Bodega Catena Zapata Catena Alta Malbec 2022 750ml

The 2022 Malbec Catena Alta brings together historic vineyards from Lujan de Cuyo and Uco Valley to capture the best of both regions: Lujan's generous, supple tannins and Uco's juicy, fresh fruit. Aged for up to 18 months in barrel, this wine is the essence of Mendoza Malbec. Intense aromas of fresh plum and delicate balsamic notes float over oak and a floral hint in the background. With indulgent depth and a juicy flow, the 2022 balances plush tannins with refined texture to produce a long and sapid palate with a touch of intensity and subtle concentration. This is a rich wine that raises the bar for Mendoza Malbec. Drink 2026-2037.

Gorgeous and elegantly layered, with orange peel, hibiscus and hints of river mint as the entry to red currant and wild strawberry flavors, which are enlivened by a crunchy base of mineral acidity that allows the core flavors to spread out and linger around suave tannins. Drink now through 2032. 13,800 cases made, 5,500 cases imported. (Aaron Romano)

The 2020 Malbec Catena Alta is a combination of grapes from specific historic lots in Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley and was aged for up to 18 months in new and used barrels. Purple in the glass. The complex nose presents notes of ripe plum with hires of spice, cedar and refined woody flavors along with a hint of jam. Indulgent and broad with a lean feel and expansive flow, the precise freshness and grippy tannins lend solidity to the palate. (Joaquín Hidalgo)

The perfumed and floral 2020 Catena Alta Malbec is serious and keeps the balance and poise in this warm and challenging year of the pandemic. It’s ripe without excess at 13.8% alcohol and has mellow acidity, coming through as serious and balanced in the palate, with abundant, fine-grained tannins and a tasty and long finish. It’s a serious Malbec that overdelivers for the conditions of the year. 165,600 bottles produced.

Racy red berries, white pepper, spices, tangy herbs and flowers. Juicy and medium-bodied on the palate with delineated red and blue fruit. Excellent freshness, juiciness and length. Really well-balanced, and there is nothing ostentatious. Delicious now, but can hold.