Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Mundus Bacillus Terrae Malbec 2011
- Decanter
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Decanter
A tricky vintage for many, this cool vintage ended superbly here, with the Malbec harvested two weeks later than usual. A stunning savory nose mingles with florality, sweet dark fruits and spices. A distinct peppery note accompanies layers of rich, ripe black and blue fruits on the palate, with a subtle but incredible intensity. The sweetness of the fruits is perfectly balanced by the savory, mineral-drenched mid-palate, and given structure by firm, chalky and beautifully chiseled tannins, with a perfect amount of acidity to provide lift. Sublime.
Other Vintages
2020-
Robert
Parker -
James
Suckling
-
Robert
Parker -
James
Suckling
-
Robert
Parker -
James
Suckling
-
James
Suckling -
Robert
Parker
-
James
Suckling -
Robert
Parker - Decanter
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.
With a winning combination of cool weather, high elevation and well-draining alluvial soils, it is no surprise that Mendoza’s Uco Valley is one of the most exciting up-and-coming wine regions in Argentina. Healthy, easy-to-manage vines produce low yields of high-quality fruit, which in turn create flavorful, full-bodied wines with generous acidity.
This is the source of some of the best Malbec in Mendoza, which can range from value-priced to ultra-premium. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay also perform well here.