Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
As I saw with the Cabernet, the 2013 Catena Malbec also feels fresher than the 2012. It is produced with fruit from Valle de Uco and some 20% from the Luján de Cuyo zone that fermented in a mixture of cement and stainless steel, and partly matured in barrels for some 10 months. The nose is full of violets and black cherries, and is quite perfumed. The palate has lively acidity that makes it extremely fresh, long, pleasant and easy to dink, and it cleanses your palate with the mineral-driven finish. A textbook Malbec to buy by the case. Drink or keep. This has to be one of the best vintages of this popular Malbec. The production figures are mind-boggling, as there are over one million bottles of this wine, so it should be quite easy to find.
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Wine & Spirits
Pulled from vineyards at the foot of the Andes in the Uco Valley, this captures the fresh mountain influence as well as the cold 2013 vintage in its spicy and refreshing flavors, the wine rich in crunchy, juicy cherry and blackberry notes. Open now for meat lasagna, or save it for a couple of years, as the tannins still need a little bit of time to calm.
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Tasting Panel
A classic Argentine Malbec from the producer that jump-started the country’s wine industry. Structured, balanced and supple with bright blackberry fruit and a tangy, stylish finish.
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Wine Enthusiast
Ripe borderline raisiny aromas include earth, cedar and graphite scents. This is concentrated, grabby and fully extracted. Flavors of jammy black fruits blend with spicy saucy notes prior to a finish with flavors of tomato, herbs, salt and gamy meat. Firm acidity guarantees this will last at least another five years before falling off.
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.