Source: End of March 2021, The Wine Advocate; Issue Date: 31st Mar 2021 (RP-92)

The excellent and floral 2019 Catena Malbec shows the typicity of the grape, violets and red berries, and the freshness of the year. It has the textbook aromas and a soft and velvety mouthfeel, with very fine grainy tannins. 2.1 million bottles produced.
Drink Date: 2021 – 2024

Source: jamessuckling.com. Issue Date: Tuesday, May 3, 2022 (JS-93)

Baked blackberries, dried blueberries, dark chocolate, lavender, cloves and walnuts on the nose. It?s medium-to full-bodied with fine, supple tannins. Fragrant, plush and polished. Drink now.

Source: Winemaker,

HIGH MOUNTAIN ESTATE VINEYARDS

The Catena wines are a special assemblage of High Mountain Estate Vineyards made by fourth generation vintner, Laura Catena and chief winemaker, Alejandro Vigil. Although we have found that most of the Catena wines are consumed shortly after release, we are pleased to see that they age beautifully for ten to twenty years. Through decades of study and exploration within Mendoza’s high altitude mountain terroirs, the Catena family has identified special locations for its Estate vineyards. From the marriage of these historic vineyards emerges a wine of unique character that has natural balance, concentration and a distinct varietal identity.

VINIFICATION

This wine goes through an extensive cold maceration for 5 days at 48F (8,8C) to extract aromas. The juice is then fermented for 12 days with a post-fermentation maceration of 19-22 days. Wild Yeasts. Elevage: 12 months in barrel. Barrel selection varies depending on vineyard and vintage – First, second and third use barrels used.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Varietal: 100% Malbec
Alcohol: 13.5%
Total Acidity: 5.65 grams/liter
pH: 3.65

VINEYARDS

A Blend of Three Vineyards – vineyards are divided into lots that are harvested at different times:
Lunlunta 3,018 ft (920m) elevation: aluvial origin. Loamy clay in the topsoil with rounded rocks on the bottom.
El Cepillo, Eugenio Bustos 3,593 ft (1,090 m) elevation: aluvial origin. Loam-sandy soil with thick calcareous layers and rounded rocks on the bottom.
Gualtallary 4,757 ft (1,450 m) elevation: aluvial origin. Gravel and limestone soil. Rounded rocks in the bottom.