Catena Appellation La Consulta Malbec 2016
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Jeb
Dunnuck -
Robert
Parker
Product Details
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Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Pairs well with beef tenderloin.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The other appellation blend is the 2016 Malbec Appellation La Consulta, which comes all from the La Consulta district in San Carlos, composed primarily of sandy soils, with some rounded pebbles thrown in for good measure. Coming from 35-year-old vines and brought up in 35% new French oak, it has considerable elegance as well as a seamless texture. Lovely notes of more red fruits, rose petals, violets, and leafy herbs all flow to a medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced, silky Malbec that has loads of upfront charm and appeal. With no hard edges, it’s perfect for drinking over the coming 5-7 years. It’s a screaming deal at the price.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The blend of wines from La Consulta 2016 Appellation La Consulta Malbec fermented in stainless steel and matured in oak barrels for 12 months. It's a ripe expression of La Consulta from sand and stone soils, with juicy cherries and a soft texture.
Other Vintages
2021- Vinous
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Robert
Parker -
James
Suckling
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James
Suckling -
Wine
Enthusiast -
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Spectator
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James
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Wine &
Spirits -
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Robert
Parker
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Wine
Spectator -
Robert
Parker
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Wine
Spectator -
Robert
Parker
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.
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.