Winemaker Notes
Delicious stuff, this old vine Malbec bursts with intense, peppery fruit. Some of the best Malbec in the world.
The Lulunta Vineyard was planted more than 60 years ago with a density of about 5,700 vines/ha. (2,300 vines/acres). The soil, of sand and shallow clay over a stony subsoil, allows for excellent drainage. Trellising is over three wires at a height of 1.75 meters. The results of ideal soil and climate condition together with meticulous pruning, irrigation and canopy management are low yields of small berries with extremely concentrate flavors and round velvety tannins.
Professional Ratings
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.
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.