during the growing season. Mendoza, divided into several distinctive sub-regions, including Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, is the source of some of the country’s finest wines.
For many wine lovers, Mendoza is practically synonymous with Malbec. Originally a Bordelaise variety brought to Argentina by the French in the mid-1800s, here it found success and renown that it never knew in its homeland where a finicky climate gives mixed results. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Pinot Noir are all widely planted here as well (and sometimes even blended with each other or Malbec). Mendoza's main white varieties include Chardonnay, Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.