Winemaker Notes
Catena Appellation Lunlunta Malbec displays black and red berry aromatics, a lengthy midpalate, and an unctuous finish.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This shows dark fruit, tar, brambleberries and a touch of dried herbs. The palate is firm and concentrated, with polished tannins and a structured, delicious finish. Sourced from 100-year-old vines in the Lunlunta region.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Sourced from vines planted in 1930 in Maipú's loamy clay and sand soils, the 2023 Appellation Lunlunta Malbec is the most dense offering in the Catena Appellation series. It opens with a rich, sun-kissed nose of dark fruits, coffee and dried flowers, leading to a round, supple palate that sits low in the mouth, closing with a savory, earth-tinged finish.
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Wine Spectator
This red’s subtle, smoky-spicy and floral edge plays nicely into a richly contoured core of raspberry and Santa Rosa plum that lingers around integrated tannins. Drink now through 2035.
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 export 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.