Catena Zapata Malbec Mendoza Adrianna Vineyard River 2021

100 points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "There is an usual stony austerity in the 2021 Adrianna Vineyard River, cropped from a cold year when the full clusters fermented in concrete with a slightly shorter maceration and an élevage in a 2,000-liter oak foudre and the rest in stainless steel. It has a moderate 13.4% alcohol with very high acidity (8.2!) and a low pH (3.37), incredible parameters of freshness. The wine was closed and took time to take off in the glass, revealing a very elegant and subtle personality, with the silky texture of the very fine tannins, pristine aromas and flavors and a sense of harmony that was moving. It's powerful but extremely elegant in that rare combination of clout and energy, a wine of light, aerial, with some ethereal qualities, delicate and refined. This combines the cool place and high altitude, the cool year and the stony soils, to deliver a stunning Malbec that goes well beyond the variety. Bravo! 3,400 bottles produced. Drink 2024-2040. (08/31/23)."

98 points Joaquín Hidalgo (Vinous): "The 2021 Malbec Adrianna Vineyard River originates from a small stony plot nestled in an ancient riverbed in Gualtallary, Uco Valley, situated at an elevation of 1,400 meters. It was carefully aged for up to 16 months in foudres and concrete vats. It displays a purple hue with a bright sheen. The nose offers enticing notes of sage and arugula, complemented by chamomile, lavender and huacatay, layered over a base of rosehip and crushed plums. This Malbec exhibits a dry and lean profile reminiscent of Pinot Noir, showcasing a nervous and taut sensation with a silky texture. The refreshing notes and juicy flow linger, creating a harmonious experience. This red wine combines precise harvesting timing with a beautiful 2021 vintage to accentuate its primary profile. Drink 2025-2040. (Jun 2023)."

98 points Zekun Shuai (Jamessuckling.com): "A full package of red fruit with a hint of black olives, spice, wet stones and hibiscus. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate, very pure, transparent and juicy. Really elegant and subtle, with a long finish. Very refined. Complex but discreet and pinot-esque for a malbec. 100% whole bunch. Drink or hold. (04/04/23)."

97 points Tim Atkin, MW: "As its name suggests, this superb Malbec comes from a vineyard planted on limestone-rich soils in an old river bed. The most complete and well balanced of the Adrianna Vineyard reds, it’s a concrete, foudre and old barrel-aged delight with mountain herb top notes, serious grip and concentration, mouth-watering minerality and plum, fennel and blackberry flavours. 2026-2035. (2024)."

96 points Jesica Vargas (Wine Enthusiast): "This is a beautifully balanced Malbec, with an elegant character and polished tannins. Floral aromas are followed by soft notes of leather and berries. The palate is very expressive, offering layers of blackberries, raspberries, cassis, licorice and jarilla. It has a silky texture and features optimal acidity, suggesting it will age gracefully. Drink now through 2035 and beyond. (03/01/24)."