94 points James Suckling: "Lots of blackberry and blueberry character with a black-tea undertone. Turns to flowers. Medium to full body, fresh acidity and a long and gorgeous finish. Vivid and bright. Transparent. Drink now. (3/27/19)"
91+ points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "[$24 list] 2018 seems like a very good year for young and juicy reds, which is what the 2018 Catena Malbec is, a pure varietal that shows the typicity of the grape and the freshness of the year. It has the telltale aromas and the soft and velvety texture of the grape, with nicely integrated oak and a dry, long and pleasant finish. This has mind-boggling quality for the quantity—they produce 2.5 million bottles of it! One to buy by the case. Drink: 2019-2023. (Oct 2019)"
90 points Wine Spectator: "Concentrated raspberry and red cherry flavors are fresh and minerally and backed by lively acidity. The finish pops with red licorice and green olive accents. Drink now through 2023. (2020)"
90 points Stephen Tanzer (Vinous): "Good dark red. Slightly reduced aromas of black cherry and raspberry lifted by a floral note. More reserved and serious than the 2017 version (winemaker Vigil told me he found a bit of animal character in the earlier vintage--an element he doesn't like), with its red and black fruit and violet flavors showing a light touch for the price. This is not a particularly black style of Malbec. Very juicy and ultimately pliant, finishing with light tannins and noteworthy energy. Vigil vinified this wine with 50% whole clusters, which he described as 'perfect for structure.' Drink: 2020-2025. (Sep 2019)"
Producer notes: "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. Alcohol 13.6%."
91+ points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "[$24 list] 2018 seems like a very good year for young and juicy reds, which is what the 2018 Catena Malbec is, a pure varietal that shows the typicity of the grape and the freshness of the year. It has the telltale aromas and the soft and velvety texture of the grape, with nicely integrated oak and a dry, long and pleasant finish. This has mind-boggling quality for the quantity—they produce 2.5 million bottles of it! One to buy by the case. Drink: 2019-2023. (Oct 2019)"
90 points Wine Spectator: "Concentrated raspberry and red cherry flavors are fresh and minerally and backed by lively acidity. The finish pops with red licorice and green olive accents. Drink now through 2023. (2020)"
90 points Stephen Tanzer (Vinous): "Good dark red. Slightly reduced aromas of black cherry and raspberry lifted by a floral note. More reserved and serious than the 2017 version (winemaker Vigil told me he found a bit of animal character in the earlier vintage--an element he doesn't like), with its red and black fruit and violet flavors showing a light touch for the price. This is not a particularly black style of Malbec. Very juicy and ultimately pliant, finishing with light tannins and noteworthy energy. Vigil vinified this wine with 50% whole clusters, which he described as 'perfect for structure.' Drink: 2020-2025. (Sep 2019)"
Producer notes: "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. Alcohol 13.6%."
| Product SKU | 338063 |
| Producer | Catena Zapata |
| Country | Argentina |
| Region | Mendoza |
| Varietal | Malbec |
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Size | 375ml |
| Color | Red |
| ABV | 13.6% |
| Ships To |
