Catena Alta Malbec 2013
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James
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Wilfred
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Robert
Parker - Decanter
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
This Malbec would be absolutely wonderful with a variety of grilled meats but especially with more full-flavored dishes like barbecued leg of lamb or roasted baby goat.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A rich and opulent red with exuberant fruit of blackberry and blueberry. Full body, fine tannins. Racy.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
A superb effort, the aromatic and richly-fruited 2013 Catena Alta Historic Rows Malbec is both stylish and generous. The wine's red and black fruit aromas and flavors show the added charm of violets and licorice. (Tasted April 12, 2017, San Francisco, CA USA)
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
I had two vintages to taste of a blend from their best vineyards, Angelica (Lunlunta), La Piramide (Agrelo), Nicasia (Altamira) and Adrianna (Gualtallary), one of them the 2013 Catena Alta Malbec, from a cool vintage that produced very balanced and fresh wines. There is contained ripeness and subtle aromas, harmonious, with unnoticeable oak aromas. The palate is medium-bodied, with soft, polished tannins and great acidity.
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Decanter
Delicate floral nose of wild violet and lavender, enhanced by a touch of pink pepper and fresh herbs. Fleshy, full-bodied, with a strong structure, fine grained tannins and well-integrated oak. An excellent bottle of Malbec with typicity.
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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.