95pts Vinous

The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Catena Alta contains an 8% dash of Cabernet Franc from Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley. The wine was aged for up to 18 months in new and used barrels. It’s garnet red in the glass. The complex nose showcases dried flowers, blackcurrant, hints of jam and gentle red pepper notes against a cedar backdrop. Lean in feel with expansive, grippy tannins, the flow is well-channeled with good volume. A lovely, continental Cabernet.

93pts James Suckling

Red chili pepper and clove spices to the currants and savory tobacco leaf. A tight and juicy delivery on the palate with a full body and nicely clutched tannins. Lovely grip. 92% cabernet sauvignon and 8% cabernet franc. Drink or hold.

92pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2020 Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon contains 8% Cabernet Franc that seems to have given it an extra touch of freshness in this warm year. It's varietal, peppery and herbal but with ripeness and 13.7% alcohol. It's medium-bodied with abundant herbal flavors and very fine tannins.

Winemaker Notes

Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon shows a dark ruby color with violet tones. On the nose, it offers intense aromas of ripe raspberries, and cassis with notes of pepper and clove. On the palate, it is full-bodied and rich and displays layers of black currant and black raspberry with notes of cedar, tobacco and leather. This Cabernet Sauvignon is an elegant wine with silky tannins that provide structure and a long and persistent finish.

Blend: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc

Winery Notes

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.