Winemaker Notes
Cassis, violets, blackcurrant, and blackberries are interwoven with licorice, vanilla, leather, and black pepper. Its silky finish is marked by a wonderful minerality, fine tannins, and lively acidity.
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2021 Malbec Catena Alta comprises 70% sourced from Gualtallary in the Uco Valley and the remaining portion from Luján and Maipú. Aged for up to 18 months in French oak barrels, both new and used, this purple wine reveals aromas of plums and cherries alongside hints of lavender and violets, all atop a subtle cedar layer. Dry and juicy, the supple and velvety tannins are complemented by a nimble flow, resulting in a mildly structured red with a flavorful, lasting finish. If there is a key in Mendoza Malbec, meaning piecing together terroirs to enhance complexity, this bottle might be the example.
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James Suckling
Fresh blue fruit with dried herbs, ripe stems and white pepper. Very juicy, fresh and fine-grained on the palate with a medium body and a crunchy, fluid finish. Quite long.
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Wine Spectator
A fresh and ready-to-drink version, with a mélange of dried hibiscus, orange peel and red currant folding over onto the smooth-textured palate. Abundant spice details add to the berry preserve flavors, and a twinge of crunchy acidity chimes in to drive the finish. Offers nice length, suggesting the possibility of short-term cellaring. Drink now through 2034.
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.